THE REFERENCE DESK BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steve Kryder, President Michelle Weddelman Brent Gray Brenda Stough Jennifer Wade Emily Altstadt LIBRARY LEADERSHIP Sarah Boeglin, Director Anne Taylor, Fiscal Officer As we look toward a new year, our library’s long history— and our commitment to community, access to information, and our shared American story— remain central to our mission. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, we are honored to host through January the Henry County, Ohio America 250 Stories at the Library: Traveling Exhibit created by the Henry County Heritage Alliance. Throughout the year, our libraries will offer programs that celebrate our history, engage all ages, and affirm the enduring freedom to read. For ongoing updates, please visit our website and follow our Facebook page. HOLIDAY CLOSURES INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 DIRECTOR’S NOTE All libraries will be closed the following days: New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19 JANUARY 2026 Director’s Note America250 and Napoleon Youth Programs Napoleon Adult and Teen Programs Florida and McClure Programs Digital Resource and Sneak Peek at SRP 2026 Contact Information, Hours, and Services Programs coming up this month include President Bingo in the youth department and a viewing of an educational Black Swamp documentary in the adult department. For more information on America250 and these programs, see pages 2 and 3. Thank you for being part of our story. Browse the catalog online or check out the Libby and Hoopla apps for a new read during the holidays or when staying inside during severe winter weather.
Children’s Storytime: Fridays, January 9 and 23 at 10:00 AM Storytimes include fun, interactive stories and a variety of songs, rhymes, and finger plays. Storytimes are tailored towards children 1-5 years old, but children of all ages are welcome. Cotton Ball Penguin: Friday, January 9 at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM President BINGO: Tuesday, January 13 at 4:00 PM Snowman craft: Friday, January 23 at 10:30 AM Deer craft: Tuesday, January 27 at 4:00 PM JANUARY 2026 New Take It Tuesday craft kits, coloring pages, activity sheets, and more will be available in the Youth Department all month! YOUTH PROGRAMS THE REFERENCE DESK PAGE 2 AMERICA250 “On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.” Join us at the library in the upcoming months for programs and events celebrating and learning about America and our history. Image and quote from https:/ america250.org This star indicates America250 library events. Look for this symbol in library publications and our social media pages. NAPOLEON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Book Club: Monday, January 5 at 7:00 PM This month, we are reading When Time Stopped by Ariana Neumann. Copies are available for pick up in the Adult Department. History of the Great Black Swamp: Monday, January 12 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Join us for a viewing of this educational documentary to learn more about the Great Black Swamp. Handcrafted Arts: Monday, January 26 at 10:00 AM Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and more are all welcome to join us for conversation and handicrafts. Beginner Genealogy Monday, January 26 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM This beginner lesson in genealogy will help you learn how to read family trees and understand history and its effects on historical resources. NAPOLEON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEW! - Art Club Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 PM All teens 13-17 years old are invited to join us for Art Club! Share WIPs and get feedback, make something new - it’s up to you! Current artists or teens who want to pick up a new hobby are all welcome. Dungeons & Dragons ALPHA Group: Monday, January 5 at 5:00 PM ALPHA group is for those who have played before and would like to take the game seriously. BRAVO Group: Monday, January 26 at 5:00 PM BRAVO group is for players with little to no experience and is about having fun learning how the game works. THE REFERENCE DESK PAGE 3 ADULT PROGRAMS JANUARY 2026 source: The Historical Marker Database https:/ www.hmdb.org TEEN PROGRAMS
FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY Snowflake Storytime: Wednesday, January 21 at 11:30 AM Thursday Morning Book Club: Thursday, January 22 at 11:00 AM This month, we will be discussing The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. All Month: Explore Hygee Join us as we explore hygge (hoo-gah or huegah), a popular lifestyle practice in Denmark. Hygee involves finding joy and contentment in life’s quieter, simpler pleasures, such as enjoying warm beverages or putting on your favorite comfy clothes. Stop by the library to practice hygee and enjoy snacks, coloring pages, crafts, and books! THE REFERENCE DESK PAGE 4 JANUARY 2026 MCCLURE COMMUNITY LIBRARY IN-PERSON PROGRAMS: Mah-Jong Group: Tuesday, January 13 at 2:00 PM Puzzle Me This: Monday, January 26 at 2:00 PM We have Sauder Woodworking Company's “Piecing Together the 20th Century” puzzle! Book Discussion Group: Tuesday, January 27 at 2:00 PM This month, we are discussing The Deep Dark Descending by Allen Eskens. This book is only available in regular print. SATURDAY MORNINGS: Family Craft Hour at 9:00 AM VIRTUAL PROGRAMS (Facebook): Adult Book Talk: Thursday, January 15 On The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson Children’s Storytime: Friday, January 16 Featuring Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy C. Musser Children’s Storytime at 11:30 AM
THE REFERENCE DESK PAGE 5 JANUARY 2026 Unearth a Story... Coming June 2026! Look forward to a DINO-mite summer this year at your library! Children, teens, and adults are all invited to participate in our annual summer reading program. Register at any of our branches throughout the summer, read lots of books, earn prizes, and join us for events, including arts and crafts sessions, book clubs, and more! Images courtesy of the Collaborative Summer Library Program SNEAK PEAK: SUMMER READING 2026 DIGITAL RESOURCE WHAT’S THAT SNAKE? This resource is from the Ohio Web Library, and it is free for the public through our website, www.napoleon.lib.oh.us. “For both budding naturalists and inadvertent encounters, What's That Snake? will help anyone identify an Ohio snake in a few simple steps. Learn more by exploring Snakes by Name, a Snake FAQ, the Glossary, or Further Reading suggestions.” To find What’s That Snake?, go to our website. Along the top of the page, select Find Answers - Recommended Links - Ohio Web Library - then scroll to the ‘W’ section of the resource list. If you need assistance navigating our website or Facebook page, or the Ohio Web Library, ask a librarian. We will be happy to help. Image and quote from https:/ ohioweblibrary.org/sources
With a need for a public community space, private study rooms, and more room for programming, the Foundation Board would like to focus initial fund-raising efforts to renovate the Carnegie Library to once again be used and enjoyed by the community. The Foundation will also use funds to support literacy, programs, technology, circulation materials, and building needs for all three library locations. If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, contact any of our three branches for details. The Napoleon Public Library Foundation was established in 2016 to provide support for library programs and longrange building plans. CONTACT US Curbside services are available during regular business hours at all branches. BRANCH HOURS THE REFERENCE DESK PAGE 6 NAPOLEON PUBLIC LIBRARY Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CLOSED SUNDAYS FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY Monday: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS, AND SUNDAYS NAPOLEON PUBLIC LIBRARY Telephone: 419-592-2531 Fax: 419-599-1472 310 W. Clinton Street Napoleon, OH 43545 FLORIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY Telephone: 419-762-5876 K671 County Road 17D Florida, OH 43545 MCCLURE COMMUNITY LIBRARY Telephone: 419-748-8922 110 Cross Street McClure, OH 43534 EMAIL: napoleonpubliclibrary@gmail.com MCCLURE COMMUNITY LIBRARY Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CLOSED WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, AND SUNDAYS JANUARY 2026
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