Columbus Public Library

3000 Macon Road

Columbus, GA 31906

706-243-2669

CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Unless otherwise indicated, all children’s programs will be in the Aflac Children’s Department.

SCAVENGER HUNTS (Families)

Keep an eye out! There are many things to be found, sneaky or creepy and hidden around. Stop by on your own time and complete at your speed!

April 30-May 6 – Space Exploration

May 7-13 – Famous Paintings Scavenger Hunt

May 14-20 – Pete the Cat

May 21-27 – Bluey!

June 4-10 – Chapter Books Adventure

June 11-17 – Greek Mythology Scavenger Hunt

June 25-30 – Waldo

July 9-15 – Mushroom Hunt Scavenger Hunt

July 16-22 – Fairytale Mix-up

July 23-29 – Flags Around the World

August 6-12 – Safari Scavenger Hunt

August 13-19 – Bug Hunt

SIMPLE STEPS STORYTIME: BABIES & TODDLERS (Ages 0-36 Months)

Let’s get ready to read! Based on our Simple Steps to Early Literacy, this storytime helps shape growing minds with rhymes, games, songs, and stories galore! Sing, Talk, Read, Write, and Play – your child is on their way!

Mon. May 1, 8, 15, 22 | 10:00am – A Special Mother’s Day Storytime

Mon. June 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10:00am – A Special Father’s Day Storytime

Mon. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 10:00am

Mon. August 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10:00am

Synovus Meeting Rooms A+B

SIMPLE STEPS STORYTIME: PRESCHOOL (Ages 3-5)

Let’s get ready to read! Based on our Simple Steps to Early Literacy, this storytime helps shape growing minds with rhymes, games, songs, and stories galore! Sing, Talk, Read, Write, and Play – your child is on their way!

Mon. May 1, 8, 15, 22 | 11:00am – A Special Mother’s Day Storytime

Mon. June 5, 12, 19, 26 | 11:00am – A Special Father’s Day Storytime

Mon. July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 11:00am

Mon. August 7, 14, 21, 28 | 11:00am

Synovus Meeting Rooms A+B

Reservations are required for groups of 7 or more. Call 706-243-2814.

Appointment required. See program description for more info.

Self-directed program during Library hours.

TAKE AND MAKE: KAWAII CLUB (Ages 0-12)

Do you like cute things with googly eyes? Or adorable miniatures that can fit into the palm of your hand? Stop by and make something Kawaii with our Take and Make bundles. Bundles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tues. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Tues. June 6, 13, 20, 27

Wed. July 5

Tues. July, 11, 18, 25

Tues. August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

TAKE AND MAKE: ORIGAMI (Ages 0-12)

Learn the Japanese art of paper folding by creating simple yet beautiful objects- a great lesson in mindfulness, patience, and creativity.

Tues. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Tues. July, 11, 18, 25

Tues. June 6, 13, 20, 27 Tues. August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Wed. July 5

DISCOVERY HUB (Ages 3-5)

Join us for this dynamic programming series tailored to expose young minds to a world of discovery and wonder.

Wed. May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 11:00am – Exploring Nature

Wed. June 7, 14, 21, 28 | 11:00am – Colorful Science

Wed. July 5, 12, 19, 26 | 11:00am – All Things Edible (vegan-friendly)

Wed. August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 11:00am – Mythology

SIMPLE STEPS STORYTIME: FAMILY (Ages 0-5)

Let’s get ready to read! Based on our Simple Steps to Early Literacy, this storytime helps shape growing minds with rhymes, games, songs, and stories galore! Sing, Talk, Read, Write, and Play – your child is on their way!

Thur. May 4, 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am

Thur. June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 10:00am

Thur. July 6, 13, 20, 27 | 10:00am

Thur. August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 10:00am

Synovus Meeting Rooms A+B

SIMPLE STEPS STORYTIME: RHYTHM AND RHYME (Ages 0-5)

Let’s get ready to read! Based on our Simple Steps to Early Literacy, this storytime helps shape growing minds with rhymes, games, songs, and stories galore! Sing, Talk, Read, Write, and play – your child is on their way!

Fri. May 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10:00am

Fri. June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 10:00am

Fri. July 7, 14, 21 | 10:00am

Fri. August 4, 11, 18, 25 | 10:00am

Synovus Meeting Rooms A+B

MY MAD SCIENCE LAB (Ages 5-12)

Learn about science while solving puzzles, mixing up concoctions, and playing interactive games!

Fri. May 19 | 4:00pm – DNA

Fri. June 30 | 4:00pm – Shark Week

Fri. July 28 | 4:00pm – The Nervous System

PAJAMA PARTY: DON’T SLEEP ON SUMMER READING

Grab a reading log and kickoff Summer Reading with a special storytime for all! After storytime, activities, and snacks are provided. Make sure to wear your favorite comfy pajamas.

Fri. May 26 | 4:00pm

LEGOS® IN THE LIBRARY (Families)

Build. Create. Engage. Discover. Join us in using your brain to construct LEGO® masterpieces based on a challenge theme. When we learn, we win!

Thur. June 1, 15, 29 | 4:00pm

Thur. July 13, 27 | 4:00pm

KID’S ART STUDIO (Ages 5-12)

Join us and get creative! With each session at Kid’s Art Studio, you can unleash your inner artist by experimenting with different materials and styles.

Mon. June 5 and July 3 | 4:00pm – Acrylic Painting

Mon. June 12 and July 10 | 4:00pm – Watercolor Painting

Mon. June 19 and July 17 | 4:00pm – Oil Pastels

Mon. June 26 and July 24 | 4:00pm – Picture Collage

WRITE! LEARN CURSIVE AND PENMANSHIP (Ages 5-12)

Join in the fun of learning cursive in a relaxed way. We will show you how to sign your name, engage the brain, and demonstrate just how fun penmanship can be!

Wed. June 7, 21 | 3:00pm

Wed. July 5, 19 | 3:00pm

LIBRARY GAMES (Families)

Board games, trivia, and scavenger hunt galore! Join us each week for an evening of fun with the family.

Wed. June 7, 14, 21, 28 | 4:00pm

Wed. July 5, 12, 19, 26 | 4:00pm

DADS AND DINOS: A FATHER’S DAY DINOSAUR DIG (Families)

Do you know what makes Father’s Day even better? Dinosaurs! Bring your paleontology passion, a healthy dose of discovery, and maybe your dad! Supplies, dinosaurs, and fun are provided. Fathers are optional, but love for dinosaurs is mandatory.

Tues. June 20 | 4:00pm

FAMILY FUN NIGHT (Families)

Games, trivia, and creativity abound! Each night brings something different, so bring the whole family for free fun at the library!

Thur. June 22 | 4:00pm

Thur. July 20 | 4:00pm

I FORGET! (Ages 5-12)

Strengthen your brain with an afternoon of brainteasers and fun challenges designed to keep you building your memory.

Thur. July 6 | 4:00pm

MINI GOLF PAR-TEE: END OF SUMMER TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (Families)

It’s a supersized, super fun, super competitive mini-golf party. Our Summer Reading champions are invited to the ultimate showdown of skills. The first hole-in-one earns a special prize!

Fri. July 28 | 11:00am

Yancey Children’s Garden

LEFT HANDERS’ DAY! (Ages 5-12)

Join us in celebrating the uniqueness of being left-handed!

Fri. Aug. 11 | 4:00pm

Family Friendly Movies

SUMMER CINEMA: STAR WARS SAGA (Families)

In a Library pretty close to you…. They showed the entire Star Wars Saga. For FREE. Beat the heat and ticket prices. May the Force be with you. Lightsabers will be checked upon entry.

Thur. May 4 | 5:00pm – Star Wars: A New Hope (PG)

Thur. May 11 | 5:00pm – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (PG)

Thur. May 18 | 5:00pm – Return of the Jedi (PG)

Thur. May 25 | 5:00pm – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (PG)

Thur. June 1 | 5:00pm – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (PG)

Thur. June 8 | 5:00pm – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (PG-13)

Columbus Public Library Auditorium

SUMMER CINEMA: MOVIES AND MUNCHIES

Beat the heat! Join us for a family-friendly movie! Light snacks are provided, or you can bring your own. All movies will be shown with closed captions.

Fri. June 2 | 2:00pm – Raya and the Last Dragon (PG)

Fri. June 9 | 2:00pm – Atlantis: The Lost Empire (PG)

Fri. June 16 | 2:00pm – Wall-E (G)

Fri. June 23 | 2:00pm – Ratatouille (G)

Fri. June 30 | 2:00pm – Finding Nemo (G)

Fri. July 7 | 2:00pm – Encanto (PG)

Fri. July 14 | 2:00pm – Zootopia (PG)

Fri. July 21 | 2:00pm – The Princess and the Frog (G)

Fri. July 28 | 2:00pm – The Emperor’s New Groove (G)

Columbus Public Library Auditorium

Teen Programs

Unless otherwise indicated, all teen programs will be in the Teen Department. Teen programs are for youth aged 12 years old through 12th grade.

TEEN TAKEOVER: SUMMER SAMPLER

It’s Golden Ticket Tuesday! Celebrate by sampling some of the upcoming programs we have planned for you this summer!

Tues. May 30 | 3:30pm

TEEN TAKEOVER

We provide a space and activity just for teens! All supplies provided.

Thur. June 1 | 3:30pm – Board & Card Games

Tues. June 6 | 3:30pm – Painting Party

Tues. June 13 | 3:30pm – Summer Sleuthing

Thur. June 15 | 3:30pm – International Snack Taste Test

Tues. June 27 | 3:30pm – DIY Buttons & Stickers

Thur. June 29 | 3:30pm – Monopoly Madness

Tues. July 11 | 3:30pm – Summer Sleuthing

Thur. July 13 | 3:30pm – Recess Games

Tues. July 25 | 3:30pm – Bad Art Night

Thur. July 27 | 3:30pm – Ghost Fighting Treasure Hunters

TEEN TAKEOVER: MERRY POP-INS

Come see what we’ve pulled out of our bag. Pop in to play interactive games, go on scavenger hunts, and complete other selfpaced challenges alone or with your friends!

Thur. June 8 | 10:00am-6:00pm – Library Mini Golf

Thur. June 22 | 10:00am-6:00pm – Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt

Thur. July 6 | 10:00am-6:00pm – National Treasure Hunt

Thur. July 20 | 10:00am-6:00pm – Silent Library Challenges

TEEN TAKEOVER: FREEDOM COLLAGES – A Juneteenth Program

Celebrate Juneteenth by creating a collage that expresses what freedom means to you. All supplies provided.

Tues. June 20 | 3:30pm

TEEN TAKEOVER: YOU DECIDE

What do YOU want to do? We’ll try a new activity based on what you suggest. Movies? Crafts and DIY? Gaming? LEGO®s? Community projects? Something seasonal? You help us decide! All materials provided.

Wed. June 28 | 3:30pm Wed. July 26 | 3:30pm

TEEN TAKEOVER: ZINES 101 – An Americans and the Holocaust Program

Join us for this workshop on the history of zines, their use in social justice and resistance movements, and create your own using provided supplies.

Tues. July 18 | 3:30pm

Adult Programs

SCAVENGER HUNTS

Pick up a scavenger hunt in the Adult Services computer lab to familiarize yourself with the wide world of adult services! Earn a prize for learning how to locate Library materials and resources. Stop by anytime and complete at your own pace. Themes change regularly.

Throughout Summer

ALL TOGETHER NOW: ORAL HISTORIES

Tell your story and preserve local history by creating a recording to be added to our collection at the Digital Library of Georgia. Call us at 706-243-2681 or email us at genealogy@cvlga.org to set up an appointment or to be paired with another community member to discuss a major event in local or US history.

Throughout June and July

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

HISTORY CRAFT HOUR

Listen to a short history presentation and spark your creativity with a related craft. New topics and crafts every month. Designed for adults, but all ages welcome!

Wed. May 3 | 4:00pm – the Loch Ness Monster/Cryptid Terrariums

Wed. June 7 | 4:00pm – Pasaquan-inspired terracotta planters

Wed. July 5 | 4:00pm – the Lumiere Brothers/make your own zoetrope

Wed. August 2 | 4:00pm – The Language of Flowers/paper flowers

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

MIND MEET UP

Adults experiencing dementia or similar cognitive disabilities, along with their caregivers, are invited to join us for an hour of fun activities. Activities will be mentally stimulating and include coloring, puzzles, blackout poetry, and games.

Thur. May 4 | 2:00pm

Thur. June 1 | 2:00pm

Synovus Meeting Room A

CHESS AT THE LIBRARY

Join us for an afternoon of playing chess, learning new strategies, and meeting new people. Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate.

Tues. May 9, 23 | 4:00pm Tues. July 11, 18 | 4:00pm

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE: BLESSING TOTE BAGS

Give back creatively! In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re making “blessings” tote bags to be donated to a community group for people experiencing homelessness. We will provide the totes and decorating materials! Patrons are invited to bring small essential items and a book to fill the bags.

Tues. May 16 | 5:00pm

Synovus Meeting Room A

UNDERSTANDING THE INTERNET 101

Algorithms....AI … Bitcoin … NFTS … oh my! Does the internet seem overwhelming these days? We’ll explore how the internet was created, how it works, tips for navigating digital services, and cover trending topics in the world of cyberspace. No computer skills required.

Fri. May 26 | 4:00-5:30pm

Rothschild Technology Room

COMPUTER BASICS LEARNING LAB

Need help on the computer? Library staff will provide roving instruction on basic computer skills like using a mouse and keyboard, Microsoft Word, internet, email, and Library resources.

Wed. May 31 | 11:00am

Wed. June 28 | 11:00am

Wed. July 26 | 11:00am

Adult Services Computer Area

ALL TOGETHER NOW: ATLAS OF THE HEART BOOK DISCUSSION

Join us for a community book discussion of Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. In this book, Brené Brown illustrates the emotions that make us human, and introduces the skills necessary for building meaningful connections.

Thur. June 8 | 4:00pm

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

GENEALOGY BASICS

Are you interested in researching your genealogy, but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for an introduction to basic genealogy strategies and learn about the Library’s genealogy resources.

Wed. June 14 | 11:00am

Wed. July 19 | 11:00am

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

LOCAL HISTORY READING GROUP

This group will read about events and people in Columbus and the surrounding areas. Each month will feature a different selection which could include a book, newspaper articles, videos, and more. Email genealogy@cvlga.org or stop by the Genealogy and Local History Room for the next month’s readings.

Thur. June 15 | 3:00pm – Ma Rainey

Thur. July 20 | 3:00pm – Blind Tom

Thur. Aug 17 | 3:00pm – Franklin Roosevelt

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

JAZZ ON JUNETEENTH WITH THE COLUMBUS JAZZ SOCIETY

Celebrate Juneteenth with a jazz performance by the Columbus Jazz Society! The band will provide background information on their pieces and composers.

Mon. June 19 | 2:00-5:00pm

Auditorium

Tues. June 6, 20 | 4:00pm Tues. August 1, 15 | 4:00pm

Synovus Meeting Room B

Americans And The Holocaust Programs

Please join us for these informative and inspirational programs presented in conjunction with AMERICANS AND THE HOLOCAUST, an exhibit presented by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association, July 10-August 18, Columbus Public Library.

THE SOUTH’S RESPONSE TO THE RISE OF NAZISM

Dr. Dan J. Puckett, Ph.D of Troy University will discuss the rise of Nazism and the response from the American South and from Southern Jews.

Thursday July 13, 7:00pm

Reading Room, Columbus Public Library

AMERICANS AND THE HOLOCAUST BOOK DISCUSSION: THE UNWANTED

Join us for a community book discussion of The Unwanted, an account of America’s response to the refugee crisis during World War II.

Mon. July 17 | 4:00pm

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

AMERICANS AND THE HOLOCAUST: HOLLYWOOD FILMS

In conjunction with the Americans and the Holocaust Exhibition, join us for these award-winning films that were showing in movie theaters during World War II.

Mon. July 10 | 7:00pm – Mrs. Miniver (1942) (Not Rated)

Mon. July 24 & August 14 | 7:00pm – Casablanca (1943) (PG)

Auditorium

A LIBERATOR’S LEGACY: WWII VETERAN JUDGE AARON COHN AT EBENSEE

Judge Aaron Cohn is still revered in Columbus as a consummate civic leader and juvenile justice advocate. But during World War II, he was one of the soldiers who helped liberate the Ebensee concentration camp in Austria. Please join us as his daughter Gail Cohn shares the story of how Judge Cohn’s reception as a Jewish Liberator by the prisoners resonates to this day.

Thursday August 3, 7:00pm

Reading Room, Columbus Public Library

PUZZLE PARTY

Enjoy putting together jigsaw puzzles with other puzzlers!

Thur. June 22 | 4:00pm

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

MEDIA LITERACY 101: SPOT FAKE NEWS LIKE A PRO!

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information out there? Unsure of what sources to trust? We’ll talk about what makes a media source credible, how to spot misinformation, and how to use Library resources to get a handle on complicated issues.

Fri. June 23 | 4:00-5:30pm

Rothschild Technology Room

DESSERT BAKE-OFF

Do you have a favorite dessert recipe that is so good it just needs to be shared? Maybe it is a fancy chocolate cheesecake or maybe it is just your grandma’s chocolate chip cookie recipe. Either way, just bake your favorite dessert and bring it to the Library on Thurs. June 29. We will sample all the desserts and vote on a winner. Please bring enough for 8-10 folks to sample. To register, please call Columbus Public Library, Adult Services 706-243-2691.

Thur. June 29 | 4:00pm

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

INTRODUCTION TO FINDING GRANTS (for nonprofit organizations)

Learn how to use Foundation Directory Online (by Candid) to find funding for your non-profit organization! Full database access is available at the Columbus Public Library.

Thur. July 13 | 4:00pm

Rothschild Technology Lab

RETIREMENT 101 WITH AARP®

It’s never too early to start planning for your retirement! AARP® is joining us to share some tips about planning and saving for retirement.

Wed. July 19 | 2:00pm

Synovus Meeting Room A

SECURING YOUR DIGITAL DATA

Develop a better understanding of how your data is being used online and how to control who has access to it to protect your privacy as well as how to spot common hacks and scams.

Fri. July 21 | 4:00-5:30pm

Rothschild Technology Room

SCRAPBOOKING: PRESERVING PERSONAL MEMORIES

Primary sources are the original documentation of first-hand experiences. Our knowledge of the world’s most significant events is told through primary sources such as photos, letters, and newspaper articles. Bring your own personal documents and photos to make scrapbook pages that could be used as future primary sources.

Wed. July 26 | 2:00pm

Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room

SMARTPHONE BASICS

Learn quick tips and tricks to get the most out of your smartphone. This course is designed for both Apple and Android devices. All learning levels welcome!

Fri. August 25 | 4:00-5:30pm

Rothschild Technology Room

Summer Movies

MEANINGFUL MOVIES

Join us once a month to watch a meaningful film that encourages us to think about the Summer Reading theme “All Together Now”. All movies will be shown in the Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room unless otherwise noted. Please note seating is limited.

Tues. May 23 | 6:00pm – He Named Me Malala (PG-13) *Auditorium

Tues. June 20 | 6:00pm – Summer of Soul (PG-13)

Tues. July 25 | 6:00pm – The Fabelmans (PG-13)