Spring heralds array of opportunities at the library!

By CARRIE POMEROY

Spring at the Hamline Midway Library will include a wide array of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. Stop by the library, 1558 W. Minnehaha, to see what this community treasure has to offer you!

Preschool storytimes in English happen at the library on Fridays, 10:30-11am. The storytimes include songs, stories, fingerplays, puppets, and more, and they’re a great way to build literacy and school readiness skills for young children. Upcoming storytimes are on May 12 and 19 and June 2, 9, and 16; there is no storytime scheduled for May 26.

The Kaleidoscope series presents dance from around the world in programs specially designed for preschoolers. On Tues., May 16, 10:30-11:30am, the series features Afoutayi Haitian Dance. On Tues., May 23, 10:30-11:30am, the featured performance is Pinocchio-Chan Kabuki.

All St. Paul Public Libraries will be closed on May 11 for a staff training. They’re also closed May 27-May 29 for Memorial Day.

Registration is open for the Known by Heart Poetry Class series with Naomi Cohn. On Wed., May 17, 1-3pm, the focus will be Writing About Family. On Wed., May 24, 1-3pm, the class will play with writing about the body and the senses. Bring whatever you are comfortable writing with—a journal, notebook, or laptop. Register on the library website at www.sppl.org or call the library at 651-642-0293.

Chair Yoga starts up again on Thur., May 18, 10:30-11:30am. In this class taught by Nancy Giguere, all movement is done while seated or standing using the chair for balance. This class is co-sponsored by the Hamline Midway Elders. More yoga classes are offered at the same time on May 25 and June 1 and 8.

Sat., May 20 from 11:30am-5pm, the library will be celebrating Hamline Midway Library becoming a Nature Smart Library. Enjoy fun nature-oriented activities for the whole family all day long and learn more about what it means to be a Nature Smart Library!

The Show and Tell Book Club meets on Sat., May 20, 1:30-2:15pm. Join librarian Shelly to share books, do fun activities, and eat snacks. Best for first, second, and third graders.

Jody’s Documentary Series presents documentaries from PBS’s POV series with lively discussion afterward. On Wed., May 31, 1-3pm, Jody will be showing “Tough Love” by filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal. The film tells the stories of two parents, a father in Seattle and a pregnant mom in New York, both trying to get their children back after being accused of child neglect. Where this film goes just may surprise you! Co-sponsored by the Hamline Midway Elders and POV.

The Saints and Sinners Mystery Book Club meets Sat., June 3, 1-2pm to discuss good mysteries. This month’s book is “The Ice Princess” by Camilla Lackberg. Please contact volunteer G. Balter for book list or more information at gerribalter@gmail.com or 651-224-5570.

The Teen Book Club meets on Sat., June 10, 3-4pm, to discuss teen books, including graphic novels, Battle of the Books, Read Brave, and more. For grades 9 and up.

On Thur., June 15, 6-7pm, the nationally recognized puppet company Open Eye Figure Theater will present Molly and the Magic Boot. A city girl named Molly is stuck on Grandma’s farm all summer with no TV, no cell phone, and no video games! But with the help of some fantastical footwear, her fabulous farm friends, and a little imagination, Molly discovers how fun the outdoors can be!