No lack of excitement at the library!

The Hamline Midway Library, 1558 West Minnehaha Ave., is offering a wide array of programs this December and January, from learning about owls to trying your hand at Chinese calligraphy. Come to the library to check out books, magazines, CDs, and movies, enjoy free Internet access and find a cozy, peaceful respite from the holiday whirl.

The library offers Chair Yoga with Nancy Giguere on Thursdays, Dec. 14 and Jan. 11, 18, and 25 from 10:30-11:30am. All movement is done while seated or using the chair for balance. This program co-presented by the library and the Hamline Midway Elders Association.

Preschool Storytimes in English happen Fridays, 10:30-11am, with upcoming events on Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, 12, and 19. Storytimes feature stories, songs, puppets, and more. They’re a great way for caregivers to bond with children and build social skills, listening comprehension, and letter and number recognition while creating a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Children of all activity levels are welcome!

The library will also start offering Evening Storytimes on Tuesdays from 6-6:30pm starting Jan. 23.

The science fun continues on Sat., Dec. 16, 1:30-2:30pm with the Nature Smart Fun: Owls! presentation. School-aged kids and their families can learn about these amazing nocturnal creatures and even get to dissect some owl pellets.

The Start a Series Book Club will meet on Sat., Dec. 23, 3-4pm to discuss “The Eighth Day,” the first book in Dianne K. Slarni’s The Eighth Day series. This book club is recommended for grades 6-8, and each month will focus on a discussion of the first book in a series.

All St. Paul Libraries will be closed for Christmas on Dec. 24, 25, and 26.

On Wed., Dec. 27, 1-3pm, Jody’s Documentary Film Series will feature director Anne Makepeace’s film “Tribal Justice.” This PBS POV documentary focuses on two strong women who serve as tribal court judges and how they practice restorative justice to turn around the lives of troubled youth. Enjoy the free film and snacks and stay for the post-film discussion facilitated by Jody. This program is a collaboration of the award-winning POV documentary series and the Hamline Midway Elders Association.

The Novels at Night Book Club meets on Thur., Dec. 28, 6:30-7:30pm to discuss “In the Lake of the Woods” by Minnesota native Tim O’Brien. The novel tells the story of John and Kathy Wade, whose marriage is built on mutual deception. The couple visits a Minnesota lake to try to sort things out. Things get even more complicated when Kathy suddenly disappears.

On Sat., Dec. 30, drop into the library from 3-4:30pm for a Maker Break to explore Chinese culture and language through calligraphy. This event is geared to school-aged children and their families.

All St. Paul Libraries will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

On Sat., Jan. 6, 1-2pm, the Saints and Sinners Book Club meets to discuss good mysteries. Contact volunteer G. Balter for book lists and more information at gerribalter@gmail.com or 651-224-5570.

All St. Paul Libraries will be closed on Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.