Library Closures
The Huntsville Public Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24 and remain closed from Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28. The library will reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 29.
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. November dates are November 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, and 30. Story Time will not be held on Friday, November 26. 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 is a storytime program designed for children aged two and younger. Enjoy this early literacy initiative at 10:45 a.m. Mondays in the Rex Children’s Room. Sign-up is not required. November dates are November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.
KidsScape
Are you too old for our Story Time but still want to do something fun and crafty? Then come on over to KidsScape! Perfect for kids ages 7-10, KidsScape offers 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. KidsScape will meet every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the Staggs Community Room. November dates are November 4, 11, and 18! In celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday, KidsScape will not take place on November 25. For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Baillie Pretzer at 936-291-5910.
Polish Texans
Over the course of history, more than 25 different countries around the world have had citizens emigrate to Texas. These folks chose emigration for a variety of reasons such as religious freedom, cheap land, investments, failed revolutions at home, overpopulation, adventure, etc. But the promise of a better life was, and still is, the overriding reason immigrants leave their homelands and travel to the unknown. That is what happened with many Polish immigrants who came to Texas. Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz will share some of their stories with us from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, November 8 in the Huntsville Public Library Staggs Community Room.
Mazurkiewicz, President of the Polish American Council of Texas, will present “Polish Texans - The History of Texas Polonia.” Light refreshments will be provided, but audience members are encouraged to bring a sack lunch as well. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at the library or online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. This program is sponsored by the Helen Wheat Cultural Enrichment Fund. For additional information, call Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Climate Change
Climate change, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in California as well as all over the world. These megafires are not only fueled by climate change but also contribute to it by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Dr. Marcus Gillespie, an authority on climate change, will present “Climate Change: Evidence, Causes, and Consequences” on Monday, November 15 at 10:30 a.m. in the Huntsville Public Library Staggs Community Room. Dr. Gillespie, who is a retired Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University, will discuss the scientific consensus regarding climate change. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at the library or online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com. For additional information, call Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club
Be part of the Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club at the Huntsville Public Library. All interested persons are welcome to join virtually or in person. The in-person meeting will take place in the Staggs Community Room from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11 or you may join via Zoom at the same time. The book selection for November is The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. Current and future book selections can be found at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. Book Clubs are an excellent way to enjoy books, challenge one’s mind, and socialize with other book lovers! They can also encourage one to read more often or to read books one might not otherwise choose. We have fun reading a wide variety of books, making friends, meeting like-minded people, and stimulating the brain cells! 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 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays at the Huntsville Public Library in conjunction with Huntsville Memorial Hospital. Class dates are November 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, and 30. No class will be held on Thursday, November 25, or Friday, November 26. 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. 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 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. Interested persons should contact Adult Program Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471. This program is for adults 17 and older.
Preserving Your Story
The Walker County Genealogical Society (WCGS) and the 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.”
The Walker County Genealogical Society will preserve these stories in their archives for future generations as a part of Walker County history. Email your story to info@wcgen.com or mail it to WCGS, P.O. Box 1295, Huntsville, TX 77342-1295. If you need help writing down your memories, contact the Library Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 and she will arrange for someone to help record your thoughts and have them transcribed. Alternatively, you may drop your story off at Huntsville Public Library or email mkokot@huntsvilletx.gov.
Microsoft Word Classes
Want to create and edit professional resumes, newsletters, and documents?
The Huntsville Public Library is offering free Microsoft Word Classes. A series of 4 classes will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 to 6 p.m Thursdays in November, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. These classes will feature activities on typing and how to make corrections, formatting text, working with pictures and graphics, and using tables and outlines with bullets. Class size is limited, and registration is required. A library card is also needed to participate in the classes. If you don’t have a library card, bring your ID. Adults 17 and older can register for classes online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call the IT Reference Desk at 936-291-5485.
Book-a-Tech
Do you need help with technology? The Huntsville Public Library is here to help with our
"Book-a-Tech" program. Please register online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com and one of our IT staff members will contact you to schedule your free 30-minute appointment in which you can bring your personal devices to the library for a one-on-one session. Remember, your appointment is not confirmed until a staff person contacts you. If you need assistance or have any questions, please call the library at 936-291-5485.
New Writers Group Beginning in November
Are you passionate about writing? Join the Piney Woods Writers Group to socialize with others who share your passion. The Piney Woods Writers Group will meet in person through the month of November. While not associated with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the group will support writers who participate in this annual event. The first meeting will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 6 in the Staggs Community Room of the Huntsville Public Library. For more information, please contact Resource Coordinator Linda Huff at 936-291-5912, register online at myhuntsvillelibrary.com, or visit the group’s Facebook page “Piney Woods Writers Group.”