The library board and staff would like to wish all of our patrons a happy New Year! We are starting a new year of programs and activities at the library.

We are preparing for the changeover to our new library circulation and catalog system called SPARK in 2018. We will be changing sometime this spring, so continue reading the newsletter, handout and website for information. The library board, staff and friends of the library are planning a lot of fun programs for the new year, so watch for more information.

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We will have a new program for children called Simply Play held Wednesdays in January and February starting 1 p.m. The program involves learning through playtime with the new toys that we received with a state grant. Legos and other items are available, and stories will be read.

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Join us every first Tuesday of the month for Creation Station Club. Open to all children of all ages, it will be in the community room 6:30-7:30 p.m. It will be building fun for all!

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Our beading club with Marty Beaton will continue meeting 1:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Anyone 16 years and older may attend.

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We have our 2018 wish list. Are you looking for a way to help your library? We do a lot of programs and activities and need extra supplies.

Here is a list of items we are looking for right now: gift cards to any store, especially Walmart & AC Moore; art supplies; empty shoe boxes with lids; black markers; Clorox anti-bacterial wipes; and birdseed.

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With the dark and cold weather, folks need to know they can use the library without going out in the cold. On the right side of our main library website, we have dozens of databases and resources for patrons to use for free. All you need is your current library card and PIN to use the sources.

One of the best sources of information is the POWER Library! This site is for all Pennsylvania residents, and it is a place to access magazines, books, genealogical records, newspapers, images, legal information and other resources. Please take time to look at the POWER Library and see how strong it is.

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The adult winter reading program will run from Jan. 15 to March 15. It is for patrons 18 years and older, and the theme this year will be “Book your Winter Getaway.” Patrons will be able to register online from our website or stop by the front desk starting Jan. 15. When you register, each patron will receive an information sheet, a bookmark and a pen. The participants will be asked to read at least two books and to challenge themselves to read from a challenge list.

Come to our wrap-up party March 27 at either 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. to discuss what you read during the winter. At our wrap-up party, we will hand out small gifts to any program participant who reads at least one book and returns the log to the library by 5 p.m. March 15.

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Call the library at 610-432-4339 for more information on any of our programs. We have the newsletter and calendar on our website, whitehallpl.org, and copies at the front circulation desk.