January has seemed to go by in a flurry of books, parties, and coffee here at the Gladbrook Library. We celebrated National Popcorn Day on January 19th. The popcorn Olympics began by a reading of If You Take a Mouse to The Movies. The games began after that. There were many different winners of events like: Popcorn Mouth Toss, Popcorn Straw Blow, Popcorn Cup Drop, and Popcorn Distance Throw. You never know you may meet an Olympic library winner when you’re in the grocery store on you next trip. With the month of love now upon us we have several fun things to come and do at the library. National Story Telling Week is the week of the 1st-6th of February. Initially the plan was to celebrate throughout the whole week but due to winter weather that has been changed. Now, plan on February 6th from 10-12pm. We will celebrate with a great program. We are so lucky to have Bev Miller volunteer to come and read a poem and short story. The Poem is called Henrietta and Lucy. The short story is Mrs. Mopsey. Both of these were written 16 to 17 years ago with several of her grandchildren. What a great example of one of the ways that storytelling comes about. Bev Miller is a local author who has had three books published and continues to write and read vigorously. We will tie in her poem and short story with crafts and different activities to show how story telling is a part of our culture, adaptable for all ages and can last a lifetime. February we will celebrate Valentines at the Library for all ages! Come in and check out a book. This will allow you to guess the amount of kisses in a jar to win a free book. We will have one jar for adults and another for kids. For the adults why not try a blind date? No matter your status: engaged, married, single, complicated this is for you. Don’t worry we are not matching you up with another person but a blind date with a book. You can “rate your date” which will put you in a raffle to be drawn in March. February 13th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. bring the kids in for books, a valentine’s scavenger hunt and other fun activities. We will be starting a story time on February 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-6. Mrs. Fish has volunteered to help during this time. Mrs. Fish is a former Kindergarten teacher from Gladbrook/Reinbeck Schools and we are very excited to have her here. This story time will focus on reading and the love of reading through storytelling, dramatization and other methods. This hour will be more structured than a quick story reading so please consider that when signing your children up. There will be a snack served. Starting Monday 29th from 2-3pm there will be adult coloring. This is a popular craft that is being held all over the country and not just in libraries. Please come in and enjoy company and the relaxing benefits of adult coloring. Although this is a relatively new trend researchers and therapists worldwide have pushed the calming and meditative benefits of coloring. Try it out!