May 2025
Fun Events for All Ages!
ELY PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES
The American Library Association held another round of rewarding grants through the Libraries Transforming Communities Action initiative. This grant focuses specifically on ways to make small and rural libraries more accessible to persons in the community with special needs. We are thrilled to be awarded a second time! This round is a $10,000 grant in which we expect to add handicap accessibility to the door into the meeting room as well as sound optimization. This was an extremely competitive process, and we are very proud of this accomplishment!
Ely Citywide Garage Sales
Saturday, May 3
8am-3pm
Friends of EPL is sponsoring the City-Wide Garage Sale Day.
Everyone who has a garage sale is encouraged to register. Registration only costs $5.00 OR is FREE with the completion of a short survey! Registration forms and surveys are available at the library and on the library website.
Please complete your form and turn it into the library by 7pm Wednesday, April 30 to be on the map. Registered garage sales receive a poster identifying them as a registered sale supporting the Friends of the Library. The maps will be available on our website Friday, May 2nd. Thanks for making Garage Sale Day a big success!
USED Book Sale
Friday, May 2; 5-7pm
Saturday, May 3; 8am-3pm
The Friends of the Library will hold their annual Used Book Sale on May 3rd during the Ely City Wide Garage Sale Day. Come early for the best pick of books. The sale will be in the meeting room and will start at 8:00 am. We will offer an early bird sale on Friday, ÂÂÂMay 2nd from 5-7 pm.
Free for All: The Public Library Screening and Conversation
Thursday, May 8
7:00 pm
Join us as we host this film screening, which tells the story of the quiet revolutionairies who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
The public library is one of America’s most valued yet endangered institutions. Director Dawn Logsdon travels the United States, discovering historic and modern-day figures, especially women, who contributed to the library’s integral position within democracy. “Free for All: The Public Library” chronicles the evolution of the nation’s public libraries, tracing the battles over who can enter, what belongs there, and who makes these decisions, while exploring how public commons are defined and defended.
The Suites at Fall Creek
What: Family vacation! 2 Bedrooms, sleeps 6
When: Saturday, July 5 - July 12
Where: 1A Fall Creek Drive; Branson MO 65616
Why: To support the Friends and have some fun!
Raffle tickets $10 each or 3 for $25. Available for purchase at the Ely Public Library. Cash, check and Venmo accepted. Tickets will be sold March - June. Stop by the library for more details!
Note: you would be responsible for the resort fees (approx $100) and deposit.
- Winner may be asked to participate in a time share seminar, but this is not required.
Banned Book Club
Thursday, May 22
7pm
Join us as we peacefully discuss challenged and banned books. In person and on Zoom.
This month we will be discussing "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
June 26: The Giver by Lois Lowry
July 24: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
August 28: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Sensory Friendly Storytime
Saturday, May 24
10am
Join us for a special Sensory-Friendly Story Time designed with neurodivergent children in mind but open to everyone! This event provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can enjoy stories and activities in a calm, structured setting.
Maria along with her therapy dog, Mace, will begin every story time with a visual schedule of what to expect. Then they will read a story, do some form of interactive play, do a craft, and then read the story again.
What to Expect:
Small Group Size: With limited spots available, each child will receive personalized attention, fostering a comfortable space to explore and engage. (We will repeat the event as many times as necessary to accommdate all)
Interactive Storytelling: Dive into captivating stories with hands-on activities that encourage participation and imagination, ensuring every child can connect with the tales.
Structured Play: After story time, children can enjoy carefully curated play activities that promote creativity and social interaction in a low-stimulation environment.
Calm Atmosphere: Our dedicated space will be designed to minimize sensory overload, featuring soft lighting and quiet corners for relaxation.
Meet Our Therapy Dog: A gentle therapy dog will be present to provide comfort and companionship, enhancing the overall experience and offering a soothing presence. Mace most recently worked as a classroom therapy dog and he loves having children around.
GeriFit
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
8am and 1pm
This is a FREE health and wellness opportunity. Geri-Fit classes improve strength, balance and arthritic conditions for people 60 and over. Additional benefits include increasing flexibility, balance and mobility as well as helping prevent osteoporosis.
Tai Chi
Tuesdays 8am
Come gather with Tom for a relaxing morning session of Tai Chi! Please consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Zoom Link
Summer Reading Block Party
Friday, June 6
6-8pm
The whole family is invited to join us for a FREE family night of fun, entertainment, prizes and food! A FREE light meal will be served. Pick up the entire summer schedule for children, teens and adults and be sure to register for our reading program and for reading support!
New Story Walk
A NEW permanent StoryWalk will be located near the pond at City Park! This is a joint effort involving the Ely Library, Parks and Rec and City of Ely, and will be happening sometime this spring/summer! Many thanks to a Jim & Katie Miller Memorial gift and the Friends of EPL for covering the costs of the permanent angled StoryWalk mounts and installation.
