“Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupe’ry
It may be the season of love, but February in upstate New York is also the heart of the long winter season. If the winter blues are starting to creep in the library is the perfect place to shake off the winter funk. Sign up for one of our programs or stop by to grab a new book and explore the Tiny Art Show upstairs. Visit our downstairs space to relax with a cup of coffee while you read and the little ones enjoy some playtime.
We’re kicking off February with Cereal Cinema featuring “Happy Feet” Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 am. For kids of all ages, the library provides all-you-can-eat cereal and a craft while you watch the film.
Our Crafterwork on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. is a little different this month. In honor of the season, participants will paint a portrait of someone attending with them–whether that person is a romantic partner, a close friend, or a family member. This “Paint Your Person: A Valentine & Galentine Art Night,” is open to adults and teens ages 16+, and all supplies are provided free of charge. Registration is required, as space is limited. There’s no need to sign up in pairs; if you come solo, we will do our best to match you with another participant.
On Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m., the library will host a special Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening of “The Librarians” followed by a guided discussion on the power of reading. This 2025 documentary by Kim A. Snyder follows librarians on the front lines of America’s culture wars, battling unprecedented censorship and book bans targeting LGBTQ+ and racial content, highlighting their fight for intellectual freedom and democracy. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.
If you can’t make it to the regular programming, don’t worry—stop by the library anytime this February to experience the Fifth Annual Tiny Art Show! These vibrant, community-created masterpieces are guaranteed to brighten your winter. For the first time we’re also featuring Tiny Art Show Kids in the children’s area. You won’t want to miss this delightful display of local talent.
Library Events
Sensory Playgroup- Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - an engaging, hands-on play session designed especially for little ones! Each week features themed free play, creative activities, and sensory-rich materials that spark curiosity and support early learning. It’s a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to play, explore, and grow in a fun, welcoming environment. Whether they’re scooping, stacking, or discovering new textures, your child will build important developmental skills while having a great time.
Knit & Crochet Group- Tuesdays, 3:00-4:45 p.m. - Community members gather every week on the main floor of the library for yarn crafts and conversation. Bring the project you are working on and enjoy friendly conversation as you knit or 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. Join us on the lower level for songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts sure to entertain your littles.
Cereal Cinema: Family Friendly Movie & Cereal Buffet - Saturday, Feb. 7, 10-11:30 a.m. Showing: Happy Feet. Start your weekend with a spoonful of fun at Cereal Cinema, a cozy morning featuring a family-friendly movie and an all-you-can-eat cereal buffet. A simple craft will be featured as your child enjoys watching the movie on our big screen.
Crafterwork: Paint Your Person - Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. Join us for “Paint Your Person: A Valentine & Galentine Art Night,” a relaxed, creative event. In honor of the season, participants will paint a portrait of someone attending with them—whether that person is a romantic partner, a close friend, or a family member. Adults and teens ages 16+ are welcome, and all supplies are provided free of charge. Registration is required, as space is limited; no need to sign up in pairs; if you come solo, we will do our best to match you with another participant. A light-hearted way to celebrate friendship, connection, and creativity—reserve your spot today.
An Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening of “The Librarians”- Wednesday, Feb. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for an Indie Lens Pop-Up screening of The Librarians, followed by themed activities and a guided discussion on The Power of Reading. Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community event series that brings impactful PBS Independent Lens documentaries to local audiences, encouraging conversation around meaningful social issues. The Librarians explores the profound influence books can have—captured memorably in Lou Whiting’s reflection, “Had I not picked the book up, I don’t think I would be sitting here now.” The film highlights how reading shapes personal growth and strengthens civic dialogue. After the screening, attendees will be invited to reflect on the role reading has played in their own lives and engage in a thoughtful, facilitated conversation. All are welcome to take part in this inspiring evening.
Lego Club - Friday, Feb. 20, 3-4:30 p.m. (third Fridays) - Elementary-age children and older can enjoy free building, choosing from our large selection of LEGOs. Let your creativity soar as you construct and explore. This program is free and fun for all LEGO enthusiasts and light snacks will be provided. Stop by right after school.
Book Club Discussion - Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m. This book club meets monthly on the lower level. This month’s book is “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride ©2023. Copies can be reserved through interlibrary loan by calling the library at 607.865.5929 or visiting www.4cls.org. We have extra copies at the library too-just stop by. In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows. Chicken Hill was where Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived when Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state came looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, it was Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe’s theater and the unofficial leader of the Black community on Chicken Hill, who worked together to keep the boy safe. As these characters’ stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins of white, Christian America struggle and what they must do to survive. When the truth is finally revealed about what happened on Chicken Hill and the part the town’s white establishment played in it, McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community—heaven and earth—that sustain us.
Library News
Tiny Art Show: The Ogden Library will brighten up winter with its 5th annual Tiny Art Show. Starting the first week in February, tiny art made by the community will be displayed. Be sure to stop by the library to check it out - this year also features Tiny Art Show Kids for the first time.
Adventurers Wanted: Have you traveled somewhere memorable? The library is looking for people to share their travel experiences at our Armchair Travel Adventure Series. If interested email Heather at wa.heather@4cls.org or call the library.
