Event List: Bedford Libraries to kick off annual Summer Reading Program
BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) — “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” That is the theme for the Bedford Public Library System’s annual Summer Reading Program!
From a chess tournament to wildcrafting, the library has compiled a list of events to keep the community engaged during the hot summer days. Starting at the end of May, the program will launch featuring weekly events for children of all ages. Events will take place at libraries across Bedford.
Melrose Plaza searching for artist to design community mural in Roanoke
Bedford Library
Chess Club: Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
If you are a chess enthusiast or interested in learning more about the game, please join us on the first and third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 PM! Open to all ages and skill levels. If you have your own chessboard/clock please feel free to bring it.
Tai Chi at the Library: Every Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Join certified instructor Scott Larsen every week for a free class in the gentle, meditative martial art known as Tai Chi. Practiced throughout the world for its numerous health benefits, many of Tai Chi’s slow movements and deep breathing techniques are easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Open Chess Tournament: Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Bedford Central Library will host its first Open Chess Tournament, sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library! The tournament is open to all players of all experience levels and ages. Prizes will be awarded for the top two players in the preteen (12 and under) and teen/adult (13+) categories. Advanced registration will be taken until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17. For more information, and to sign up online by visiting the BPLS events calendar! https://bedford.librarycalendar.com/
Friends Board Game Cafe: Tuesday, May 21 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Come out and join the Friends of the Bedford Library for an afternoon of fun playing board and tabletop games. Play our games or bring your own; play old standards or learn some new ones; play a little or a lot! Bring a friend, make new friends. Snacks will be provided, but please bring your own refillable water bottle. Registration is not required unless you wish to receive an event reminder.
Wildcrafting: Tuesday, May 28 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Bring the beauty of nature into your home by turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece of art! Bedford County Parks and Rec will be here to teach us how to paint and build things with plants and other organic materials. Materials will be provided, just bring your creativity!
Friday Breakfast Book Club: Friday, May 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
The Friday Breakfast Book Club meets on the last Friday of every month to discuss a different book. This month’s selection is Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan.
Saturday Matinee presents The Wizard of Oz: Saturday, June 1 from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.
Join us at the Bedford Central Library for a monthly Saturday afternoon screening of a movie for adults and teens. Summer begins with a wonderful adventure to the magical land of Oz! Come watch The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, and more! A young farm girl and her little dog are magically transported into the enchanted land of Oz through a Kansas tornado. As they travel down Oz’s Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard and ask him to send them home, they encounter a wonderful, funny, terrifying, and, ultimately, enlightening group of characters, human and otherwise. This 1939 award-winning film classic celebrates its 85th anniversary this year! Freshen your memory of the original story before catching the Wicked adaptation hitting the big screen later this year. Rated: G. Run-time: 1hr, 42mins.
Montvale Library
Confessions of a Colorholic: Every Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.*
Open to anyone who enjoys coloring for relaxation or creative expression! Join us on every Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Montvale Library (*with the exception of the first Thursday of each month, which is just from 3:00 to 4:00). The library provides coloring sheets as well as markers, coloring pencils and pens — but you are welcome to bring your own.
Stitchin’ Chicks: Every Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join us every Monday at 2:00 p.m. (except for holidays). Bring your projects, and knit or crochet with us! New members are always welcome, and no experience is necessary. You can always learn new skills!
T(w)een Craft, Canvas Edition: Tuesday, May 28 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Teens and tweens are invited to join us this summer for adventures in arts and crafts! Each month will feature a different creative project. Participants are encouraged to bring in craft or art projects they’re already working on or would like to show off. For the month of May, we’ll work with canvas and practice different three-dimensional painting techniques.
Adult Book Club: Thursday, June 6 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Book Club meets the first Thursday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at the Montvale Library. In June, we’ll discuss Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum. No registration is necessary, and new members are always welcome!
Teen/Tween Night: Friday, June 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Two hours of Kinect gaming, board games, snacks, pizza, and socializing! Meet your friends in Montvale and enjoy teen activities from 5-7 on the first Friday of each month. For ages 10-17.
Crafternoon, Jack and the Beanstalk/Fairytale Edition: Tuesday, June 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Crafternoons are BACK this summer at the Montvale Library! Each crafternoon event will feature a different project/theme. Our first theme is Jack and the Beanstalk and other fairy tales. Join us as we plant seedlings and make fairy/bug houses.
Friends of the Montvale Library Summer Book Sale: Friday, June 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Looking for your next great beach vacation read or books to entertain the kids now that school is out? Look no further than the Friends of the Montvale Library’s Summer Book Sale! Support the Friends of the Montvale Library with your purchase of previously owned books for readers of all ages, DVDs, audiobooks, and MORE!
Forest Library
I’m No Van Gogh Paint Night: Friday, May 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Come and paint whatever the canvas inspires in you! This session is a time for self-expression — there is no formal instruction, and it is open to anyone regardless of your skill level or prior experience painting. All supplies will be provided. Please dress in clothing you won’t mind getting messy. Registration is required and space is limited.
Wildcrafting: Wednesday, May 29 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Bring the beauty of nature into your home by turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece of art! Bedford County Parks and Rec will be here to teach us how to paint and build things with plants and other organic materials. Materials will be provided, just bring your creativity!
Tabletop Gaming: Saturday, June 1 from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Join us on the first Saturday of each month from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. to play a variety of different board and card games. Feel free to bring your own games as well! All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be supervised by their guardians.
Women’s Self Defense Seminar, presented by Warrior Success Academy: Thursday, June 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Warrior Success Academy will be teaching basic fundamentals of self-defense, including knowledge, combatives, defensive tactics, crime prevention, and dynamic responses to common street attacks. This is open for ladies ages 14+.
Friends of the Forest Library Book Club: Monday, June 10 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Forest Library Book Club meets every second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Join us to read and discuss our selection of fictional books each month! This month we’ll discuss The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry.
Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake
Saturday Matinee Presents: National Treasure: Saturday, May 25 from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m.
Join us at the Moneta/SML Library for a monthly Saturday afternoon screening of a movie for adults and teens. This month we’ll watch National Treasure, starring Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Diane Kruger, and more. Coming from a long line of treasure hunters, Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage) is given clues by his ancestors that lead to a valuable and mysterious treasure hidden during America’s revolution, sought after by both his enemies and the FBI. Run-time: 131mins. Rated: PG (for action violence and some scary images).
Fiber Club: Knitting, Crocheting, and More: Thursday, May 30 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Would you like to learn to knit, crochet, weave, or share your talents with others? You’re invited to join our new Fiber Club! This will be our introductory meeting, and meetings will be held on the last Thursday of each month going forward. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, all are welcome. Supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own. We’ll have yarn for small projects, but if you have some extra yarn, you can donate it to someone else to use. Bring your projects you’re already working on, or start a new one. Come chat and make new fiber friends! We’ll also have small projects for kids to make at the beginner’s sessions. Kids under 12 must be supervised by an adult. All ages are welcome.
Road Trip Adventure: Friday, May 31 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Take a road trip through the Moneta Library and visit some roadside attractions! When you’re finished with this fun, special scavenger hunt, turn in your answer key and provide a vacation picture to earn a prize. (Vacation pictures may be brought in person or sent via email to mocirc@bpls.org. Vacation pictures will be displayed during the Summer Reading Program on our Adventure Map wall). After the road trip adventure, enjoy a craft and light refreshments. Please register to receive an email reminder of the event.
Lynchburg Parks and Rec. searching for lifeguards for summer 2024
Computer 101 Class, Windows 11 for Beginners: Thursday, June 6 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Join us as we learn about the differences between the Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems and the basics of how to use a Windows 11-based computer or laptop.
Literary Lakers Book Club: Monday, June 10 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join the new adult book club at Moneta/SML Library! We’ll meet in the community room on the second Monday of each month. We’ll read either the same genre and/or the same author and share our thoughts. This month, read a book of your choice (any genre/author) published in 2020.
Tea, Taste, & Talk with the Friends of the Moneta/SML Library: Wednesday, June 12 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
You came for Coffee and a Chat with the Friends of the Moneta/SML Library, now come for Tea, Taste, and Talk with the Friends! Join us for iced tea, tasty treats, and a talk. Find out how the Friends support your local library. Browse some summer reads on sale while gathering with fellow Friends members and library lovers. Stop by before or after you check out the Moneta Farmers Market in the side yard of the library. Register for this event to receive a reminder email.
Make a Crayon Batik Block with the Lake Quilters Guild: Thursday, June 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Christiansburg Parks and Recreation preparing for youth summer camps
Come and explore the process of creating fabric batik blocks using crayons with the Lake Quilters Guild members! Batik is an Indonesian wax-resist method of dying fabric that leaves some areas undyed and creates patterns on the fabric. Bring some of your used and/or broken crayons (or use ours) to make your own crayon batik fabric square! Other materials and patterns will be provided. Come explore this art form and find out how it can be used in modern designs and quilting! Registration is required. For ages 16+.
Virtual Adventure to Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica: Saturday, June 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join us on a virtual tour and visit one of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems in the world! We’ll walk through the rainforest until we get to a pristine beach with crystal clear water. On the way we’ll have the chance to see howler monkeys, sloths, birds, and more! See you soon for our Live Virtual Walk in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica!
Big Island Library
Adult Book Club: Tuesday, May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us at the Big Island Library on the third Tuesday of every month for a lively book discussion full of insight and reflection. May’s selection is Texas Outlaw by James Patterson. Bring a small dish to share and stay for a little lunch! Sponsored by the Friends of Big Island Library.
Creative Expressions: Monday, June 24 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Calling all creative types! The Big Island Writers Group has evolved our lovely club to include makers and crafters of all sorts to further inspire our friendly discussions. Do you knit? Crochet? If you enjoy coloring or drawing, we can provide markers, crayons, pens, and colored pencils! We’ll still exchange writing advice, of course, and share work with one another for the sake of supportive feedback. Join in the magic of our mighty little artistic community here in Big Island.
Nature Walk: Thursday, June 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join us on a nature walk around the Big Island Library to see what you can see. We’ll stop along the way and identify different plants — maybe we’ll even spot some wildlife! Participants are also invited to bring a bagged lunch and join us for a picnic at the end! Some snacks (and picnic blankets) will be provided.
Stewartsville Library
Adult Book Club: Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join other readers on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss a different book and meet other members of your community! This month’s book selection is The Maid by Nita Prose. Light refreshments will be provided.
Splatter Painting: Saturday, May 18from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Experience some free art therapy at the Stewartsville library and create your very own Jackson Pollock-inspired splatter painting. Materials will be provided. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Fantasy Map Making: Tuesday, May 28 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Embrace your creativity and create a Tolkein-inspired map of your very own fantasy world!
Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering: Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Fiber Gathering meets on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event is for teens and adults. A morning for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers from beginners to pros. Come learn a new skill or come share your skills and talents with others, and have a good time. Bring the projects you’re currently working on and enjoy the companionship and knowledge of other fiber enthusiasts. You can also drop off hats, sweaters, and scarves for the Adele’s Legacy program at our meetings or at any of our six library locations. Every year, Adele’s Legacy works with the School Superintendent’s office in Franklin and Bedford Counties to choose elementary schools eligible for Giveaway Day.
Summer Chess Club: Tuesday, June 4 from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m.
Go on an adventure into the world of chess! Join us as we learn how to play one of the world’s most popular games. Already know how to play? Come and practice your skills playing with others and share your knowledge with those new to the game. We’ll meet every Tuesday at the Stewartsville Library.
Adult Book Club: Tuesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join other readers on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss a different book and meet other members of your community! This month’s book selection is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Light refreshments will be provided.
DIY Walking Sticks: Tuesday, June 18 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Children and teens are invited to design their own walking stick, perfect for exploring! All materials (including sticks) will be provided.
Registration opens on May 25 and can be completed online. For more information, visit the Bedford Library System’s website.
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