March 2025 │ Vol. 9, Issue 3 THE BOSSARD BEACON The monthly newsletter of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library Library unveils new Early Literacy Station Bossard Library recently installed an all-in-one computer pre-loaded with educational titles for children in the library’s children’s department. This new Early Literacy Station helps to provide school readiness and literacy support for the youngest students in the community. This new computer was produced by AWE Learning, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania, which provides early childhood literacy resources to libraries and other community organizations in the United States and Canada. In addition to over 40 games that provide fun, early learning activities for children, ages 2-8, including beginning reading, math, telling time, and music, this new station also includes software for older children, ages 6-12. These “Afterschool Edge” games for older children provide content about earth science, phonics, Spanish, and geography, among many other subjects. There are over 30 “Afterschool Edge” games for older children available on this new computer. Also provided are activities to teach children about computer coding through the interactive “RoboGarden” program. This Early Literacy Station was purchased through the support of the Gallia Community Foundation Fund and the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio I’m a Child of Appalachia Partnership Fund. For additional information on the many programs and services provided by the library for children in the community, please visit bossardlibrary.org. LIBRARY HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM BOSSARD LIBRARY 740.446.7323 bossardlibrary.org 7 Spruce Street Gallipolis, Ohio 45631
Trivia Night Ages 13 and over Come out for Trivia Night at the library and compete as an individual or play with your friends to test your knowledge of current events, science, history, pop culture, and more! Trivia night is open to teens, adults, and families with children who are age 13 and over. Teams can consist of up to 10 individuals. The winning individual or team will receive a nominal prize and bragging rights! Light refreshments will be provided. Youth Services Programs Adult Programs In-B-Tween Club Ages 7-9 The first In-B-Tween Club meeting of the month will feature a reading of One Chicken Nugget by Tadgh Bentley. Attendees will get to complete a “create your own monster kit,” make monster art, and enjoy chicken nuggets. The second In-BTween Club meeting in March will feature a reading of Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins. This meeting will serve as the third “Thinking Money for Kids” session with Rachael, and attendees will enjoy playing the “Pet Cents” game. The In-BTween Club is for any interested child, ages 7-9, and their parents or caregivers. Each meeting features a book, a craft, and games all centered around a fun and engaging theme. For more information, please contact Rachael via email at rbarker@bossardlibrary.org. Ages 3-6 Story time with the athletes will be held at the Gallia Academy High School library, 2855 Centenary Road, Gallipolis, on March 10. This special program will feature stories read by GAHS athletes, as well as snacks and special activities for children, ages 3-6, and their parents or caregivers. Storytime at GAHS Tween Book Club Ages 8-12 The Tween Book Club will meet in March to discuss Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library. The eBook can be found on hoopla, while the eBook and digital audiobook can be borrowed from the Ohio Digital Library via the Libby app. Bossard Library’s Tween Book Club meets every other month at the library and is for any interested reader, ages 8-12. For more information or to sign up, please contact Rachael by calling 740.446.7323. Permission Form Required Evening Storytime Ages 3-6 Evening storytime will be held this month on March 13 and 27. Evening storytime is for children ages 3-6 and their parents/caregivers. It is held twice per month at the library and is typically a repeat of the previous Monday morning storytime program. For additional information, contact Kim at 740.446.7323 or email kwilcoxon@bossardlibrary.org.
French City Writers’ Guild Ages 18 and over Both budding and experienced writers are encouraged to stop by the library to attend the monthly meeting of the French City Writers’ Guild. Writers are encouraged to discuss their original works of various genres, including nonfiction, poetry, genre fiction, and drama. Guild meetings are only for those 18 and over. For more information, contact Randall at rfulks@bossardlibrary.org. ‘Color Me Happy’ Adult Coloring Ages 18 and over Stop by the library to enjoy an adults-only coloring session. Coloring sheets and coloring gel pens/pencils will be provided or you can bring your own. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing coloring session and genial conversation. “Color Me Happy” is only for adults ages 18 and over. No children are permitted. Weekly Programs Storytime Ages 3-6 Join us each Monday morning for storytime. Each program features stories, songs, and crafts with engaging and educational themes for children. Yoga Ages 16 and over An hour-long Yoga session is held each Monday evening in the Riverside Room with a certified Yoga instructor. Please bring your own Yoga mat or beach towel (a few mats are available on site) and wear comfortable clothing. Waiver form required. Pat-a-Cake Lapsit Ages birth-3 The library presents stories, rhymes, and songs with fun and engaging themes for the youngest of readers and their parents or caregivers each Wednesday morning. Needlework Circle Ages 12 and over Anyone with an interest in fiber art is welcome and encouraged to attend Needlework Circle each Wednesday afternoon at the library. Share your love of fiber art with like-minded community members. Anyone with an interest in learning to knit, crochet, or complete other fiber art is also encouraged to attend. ‘Game on!’ Game Day Saturday Ages 12 and over (under 12 with an adult) Bring a friend and stop by the library for Game Day. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own games or select a game from the library’s board game collection. Adult Book Club The Adult Book Club will discuss The Great Halifax Explosion: A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism by John Bacon in March. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library. The eBook and digital audiobook are available on hoopla or the Ohio Digital Library via the Libby app.
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and discover the Emerald Isle Saint Patrick’s Day, held each year on March 17, has become a day to not only commemorate Saint Patrick, but also the heritage and culture of the Irish. In celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, learn more about Ireland and its culture by checking out one of these books and more at Bossard Library: How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill Part of The Hinges of History series, this book of history takes the reader to the Ireland of Saint Patrick where monks, scribes, and scholars laboriously preserved the west’s written treasures. The Book of Irish Verse edited by John Montague This anthology traces the origins of the poetry tradition of Ireland, including unfamiliar poems to poetry by the Irish masters, including W.B. Yeats, Thomas Moore, and Seamus Heaney. Time Pieces: A Dublin Memoir by John Banville A memoir published in 2016 and written by an Irish novelist, Time Pieces presents a picture of Ireland’s capital city through both Banville’s own past and its current history. The Lambing Season: Stories of Life on an Irish Family Farm by John Connell Connell, an award-winning author, film producer, and farmer living in County Longford, Ireland, presents a “hymn to the rituals of farming life” in this non-fiction work. The Legends and Lands of Ireland by Richard Marsh This book delves into the Irish imagination, discussing the legends of the land teaming with history and lore, including stories of the great myths of Ireland, legends of saints and kings, and local folktales. Always Ireland: An Insider’s Tour of the Emerald Isle by Jack Kavanagh This travel guide covers every Irish county and takes the reader from iconic castles to literary pubs to the green coastal cliffs. signing slated March 22 Local author to discuss devotional collection Local writer and author Patrick O’Donnell will be hosting an author talk and book signing beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Bossard Memorial Library. O’Donnell will be discussing his book The Tapestry of Life: God’s Grace in the Midst of Suffering. According to O’Donnell’s website, tapestryoflife.org, this collection of devotionals was captured from the author’s social media posts regarding his personal journey through suffering. Tapestry of Life is the first book in a series that will invite readers “into the depths of human experience, where vulnerability becomes strength and silent suffering transforms into profound hope.” O’Donnell has worked in chaplaincy, Christian education, and human services − serving people in a variety of roles − for over 35 years. During the event, copies of the book will be available for purchase. O’Donnell will be on hand to speak with those interested in his work and sign copies of Tapestry of Life. For additional information about O’Donnell or to read the author’s blog, please visit tapestryoflife.org. For the latest information on upcoming library programs, visit bossardlibrary.org.
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