Hamline Midway Library news

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January and February are some of the busiest months of the year for programming at the Hamline Midway Library, 1558 West Minnehaha Ave. So, get ready for a wide variety of events to keep you connected with your neighbors and discovering new books, films, music, and ideas.

Some upcoming highlights are the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library’s annual Fireside Readings Series and the re-inauguration of the Evening/Pajama Storytime for families in February.

Every Thursday through February from 10:30-11:30am, the library teams up with Hamline Midway Elders to host Chair Yoga, a class with all movement done while seated or standing using a chair for balance. Taught by Nancy Giguere, the group focuses on range of movement, alignment, stretching, strengthening, awareness, and relaxation. For more information on this free class, contact tom@hmelders.org or 651-209-6542.

Fridays from 10:30-11am, the library features Preschool Storytime, with songs, puppets, and more. Storytimes offer an opportunity for young children to learn social skills and build listening comprehension, letter and number recognition, and vocabulary. They’re also fun! Children of all activity levels are welcome. Upcoming storytimes every Friday through February.

There will be more storytime fun on Tuesday evenings in February as the library hosts Evening/Pajama Storytime on Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 6:30-7pm. Pajamas, favorite blankets, and stuffed animals are all welcome.

On Sat., Jan. 16, 1:30-3pm, the Second Saturday Science Club explores art that moves with Kinetic Art. Peter Hoh and Jackie Lannin lead children ages 6 and up and their families through fun, hands-on science and art activities. Call the library at 651-642-0293 for more information. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the event. On Feb. 13, 1:30-3pm, the Second Saturday Science Club will focus on Magnetism.

All Saint Paul Library locations will be closed on Mon., Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library’s popular and long-running Fireside Readings Series kicks off on Wed., Jan. 20 at 7pm with Faith Sullivan reading from her new novel “Good Night, Mr. Wodehouse.” Sullivan is one of Minnesota’s most beloved writers, and her new book celebrates the strength and resourcefulness of independent women, the importance of community, and the transformative power of reading.

The Fireside series continues on Jan. 27 at 7pm with Rick Shefchik, author of “Everybody’s Heard About the Bird: The True Story of 1960s Rock ‘n’ Roll in Minnesota,” a behind-the-scenes, up-close-and-personal account of how a handful of Minnesota bands made it big.

On Feb. 3 at 7pm, Beth Dooley reads from “In Winter’s Kitchen: Growing Roots and Breaking Bread in the Northern Heartland,” a celebration of a local food movement strong enough to survive even the toughest winter.

U of M history professor Erika Lee continues the series on Feb. 10 at 7pm, reading from her book “The Making of Asian America: A History,” which explores the little-known history of Asian-Americans and their impact on American history.

On Wed., Jan. 27, 1-3pm, Jody’s Documentary Film Series will show “Art and Craft: A POV documentary” by Sam Cullman, Jennifer Grausman, and Mike Becker. The film focuses on Mark Landis, one of the most prolific art forgers around and quite a character to boot. Jody will lead a discussion after the film.

The Saints and Sinners Mystery Book Club will meet on Sat., Feb. 6, 1-3pm for its monthly discussion of good mysteries. The title for Feb. is “Stake and Eggs” by Laura Childs. Contact Geraldine Balter at gerribalter@gmail.com or 651-224-5570 for more information.

Also on Sat., Feb. 6, the Kids Book Clubs: I Read! I Vote! will meet. Division I (grades 3-5) meets 1:30-2:15pm, and Division II (grades 6-8) meets 2:30-3:15pm. Both groups learn about Maud Hart Lovelace nominee books through games and activities, then vote for their favorites. All meetings feature refreshments along with the chance to chat with other book lovers.

On Sat., Feb. 13, 4-5pm, the Teens Reading Bravely group meets to discuss books that fall under the “Read Brave” genre. Read Brave is the Saint Paul Public Library’s annual, citywide program that encourages youth and adults to read and come together around a young adult novel. This group is recommended for ages 14 and up, grades 9 and up.

All St. Paul Libraries will be closed on Mon., Feb. 15 for Presidents Day.

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