National Library Week is April 12-18: Worlds Connect @ Your Library
It may be as exotic as soaking up Columbian culture through a magazine. Exciting as reading a mystery novel from a private investigator’s perspective. Or as practical as using the Internet to land your next job. However you use your Library, worlds connect there. Visit during National Library Week, April 12-18, and you’ll see for yourself.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

“Creation Station: A Make-and-Take Craft Program” - For grades K-6.
Brownlee Woods, 4-7 p.m., April 15
Campbell, 4-7 p.m., April 14
Canfield, Library Hours, April 13-18
Greenford, Library Hours, April 13-16
Sebring, Library Hours, April 13-18
Struthers, 4-7 p.m., April 13

“Family Fun Story Time” - Stories, a craft and more for children of all ages. Sign up.
East, 11 a.m., April 4 and 6:30 p.m., April 16

“Family Story Time: Great Garden Adventure” - Bring spring inside the library! You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy stories, games and activities celebrating National Garden Month! Children of all ages, sign up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Newport, 6:30 p.m., April 29

“Family Story Time: Let’s Speak for the Trees” - Celebrate Earth Day by creating treasures from recyclable trash! For children of all ages.
Main Library, 7 p.m., April 14

“Fun Time for 4s and 5s” - Join us for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (age 4-5) become a successful reader. At Main Library, East, Newport and West, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Austintown, 10 a.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28
Boardman, 10 a.m., April 7 (Program: holiday stories and a bunny craft), 14, 21, 28
Canfield, 1:30 p.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28
East, 1:30 p.m., April 13 & 27
Main Library, 10 a.m., April 9 (Program: On a Bike, In a Car, On a Train. Children will develop narrative skills as they help tell the stories. A craft will help develop their letter knowledge.), April 16 (Program: Seeing Signs of Spring. We’ll share spring stories in ways that will help children focus on written words.), April 23 (Program: Puddle Jumping. Discover the fun of reading as we share books about the great outdoors.)

Newport, 1:30 p.m., April 7 & 21
Poland, 1 p.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28
Springfield, 10:30 a.m., April 2

“Gotta Move Story Time!” - When the book opens, do you get up and dance? Can’t sit still? Now’s your chance! A story time for you! For ages 2-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Austintown, 11 a.m., April 9 & 23

“Guess ’N’ Go: Do You Know?!” - Guess the number of items in the jar. Closest guess wins. For grades 6 and below.
Poland, Library Hours, April 1-15
Springfield, Library Hours, April 1-15
West, Library Hours, April

“It’s Raining … It’s Pouring …” - Stories, songs and a craft for a rainy day. For ages 2-5. Sign up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
West, 1:30 p.m., April 8

“Kids’ Club: What Did the Librarian Say?” - What did the librarian say when it rained cats and dogs? … Don’t step on a poodle! Come enjoy silly songs, stories, riddles and jokes for grades K-3. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Main Library, 10 a.m., April 22

“Pajama Jam: Sleepy-Time Fun for the Family”- Put on your PJs, bring out the whole family and listen to bedtime stories. For children of all ages.
Poland, 7-7:30 p.m., April 27

“Smart Money Guess ’N’ Go: Do You Know?!” - Guess the count of coins crammed in the can. Closest guess wins a prize. For grades 6 and below.
Austintown, Library Hours, April

“So, You Think You're Prepared for an Asthma Emergency?” - Parents and children, join us for a family program about asthma presented by asthma educators from Akron Children’s Hospital’s Community Outreach, Education and Support Center. Children will view a special puppet show and then attend a story time. Parents will receive helpful information concerning asthma and asthma emergencies. Sign up.
Newport, 11 a.m., April 18

“Something Special” - Stories and fun for ages 4-5.
Sebring, 1:30 p.m., April 18

“Spring Into April” - How much do you know about spring and the month of April? Answer these trivia questions and receive a prize!
Boardman, Library Hours, April

“Tiger Tales” - Favorite stories and more fun for children of all ages.
Springfield, 11 a.m., April 25

“Trim a Tree for April” - Decorate an ornament for our all-seasons tree. For children of all ages.
Poland, Library Hours, April
Springfield, Library Hours, April

“Tween Scene: April Fools!” - Come play silly games like Paper-Cutting Race, Wrong-Handed Tailor, and Flying Saucers. You can also make a fake-spill craft to take home and fool someone! For grades 4-6. Sign up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Main Library, 4-5 p.m., April

“Baby Brilliant: Bonding With Babies and Books” - Join us for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (age 6-23 months) become a successful reader. Babies must be accompanied by an adult.
Austintown, 10 a.m., April 9 & 23
Boardman, 10 a.m., April 2
Canfield, 10 a.m., April 20
East, 10:30 a.m., April 9 & 30
Newport, 10:30 a.m., April 2 & 23
Poland, 10 a.m., April 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, 29

“Baby Brilliant: Tales and Talk for 2s and 3s” - Join us for developmentally appropriate books, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities that will help your child (age 2-3) become a successful reader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Austintown, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m., April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Boardman, 10 a.m., April 1, 8 (Program: holiday stories and a bunny craft), 15, 22, 29
Canfield, 10 a.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28
East, 10:30 a.m., April 13 & 27Main Library, 10 a.m., April 2 (Program: Rain Boots & Bumbershoots. Discover the sounds of language as we read about springtime fun.)
Newport, 10:30 a.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28
Poland, 10 a.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28

“Pimp My Book Cart” - Come help us turn our sorry shelving carts into some customized rides. We’ll provide the paint – you do the pimpin’! The finished product stays on display in the library as a testament to your ability to trick our truck. For grades 7-12.
East, 2-6 p.m., April 20-23
Newport, 2-6 p.m., April 27-30
West, 2-6 p.m., April 6-9

“Press Play @ Your Library: An After-Hours Gaming Party” - Like MMOGs? How about PS2 or Wii? Then join us for a multiplayer gaming frenzy. Join other gamers and go head-to-head or combine forces in online or console-based games while you have the library all to yourselves! Snacks will be provided. For grades 7-12. Space is limited, so tell your friends and sign up.
Sebring, 5:30-7 p.m., April 15

“TAB: Teen Advisory Board” - Want to meet new people? Have ideas for future teen events and programs? Need service credits? Like free snacks? Then check us out at the monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board). We meet the first Wednesday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome! For grades 7-12.
Boardman, 6:30 p.m., April 8

“Teens Go Green @ the Library” - You can do your part to make the planet a greener place! Make a special craft from old cereal or snack boxes. Bring your own or we’ll provide them. Snacks and fun included! For grades 7-12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Canfield, 2:30-5 p.m., April 22
Sebring, 2:30-5 p.m., April 29

“Author Visits: Patrick Pacalo, Patricia Ringos Beach, Kim Rossi” - The Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County Bookstore will host the following book-signings. The bookstore is located in the lower level of the Poland Library.
Friends of PLYMC Bookstore, Poland, 1 p.m., April 4 (Patrick Pacalo, author of “Cold Warfare II: Political Terror”), April 18 (Patricia Ringos Beach, author of “Images of America: Struthers”), April 25 (Kim Rossi, author of the cookbook “A Taste of Distinction: That's Amore”)

“Business & Investment Center: Tour for Investors” - Join a librarian from Main Library’s Information Services department to view print and electronic sources that can assist your investment decisions. Registration is required; call 330-744-8636 and press “2” at the prompt.
Main Library, 6:30 p.m., April 27

“Community Diversity Program Series: Writing a Multicultural Novel” - Mary Claire Mahaney, author of “Osaka Heat,” will share how she created a book set outside our country's familiar borders. The program is part of the Community Diversity Program Series by the YSU Community Diversity Committee. The Library is a partner in this committee, which presents the community with events and performances to promote a better understanding of and appreciation for the diverse nature of the Mahoning Valley. For more information, contact the Library’s development office at 330-744-8636, ext. 118.
Newport, 6:30 p.m., April 8

“CSI Y’Town With Author Michael Swiger” - Join fans of mystery books, movies and TV as author Michael Swiger presents his novel, “Lethal Objection.” CSI Y’Town is sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County and is a chapter of the national “Sisters in Crime” organization. For more information about CSI Y’Town, call the Library’s development office at 330-744-8636, ext. 118.
Poland, 6:30 p.m., April 28

“Friends of the Library Meetings” - Friends of the Library are special volunteers who give of their time and services to support the Library. To join or find out more, call the Library’s development office at 330-744-8636, extension 118.
Austintown, 10 a.m., April 20 (Program: Book Discussion – “Desperately Seeking Humor: Incredible and Satirical Tales of a Substitute Teacher” – by the book’s author, Virginia Minick of Jefferson, Ohio)
Boardman, 10 a.m., April 13 (Program: “Baroque Music” by Dr. Ron Gould; NOTE: this month’s meeting is at St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., Boardman)          
Poland, 9:30 a.m., April 7

“Friends of PLYMC Bookstore Foreign Language Book Sale” - Don’t miss this sale at the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Bookstore, where all foreign language books will be $1 each. Proceeds benefit all public libraries in the county. The bookstore, located in the lower level of the Poland Library, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Friends of PLYMC Bookstore, Poland, Store Hours, March 30 - April 4

“Grant Center: Grant-Seeking Basics With an Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online” - Learn how the Grant Center's resources can help you become a more effective grant-seeker! This introductory session geared to beginners provides instruction in foundation research and identifying potential funders. It also includes a tour of the Grant Center and an introduction to the Foundation Center's website, the Foundation Directory Online. Registration is required: call 330-744-8636 and press “2” at the prompt.
Main Library, 6:30 p.m., April 22

“Grant Center: Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online” - Get an hour-long, hands-on introduction to the Foundation Center's Web subscription database, the Foundation Directory Online Professional. Learn to create customized searches that develop targeted lists of foundations matching your organization's funding needs, and search for grants made by top funders. Registration is required; call 330-744-8636 and press "2" at the prompt.
Main Library, 6:30 p.m., April 29

“Lunch and Learn: The Zoot Suit Riots by YSU’s Dr. Meahera Gerardo” - In 1943, during WWII, Los Angeles experienced a 10-day race riot in which white servicemen beat and stripped Mexican- and African-American youth who wore zoot suits. Dr. Meahera Gerardo of YSU’s history department will take us back to that time, recreating the events and examining motives that led to them. Join us to learn about these shameful, almost forgotten incidents. Bring a brown-bag lunch; coffee is provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
Main Library, Noon-1 p.m., April 14

“One-on-One Computer Instruction for Beginners” - If you have never used a computer, the Library offers 30-minute, one-on-one, basic computer instruction by appointment only. Remember, these sessions are for those who have never met a mouse that doesn’t have fur. For appointments at East, call 330-744-2790; for appointments at Newport, call 330-747-6424.
East, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., April 14
Newport, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., April 15 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 17 & 18

“Smart Money & Community Legal Aid Services: Financial Information and Legal Education” - An attorney from Community Legal Aid Services will provide FREE information that you need to take control of your future! Topics to be covered include credit, debt and bankruptcy; driver’s license suspension; expungements and identity theft. Registration is required; call 330-747-6424.
Newport, 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 21

“Worker Portraits: Faces of Strength” - How is work changing in the Mahoning Valley? As our economy has shifted over the past three decades, we work in different kinds of jobs, but work remains something many of us have in common. Even as unemployment increases, both individuals and our community define our identities according to the work we once did and the work we hope to do. This exhibit, at the Newport Library during the month of April, presents the stories of a dozen area workers, from a bus driver to a schoolteacher, factory workers to retail clerks. The display is presented by Dr. Sherry Linkon, Youngstown State University professor of English and American Studies and co-director of the Center for Working Class Studies.
Newport, Library Hours, April

“Blood-Pressure Screenings by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross”
Austintown, 1-3 p.m., April 15
Boardman, 12:30-3 p.m., April 6
Poland, 1-4 p.m., April 28
Struthers, 1-4 p.m., April 21

“Blood-Pressure Screenings by the ‘Original’ Visiting Nurse Association of Mahoning Co.”
East, 10:30-11:30 a.m., April 7
Main Library, 10 a.m.-Noon, April 23
Newport, 10:30-11:30 a.m., April 14
West, 10:30-11:30 a.m., April 21

BLOOD DRIVE

“Blood Drive by the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross, proudly serving the needs of St. Elizabeth Hospital”
Poland, 2-7 p.m., April 8

“Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” - During the filing season, the IRS-sponsored VITA program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. VITA volunteers are scheduling appointments at the following site to assist these taxpayers.
YSU Williamson College of Business Administration, Youngstown, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 4 (For appointments, call 330-941-2507.)

“Annual Spring Tea Fundraiser” - Once again, we’re stirring up a lovely day in the Poland Branch Library meeting room! Join us for a blend of piano music by Diane Yazvac and a presentation on Corrie ten Boom by Cheryl Buxamusa. All the while, we’ll enjoy treats and tea. Sweeten our time together by toting along your treasured teacup and, if you wish, come dressed in your best hat and gloves. Mix in a raffle and the afternoon will be just your cup of tea! The event costs $20 per person and benefits the Springfield Branch Library and the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. For reservations, call the Library’s development office at 330-744-8636, ext. 118. Sponsored by the Springfield Library Fundraising Committee and the Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
Poland, 1-4 p.m., April 26

SPECIAL EVENT

“Plant the Seed to Read Children’s Book Fair” - The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County is a co-sponsor of the third annual Plant the Seed to Read Children’s Book Fair, which is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4 at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens. Special guest is children’s book illustrator Tim Bowers, the Library’s 2006 Summer Reading Club Kickoff presenter. There will also be a visit from The Magic School Bus and Ms. Frizzle, as well as Word Girl, Sid the Science Kid, YSU’s Pete the Penguin and the Library’s Ready-to-Read Raccoon! Throughout the day, families can enjoy guest authors, storytellers, puppets, science experiments, painting demonstrations by Chris Leeper, and other activities. Snacks will also be available. Admission is free. Strollers are not permitted indoors. The book fair is sponsored by the Altrusa Club of Youngstown, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Public Media and the Library.
Davis Education and Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens, Youngstown,
10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 4

LIBRARY CLOSINGS
The Library is closed April 11-12 for Easter.