Master Gardeners

The summer growing season is waning and that means it’s time to prepare for the fall garden. Join the Walker County Master Gardeners from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30 in the Huntsville Public Library Staggs Community Room and get some tips about garden pests, what to plant, and an introduction to Hugelkultur, pronounced hoo-gul culture, which is a fancy way to say raised bed gardening. Texas Master Gardeners are members of the local community who have completed the Texas Master Gardener training program in Walker County. The Walker County AgriLife Extension Office offers this program to the community. The group is committed to educating others in the community about a variety of horticulture-related topics. Door prizes will be awarded. Sign up for this free workshop at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 with questions or for additional information.

 Book Club 

Be part of the Pineywoods Page Turners Book Club at the Huntsville Public Library. All interested persons are welcome to join virtually or in person. Join us for a rousing discussion from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 12 in the Staggs Community Room or online via Zoom. August’s book selection is Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson. The Pineywoods Page Turners is an excellent way to enjoy books, challenge your mind, and socialize with other book lovers! You will also be encouraged to read more often or read books you might not otherwise choose. Current and future book choices can be found at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at (936)291-5471 for additional information.

Sittercise

Get fit while you sit with Sittercise! Everybody’s favorite exercise program is being offered from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Huntsville Public Library in conjunction with Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Class dates are August 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31. Sittercise is designed to help those who are aging and/or dealing with chronic illnesses. Sittercise focuses on strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and overall improved function. Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Liability waivers are required to participate and are available from the instructor. The class is free and open to adults ages 18 and older. Class is limited to 25 so social distancing can be maintained, but registration is not required. Please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at (936) 291-5471 for additional information. 

FamilySearch Workshop 

The Huntsville Public Library is pleased to announce an opportunity for genealogy enthusiasts and newcomers alike to meet with experienced and qualified genealogical researchers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One-hour sessions on FamilySearch will be offered weekly on Wednesdays. Sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendance will be limited to no more than four researchers. The small group will allow each participant to receive individual attention. This program is for adults 17 and older and sign-up is required. Interested persons should contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471. 

Preserving Your Story 

The Walker County Genealogical Society (WCGS) and Huntsville Public Library are beginning a joint, community-wide project to preserve the local history of the Covid-19 Pandemic. A major health and historical event, the pandemic has touched the lives of everyone in Walker County and its aftermath will continue to affect our citizens well into the future. What have we learned that the next generation needs to know? We want to record your personal stories so today’s experiences can become part of tomorrow's collective memory. WCGS President Johnnie Jo Dickenson reminds us, “Many of us have lost cousins or other family members and were unable to attend their funerals. We have had to cancel annual family reunions. Let's involve the children. They have missed sleepovers, birthday parties, and their school life has been so different than years before. Let them tell their stories. Each of us has a different story to tell. It is important to the history of our community that these stories be recorded for future generations. Please help us with this project. Your story is important.” All forms of recording are accepted and may be delivered to Huntsville Public Library or emailed to preserveyourstory.hpl@gmail.com. Alternatively, you may email your story to info@wcgen.com or mail it to WCGS, P.O. Box 1295, Huntsville, TX 77342-1295. The Walker County Genealogical Society will preserve these stories in their archives for future generations as a part of Walker County history. If you would like assistance recording your memories of the pandemic, please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at (936) 291-5471.

Microsoft PowerPoint Class

 Learn how to create a presentation with animation, narration, images, videos, and much more! Huntsville Public Library will offer free Microsoft PowerPoint Classes from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m Thursdays starting Tuesday, August 3 in the Monday Computer Room. Topics to be covered will include the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, and Backstage View. Class size is limited. Adults 18 years and older can complete the required registration at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. For more information, call the library’s IT Desk at 936-291-5485. 

Story Time

Come to Story Time, a fun early literacy program for kids six and under. Join us for interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. The early literacy practices featured each week help build a foundation for the lifelong love of reading and learning. For parents and caregivers, Story Time offers an opportunity to experience early literacy strategies in action, discover great books and resources for home use, and socialize with other parents afterward. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday sessions all share a theme with something new and exciting each week. Sign up is not required. Story Time is held Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:45 a.m. in the Staggs Community Room. August dates are August 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27, 31. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910. 

Mother Goose Lapsit

 Bubbles, rhymes, and books--oh my! You won’t want to miss Mother Goose Lapsit at the Huntsville Public Library. This program is a story time designed for children two years or under. Enjoy this early literacy initiative at 10:45 a.m. Mondays in the Rex Children’s Room. Sign-up is not required. August dates are August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.

 Attention Youth of Walker County: Preserve Your Story 

The Walker County Genealogical Society (WCGS) and Huntsville Public Library are beginning a joint, community-wide project to preserve the local history of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The pandemic touched everyone in Walker County in more ways than one, and its aftermath will continue to affect our fellow citizens well into the future. What did you learn that you want the next generation to know? What memories did you make when plans were suddenly canceled? Sleepovers, birthdays, and school were all disrupted but each of us has our own story to tell! Please let us help you Preserve Your Story for future generations through writing, voice recording, video recording, or even through art. All forms of recording are accepted and may be delivered to Huntsville Public Library or emailed to preserveyourstory.hpl@gmail.com. Alternatively, you may email your story to info@wcgen.com or mail it to WCGS, P.O. Box 1295, Huntsville, TX 77342-1295. The Walker County Genealogical Society will preserve these stories in their archives for future generations as a part of Walker County history. If you would like assistance recording your memories of the pandemic, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at (936) 291-5910. 

Introducing: KidsScape!

 Has your child aged out of the library’s Story Time program? Are you looking for new activities for your kids? Want to do something fun and crafty? Then come on over to KidsScape! Perfect for kids ages 7-10, KidsScape provides the opportunity to broaden interests, develop skill sets, and build new friendships. Topics and activities will vary week to week and sign-up is not required. KidScape will meet every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room. To help kick off this new children’s program, bring your best ideas to the first meeting on Thursday, August 26! For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.