From newborns to senior citizens, the Marion Public Library (MPL) holds a variety of programs to promote lifelong learning. The library offers opportunities to learn from local experts, meet national award-winning authors and take a deep dive into timely topics such as the upcoming solar eclipse.
“When lifelong learning is your mission, you are always looking for the next opportunity to allow your patrons to explore and gain personal growth,” says Diane Watson, the library’s communications manager.
Solar Eclipse Programs
Before the solar eclipse occurs on April 8, the Marion Public Library offers residents of all ages five chances to learn about this once-in-a-lifetime event. Programs include a family fun event March 2 at Liberty Elementary. There engineering students from The Ohio State University will facilitate hands-on activities about space.
On March 4, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum will teach residents how to view the eclipse safely in “Eclipse 2024: Don’t Burn Your Eyes Out!”
History buffs are invited to learn about the impact of Tecumseh’s eclipse in 1806 from Ohio University astronomy instructor Thomas O’Grady. That session will be held March 13 at Tri-Rivers Career Center.
The Marion Community Foundation sponsored several of these events. One free pair of solar eclipse glasses will be available to each attendee while supplies last. Full details of all events are on the library website.
Adult Lifelong Learning Programs
The Ohio Consumer’s Counsel offers tips to cut down on unwanted solicitations and avoid scams on Feb. 19. That same day, registration opens for the Adult Lifelong Learning (ALL) program. Thirteen classes take a deep dive into a variety of topics including beekeeping, self-defense, long COVID, chair yoga, Florence Harding and the ever-popular Book Buzz. There is a small fee as the classes are taught by experts. Find the list of classes here.
Programs for Kids and Teens
The library offers many free programs for children including story times and lapsit programs to inspire a love of reading. The Teen Scene after-school program offers crafts and other activities. Other events for teens include Dungeons & Dragons and trivia contests.
Authors Series
From Ohio authors to national bestsellers, the new “In The Author’s Voice” series features notable writers. MPL will host contemporary romance author Tia Williams on Friday, April 12. Her novel Seven Days in June was an instant bestseller and is in the works to be adapted for a TV series. Her newest book, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, will be released this month.
Bestselling crime thriller author S.A. Cosby will visit on Friday, June 14. He wrote award-winning novels including All the Sinners Bleed, My Darkest Prayer, Blacktop Wasteland, and Razorblade Tears.
Readlocal Author Fair
On Saturday, September 14, back by popular demand, the readlocal Author Fair will feature Ohio author Amanda Flower. The award-winning author of more than 50 mysteries will share her writing process. The fair also brings authors from across Ohio to sell their books and engage with readers. These events are free and open to the public.
Rounding out the author visits on Friday, October 18, will be Pulitzer-Prize winning author Jane Smiley for the BookMarks’ Speaking Volumes fundraiser event. Tickets can be purchased this fall on the BookMarks’ website.
Delivery for Homebound Residents
For homebound residents, the library delivers books magazines, audiobooks and DVDs to more than 60 community members. The library staff also learns the interests of these 60 patrons and recommends items they may like. The items are delivered every three weeks.
“I love reading and this is such a wonderful service,” says Alice, a local resident who has received the service for years.
“If you can’t come to us, we want to come to you,” Watson said.
The outreach program is free to adults in Marion County and can be accessed by calling (740) 387-0992.
Additional Articles
Learn about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio here. Sign up or donate here.
Read about the BookMarks here.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
