April 2025

The American Library Associaion held a second round of a special grant 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!

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!

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, ­­­May 2nd from 5-7 pm.

Saturday, May 3

8am-until we run out.

The Friends group will be selling cinnamon rolls on garage sale day to raise money for continued support of the library.

April 6-12: Behind every great community is a great library, so take the time to celebrate National Library Week and your library!

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day

The Ely Library would like to thank everyone who has donated their time, talents and/or monetary support. You make a difference in the life of your library.

Friday, April 11

7pm

You won't want to miss out on the fun! The Friends of the Ely Public Library will be hosting another BINGO fundraiser at the Ely Legion! Doors open at 6:30pm, games start at 7pm, and cards are $1 for 3 game boards. The bar will be open and snacks available for sale!

Last Bingo: May 9

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.

Saturday, April 12

12pm

Join us for a Scrabble Showdown at the Ely Library! Whether you're a word wizard or just love a good game, this friendly tournament is the perfect way to challenge your vocabulary and strategy skills. No registration required.

Thursday, April 17

6:30pm

Presented by Hills Bank

Take control of your financial future with our Financial Literacy 101 class! This interactive session will provide you with essential tools and strategies to confidently manage your money. Whether you're looking to build a budget, save more effectively, or navigate the complexities of loans and credit, this class has you covered.

Topics include:
✔ Tools to help create and maintain a budget
✔ Practical ways to save money and build financial security
✔ Debt management strategies to reduce and eliminate debt
✔ Key factors to consider when applying for consumer or mortgage loans
✔ Understanding your credit report and how to improve your credit score

Gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your financial well-being!

Friday, April 18

10am

Calling all Pokémon Trainers! Join us at the library for a morning of Pokémon fun. Complete a Pokémon activity, connect with fellow fans, and exchange trading cards to grow your collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your Pokémon journey, this event is perfect for Trainers of all ages. Don’t forget your trading cards and enthusiasm—we’ll bring the fun! See you there for a Pokémon-filled adventure.

Saturday, April 19

12-3pm

We are going to crochet a tote bag! This is a beginner level class but it is expected that particpants know basic crochet stitches. There are 10 registration spots open, with a waitlist available. Participants are expected to bring their own materials, which will be emailed to you upon registration. The approximate cost of materials is $15.

REGISTER HERE

Friday, April 11

2pm

Come try out our VR Headsets! We have all sorts of games, travel activities, and exercise programs that we would love for you to experience. (Note: the devices can be used independently in the library any time we're open.)

Tuesdays 5-7pm

Crafters are invited to bring your own crafts and socialize with other crafters.

Thursday, April 24

7pm

Join us as we peacefully discuss challenged and banned books. In person and on Zoom.

Zoom link

This month we will be discussing "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls.

May 23: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

June 27: The Giver by Lois Lowry

July 24:The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

August 28: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Saturday, April 5

10am

Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to get crafty! Join us for a fun-filled morning where children can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind spring eggs using paint, cardboard, and noodles. All materials will be provided—just bring your imagination! Hop on over and let’s get crafting!

Saturday, April 12

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.

Thursday, April 17

10am

We’re excited to announce a special edition of Story Time this month! Join us for an unforgettable experience – Baby Chicks Hatching!

Farmer Jaime Allard, a local expert in farm life and animal care, will be bringing the magic of nature right to our story time. Watch in awe as baby chicks begin to hatch before your eyes, and learn all about the process of how these tiny creatures make their entrance into the world.

This event will give children the opportunity to ask questions, observe, and maybe even help welcome a few new chicks into the world! It’s a perfect chance to introduce little ones to the wonders of farm life, nature, and the beauty of new beginnings. We can’t wait to share this extra special Story Time with you. Bring your curiosity and your questions – it’s going to be an egg-citing morning!

Saturday, April 26

10am

April is Financial Literacy Month, and we’re celebrating with a special story time all about money! Families are invited to join us for an engaging story, fun activities, and simple lessons about earning, saving, spending, and sharing. Little ones will learn the basics of money in a way that’s interactive and easy to understand. Let’s make cents of money together!

Mondays 10am

Toddler Time features stories, rhymes, songs, and interactive activities designed to get babies and toddlers acclimated to loving the library. Big siblings are welcome to join the fun!

Thursdays 10am

Come listen to stories, sing songs and make a craft! Preschool Story Time is intended for ages 3-5, but younger siblings are welcome to join the fun!

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.

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

Thursdays 8am

Paula is back with Morning Stretch on Thursday mornings. This group exercise will incorporate elements of yoga in a way that can be accommodated to any mobility level. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible as we have a limited number.

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!

Starting May 14

Wednesdays from 6-8pm

Starting in May, join us on Wednesday nights for Board Game fun! This time is geared towards adults, but all ages are welcome to participate. We will provide some fun new board games, or you can bring your own.

Thursdays at 7:30pm

June 5-July 31

Back by popular demand, Thirsty Thursday Trivia at House Divided Brewery, hosted by the Ely Public Library. Join in for fun facts, bonus puzzles, and locally brewed beer!

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.

Wednesday, April 2

7pm

The Library Board of Trustees typically holds meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Ely Public Library. The public is welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.

Wednesday, April 9

7:30pm

We are looking for some good friends to help us plan some fun upcoming programs! We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7:30pm. Join us and learn how you can be involved!

Introducing Kanopy - a new streaming service provided for Ely and Rural Linn County Residents. Stop by today for a demonstration!

Vox Books are books that talk! Combining audiobooks with traditional books, Vox Books read the story to you as you follow along. Our library has picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade chapter books of amazing stories!

The Ely Public Library is open and that means our seed lending library is available for self service. Free garden seeds are available and you simply sign out the number of seeds you take. We do take seed packet donations .