Spring into a new season with activities at the library

As we move from winter into spring, the Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave., is your go-to place for arts and education activities for all ages, storytimes, movies, book clubs, and more.

Preschool Storytimes in English happen Fridays from 10:30-11am. Upcoming storytimes are on Mar. 10, 17, 24, and 31 and Apr. 7 and 14. These fun storytimes teach social skills, listening comprehension, letter and number recognition, and more. They’re also a great way for children and their caregivers to bond and build great memories together!

On Sat., Mar. 11, 1:30-3pm, the library features Science Saturday: “The Power of Wind” just in time for kite-flying weather. Experiment with the power of wind energy and make a Japanese-inspired carp kite using color and pattern. These hands-on arts and science experiences are best for kids ages 6 and up and their families. The Science Saturday theme is “Game Time!” on Sat., Apr. 15, 1:30-3pm. At that event, kids can experience an over-sized board game and design their own games.

The Teen Book Club meets Sat., Mar. 18 and Sat., Apr. 15, 3-4pm. Teens in grades 9-and-up can meet to discuss teen books: graphic novels, Battle of the Books, Read Brave, and more!

Children in first, second, and third grade are invited to join librarian Shelly for the Show and Tell Book Club on Sat., Mar. 25, 1:30-2pm. Share books, do fun activities, eat snacks, and meet other book lovers your age!

On Wed., Mar. 29, 1-3pm, Jody’s Documentary Film Series features the PBS POV documentary “Wo Ai Ni (I Love You), Mommy” by filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal. When a Long Island family adopts eight-year-old Fang Sui Yong, you are right there to witness it from the beginning through her first year. The film offers a challenging, eye-opening look at international, transracial adoption. This program is a collaboration with the award-winning documentary series POV, the Hamline Midway Elders, and the Saint Paul Public Library.

The Saints and Sinners Book Club meets Sat., Apr. 1 from 1-2:30pm. Please contact volunteer G. Balter for book list or information: gerribalter@gmail.com or 651-224-5570.

The library hosts “Sampling” and Poetry: A Poetry Workshop for Grades 6-12 on Sat., Apr. 1, 2:30-4:30pm. Performer and poet Becca Barniskis will lead a workshop on using “found” texts the way hip hop beatmakers use samples, guiding participants to look for patterns in fragments from magazines, newspapers, song lyrics, and video games. Feel free to bring a laptop, phone, or tablet if you want to make some recordings, or just bring yourself!

On Mon., Apr. 3, 3-5pm, come to the library for a spring break Maker Break featuring the theme Junk Paleontology. School-age kids and their families can work with an artist to create their own unique imaginary dinosaur “fossil” out of junk.

Evening/Pajama Storytimes start up again on Tues., Apr. 4, 6:30-7pm and continue on Apr. 11 and 18. Pajamas, blankets, and stuffed animals are all welcome at these bedtime celebrations of stories.

On Thur., Apr. 6, 1-3pm, adults can “come take a line for a walk” in an ARTful Expression: Drawing workshop. Participants will practice seeing through tracing the lines of their surroundings and mapping the spaces they inhabit. Through line drawing, they’ll discover things they might otherwise miss in their everyday environment. This series is facilitated by The Drawing Project artists for adult learners. Registration opens Mar. 15 and is required. Call the library at 651-642-0293 or stop by for more information.

Chemists in the Library take over the library on Sat., Apr. 8, 1:30-3:30pm with hands-on activities for families exploring chemistry and science. Best for school-aged children.

On Fri., Apr. 14, 2-3:30pm, come enjoy two classic silent comedies, Charlie Chaplin’s “The Immigrant” and Laurel and Hardy’s “Liberty.” This family-friendly event will also feature hot cider and fresh popcorn! Co-sponsored by the Hamline Midway Library Association.

All Saint Paul Public Libraries will be closed on Sun., Apr. 16 for Easter.