“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” - Josiyah Martin
From New Year’s resolutions to fresh starts, the library is here to support you and with the new year comes the introduction of new programs to our library. This year, we are going to add a sensory playtime for children ages 0 to 5, every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Themed activities will allow children to use their imaginations and explore their senses. Caregivers can relax and enjoy the sounds of their children’s delight while they chat with other adults. Little ones can grow and explore the world in a safe setting every week. To accompany our new children’s program is our brand new Maker Space on the lower level. The Maker Space offers a creative space anytime the library is open. Caregivers can bring their children to the library and let them choose from a variety of crafts, coloring pages, and sensory activities that will rotate each month.
Old traditions will still reign true in 2025 with the fourth annual Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament. Teams of four will compete to be the first to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. It’s all about friendly competition, so sign up your best puzzlers. Space is very limited so sign up as soon as you can with your official team and all your team members by calling 607-865-5929.
Are you ready for a new beginning? The William B. Ogden Free Library is seeking a dedicated community member to fill a board of trustees vacancy, serving through 2028. This is your chance to help shape the library’s future and make a meaningful impact in Walton. Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, reside in the Walton School District or own property/business with a Walton address, commit to attending six meetings annually and participating in initiatives, and completing required trustee education and training. We value nonprofit experience, leadership skills, and a passion for library advocacy. If you are interested, complete the Trustee Recruitment Questionnaire at libraries.4cls.org/walton/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Trustee_Recruitment_Questionnaire-1.pdf
Along with the new year, comes great news. The William B. Ogden Free Library is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation to fund the replacement of our outdated, non-ADA-compliant circulation desk with a modern, accessible design. The new desk will create a safer and more inclusive space for all community members, including children and patrons with disabilities, while enhancing staff safety and fostering a welcoming environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation for their commitment to supporting rural libraries and their dedication to literacy and community engagement. Learn more about the foundation’s impactful work at jhefoundation.org
Library Events
Sensory Playgroup: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. starting in January. A brand-new program for preschoolers: Sensory Play Group - an engaging, hands-on experience designed just for little ones. Each week, children will explore themed free play, creative activities, and tactile manipulatives that stimulate their senses and spark their curiosity. This program provides a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to play, learn, and grow in a welcoming environment. Whether scooping, stacking, or experimenting with textures, your child is sure to have fun while building important developmental skills. Join us for the start of this new program.
Knit & Crochet Group: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Community members gather on the main floor for yarn crafts and conversation. Bring the project you are working on and enjoy friendly conversation as you knit and crochet.
Mahjong: Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Everyone who loves Mahjong or wants to learn to play is welcome. Bring a friend or come alone. All skill levels are welcome.
Storytime: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. on the lower level. Songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts sure to entertain your littles.
Silent Book Club: Thursday, Jan. 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Join us for a tranquil literary escape at our Silent Book Club. Held on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening of peaceful reading and companionship. Indulge in complimentary snacks and drinks or bring a treat to share, as we gather on the library’s lower level. Engage in light conversation about recent reads during the first 30 minutes, then relish an uninterrupted hour of reading. Open to adults and teens 16+; discover the joy of silent immersion in the world of books with us.
REFUGE (2006) Film Screening: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Join us for a special screening of Refuge (2006), a film that delves into the world of Buddhism through personal stories of spiritual transformation, meditation, and social engagement. Featuring voices like the Dalai Lama, composer Philip Glass, and director Martin Scorsese, Refuge explores the impact of Buddhism in the West, especially in times of global crisis. With intimate reflections on themes such as self-discovery and interconnectivity, this documentary offers insight into the spiritual refuge many find in Buddhist practices. The film also features the Khenpo brothers from the local Tibetan Buddhist center near Walton. Following the screening, stay for a Q&A with director John Halpern of Delhi and Lama Pema Dragpa from the Walton Buddhist center. Trailer: vimeo.com/411252451?share=copy
Crafterwork: Thursday, Jan. 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Kick off the new year with creativity and relaxation. Join us for a hands-on introduction to Neurographic Art — an expressive art form designed to reduce stress and spark imagination. By drawing freeform lines and transforming them into visually striking patterns, you’ll learn how this meditative process can promote mindfulness and encourage personal insight. This class is open to adults and teens 16+. Space is limited, so call the library at 607-865-5929 to reserve your spot. All materials provided.
Dungeons and Dragons: Jan. 15, 5 - 7 p.m. Calling all adventurers. Dungeon Master Amanda Mills will host Dungeons and Dragons game days designed for players 12 and up. Dive into a world of fantasy, strategy, and imagination as you embark on thrilling quests with fellow heroes. Roll the dice and create unforgettable memories every game day. Materials and pre-made characters included.
Lego Club: Friday, Jan. 17, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Join us for LEGO Club. Elementary-age children and older can enjoy free building or choose from an exciting selection of LEGO kits provided by Treadwell’s Kellogg Educational & Community Center. This program is free and fun for all LEGO enthusiasts.
Book Club: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 - 8 p.m. Our book club will meet on the lower level of the library. This month’s book is “Winter Counts” by David Heska Wanbli Weiden: A groundbreaking thriller about a vigilante on a Native American reservation who embarks on a dangerous mission to track down the source of a heroin influx. Virgil Wounded Horse is the local enforcer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When justice is denied by the American legal system or the tribal council, Virgil is hired to deliver his own punishment, the kind that’s hard to forget. But when heroin makes its way into the reservation and finds Virgil’s nephew, his vigilantism suddenly becomes personal. He enlists the help of his ex-girlfriend and sets out to learn where the drugs are coming from, and how to make them stop. Copies can be reserved through interlibrary loan. Call the library at 607-865-5929 or visit www.4cls.org
Fourth Annual Puzzle Tournament: Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Teams of four will compete to be the first to complete their 500 piece jigsaw puzzle. Open to ages 12 and up, but each team must include at least one adult member. With only eight spots available, registration is required, and a team name chosen at sign up. Enjoy a day of friendly competition, teamwork, and puzzle-solving fun. Call the library - 607-865-5929 - to register. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement.
Board of Trustees Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 - 8 p.m., regular business meeting on the lower level of the library. The public is encouraged to attend.
Library News
Tiny Art Show: The Ogden Library will be brightening up the winter with our 4th annual Tiny Art Show. Starting the first week in January, take home kits will be available for teens, ages 15+ and adults. The kits will contain acrylics, a brush, and a tiny canvas. Pick up a kit, paint whatever you are inspired to paint. Return your finished canvas by Jan. 28. Works will be displayed all of February.
