Stark Library Explore Guide - Winter 2023

OUR MISSION

To spark curiosity and foster knowledge by connecting everyone to resources, services, and opportunities.

As you read our mission statement and values, you’ll see that the Library is really all about YOU. We care about you and your experiences at the Library. Whether you walk through the doors, visit our website, call on the phone, or just read the Explore Guide, we want you to feel welcome and represented. That’s why we spend the time and resources to survey both our patrons and our community to help us understand what you need and want from the Library. Thanks to all of you who participated in our recent survey.

We’ll be using the information that we collected as we begin our strategic planning process for the coming years. Our most recent strategic plan was for 2019–2022, and we all know how the pandemic turned those years upside down! We’re looking forward to finding more and better ways to connect with the people of Stark County.

We know from our data that many of our patrons never walk through our doors, but only use our onlilne services. So, just as we’ve been Re|imagining our buildings, we are in the process of redesigning our website to better serve our digital patrons. In February, we’ll be unveiling our new website and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

I am beyond excited about our Dr. Audrey Lavin’s Speaking of Books lineup this season! We were delighted by Tyler Merritt and Nigella Lawson in the fall, and I can’t wait to meet Danni Washington and Danny Trejo. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s happening this winter at the Library. You’ll have a brrrrrrilliant time whether you use our Maker Studio, join a book club, or attend the symphony – all free with your Library card.

Explore the possibilities at your Library!

Mary Ellen Icaza CEO/Executive Director

More Events

As always, there’s so much happening at all of our Library locations that it’s impossible to fit it all in this Guide. Scan the QR code to see what’s happening at all Library locations. StarkLibrary.org/WinterEvents

DANNY TREJO

FROM PRISON TO HOLLYWOOD STAR March 9 | 6:30 pm | Canton Palace

Theatre

Danny Trejo’s personal life sounds like a movie, going from prison to acting on the big screen and TV. His face is instantly recognizable from dozens of films, like Spy Kids, and popular TV series, such as Breaking Bad. However, his role in helping troubled kids avoid the drug-related pitfalls he experienced brings him the most satisfaction. Join us for a fascinating discussion of Danny’s journey from prison to Hollywood, along with his latest passion – a cookbook!

DeHoff Memorial Branch is Open!

This is it – we’re down to the final stretch of our Re|imagine project! After five years of planning and three years of construction, this spring we’ll open the final branch in the Re|imagine project – the Lake Community Branch. Each of our locations has become a beautiful and community-centric destination, where people enjoy coming to spend the day. The bookmobile will continue to be on site at the Lake Community Branch while it’s closed for renovation.

UNCOVERING

Black History Month focuses on the contributions of African Americans to our country. This February, we celebrate with art, fascinating stories, and book lists chosen by your favorite librarians.

Travel back in time and hear the spoken words of African Americans who lived here with our recorded Stark Memory Collection. Experience the inspiring local stories of brave souls escaping slavery on the Underground Railroad. Write, paint, and reflect with inspiration from Black artists, civil rights activists, and leaders from all sectors of our society.

These are just a few of the ways to enrich yourself at the Library during Black History Month. Enjoy events for all ages all month long!

Book Clubs

& CELEBRATING X More Book Clubs on page 12

Madge Youtz

Thu Feb 23 | 2–3 pm

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Main Library

Tue Feb 7 | 6–7 pm 

Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

(Read Around the World Book Club)

North Branch

Mon Feb 27 | 11am–12 pm 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

(Banned Books Book Club)

Perry Sippo

Thu Feb 2 | 6–7 pm 

Down the River Unto the Sea by Walter Mosley

Sandy Valley

Mon Feb 6 | 6–7 pm 

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

EARLY LEARNERS

African American Authors

Storytime

Thu Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 | 10–11 am

North Branch Celebrate Black History Month as we feature amazing African American writers.

ELEMENTARY

Art Lab Celebrates Picture Book Illustrators

Wed Jan 18, 25, Feb 1 3:30–4:30 pm

North Branch

Each week will have a new art project inspired by a Coretta Scott King Award winning illustrator. 

Clouds in a Jar

Wed Feb 8 | 3–4 pm

North Branch

Make clouds and learn about the first African American president of the American Meteorological Society, Dr. Warren Washington. 

ELEMENTARY & TWEENS

Early Ohio & The Underground Railroad

With Spring Hill Historic Home & Underground Railroad Site

Sat Feb 11 | 11 am–12 pm

Jackson Community Branch Learn about early Ohio and the Underground Railroad with a storytime and activity. For students in grade 3 and above. 

ELEMENTARY, TWEENS, & TEENS

I Have A Dream Capsules

Tue Feb 28 6:30–7:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

What are your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future? Join us in a remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. We will explore his “I have a dream” speech while creating our own personal dream capsules. 

TWEENS & TEENS

Tween/Teen Multicultural League

Thu Dec 15, Mon Jan 23, Mon Feb 27 | 2:30–4 pm

Sandy Valley Branch Learn about different countries and cultures by making crafts and learning about customs, food, and traditions. A differ ent country will be explored at every meeting. 

TEENS

TeensCREATE

Mon Feb 6 | 3–4 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch Black History Art Paint & Sip

ADULTS

From Yarborough to Neal

Reconstructing an Enslaved Ancestral Family

Sat Feb 4 | 2–3:15 pm

Virtual/Online Renate Yarborough Sanders explores how she used DNA matching combined with docu mented genealogical research to confirm the family of origin of her enslaved great-grandfather. 

Ohio African American Military Heroes

Mon Feb 6 | 6–7:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Join us for a conversation with Willis Gordon, Veteran’s Affairs Chairman of the Ohio NAACP, about Ohio’s Black Medal of Honor recipients. 

African American Genealogy: Journey to the Past

Sat Feb 18 | 11 am–1 pm North Branch

Dr. Deborah Abbott from the African American Genealogical Society of Cleveland will speak about experiences, resources, and how to overcome obstacles in tracing African American ancestries. 

Celebrating Black History: Narratives of Success

Sat Feb 25 2–3 pm

Main Library

Local Black entrepreneurs share their successes, and challenges, as business owners in Stark County.

ALL AGES

Black History Youth Community Quilt

Wed Feb 1 | 2–4 pm

Madge Youtz Branch Contribute to our community quilt by exploring and learning about influential African Amer icans throughout history. Can’t make it? Stop by any time in February to contribute!

African American Art Expo

Mon Feb 6–11 | Library Hours

DeHoff Memorial Branch

Stop in during library hours all this week to view one-ofa-kind art pieces created by Black artists from our very own DeHoff community. You won’t want to miss this!

African American Art Expo Meet ‘n’ Greet

Tue Feb 7 5–6:30 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch

Chat with local Black artists to ask questions and learn about the inspiration behind their one-of-a-kind masterpieces!

Let’s Throw Stories

Wed Feb 8 | 4:30–5:30 pm

Main Library

Affrilachian storyteller Lyn Ford shares folktale adaptations rooted in African and African American storytelling traditions. 

 Register at StarkLibrary.org or 330.452.0665

DeHoff Memorial Branch Mondays | 4–5 pm 

Dec 12 | The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb Jan 9 | Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Feb 13 | Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi (African American Book Club)

Celebrate Groundbreaking Women in Science!

Our Speaking of Books Author Series features a scientific media pioneer, using the power of her pen and camera to pave the way for future women scientists.

Author Activist

DANNI WASHINGTON

Feb 16 | 6:30 pm | Canton Palace Theatre

Danni Washington, a Miami native of Jamaican descent, is truly one of a kind. She is a full-time dedicated marine science communicator, a part-time educational “mermaid,” and an unstoppable rising media star. She brilliantly educates and entertains, standing at the intersection of science and the public at large. She is the first African American woman to host her own science television series.

Your kids will love meeting Danni, as she discusses her new book for children. Bold Women In Science tells the inspiring stories of 15 women who changed the course of science. Her stories inspire young people to dream big! X Reserve FREE seats at StarkLibrary.org/Danni

More Events

EARLY LEARNERS & ELEMENTARY

Ocean Yoga and Play

Mon Feb 27 6–7 pm

East Canton Branch

Learn about the ocean through yoga and sensory play. 

ELEMENTARY Chemistry Kids

Mon Feb 13 | 3:30–4:30 pm

North Branch

Kids are chemists! Explore chemical reactions and learn about women chemists at this hands-on program. 

ELEMENTARY

Ocean Conservation and Carbon Footprint Sensory Play

Mon Feb 13 | 6–7:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Let’s dive in and learn more about ocean pollution and conservation while also discov ering ways to reduce your carbon footprint. This one will be a splash! 

ELEMENTARY & TWEENS

Creative Conservation

Tue Feb 21 | 5–6 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Curious about the impact that plastic bottles have on our waterways? Learn about the effect of water pollutants, dive deep into the water filtration process, and get creative while upcycling plastic! 

ELEMENTARY, TWEENS, & TEENS

Polar Plunge

Sat Feb 18 | 11 am–12:30 pm

Plain Community Branch

Learn about majestic polar bears and their ocean habitat. Create a polar bear luminary while also learning why ocean conservation is critical to their existence via STEM activities. 

TWEENS & TEENS

Upcycled Jellyfish

Thu Feb 9 | 3:30–4:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Learn how recycling benefits the land and ocean while making a mesmerizing, upcy cled jellyfish!

TEENS & ADULTS

Marine Ecosystems

Presented by the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tue Feb 7 2023 | 6–7 pm

Virtual/Online Events

Joe Welsh, Curator of Collec tions, will share his obser vations on the health of the marine ecosystem...locally and beyond. Learn how ocean warming has changed that environment. 

ADULTS

The Ocean...It’s Closer Than You Think

Presented by the Ohio Ocean Foundation

Tue Feb 28 | 6–7:30 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Learn about the connection between Ohio and the ocean. We’ll explore pollu tion, its impact on the oceans and health of Ohioans, and talk about solutions we can get involved with in Ohio. 

With the support of the Herbert W Hoover Foundation, Stark Library celebrates groundbreaking women in science and raises awareness about ocean conservation, marine ecosystems and environmentalism through engaging programming.

GET YOUR ON!

The holiday spirit is contagious as we light up the season with fun!

EARLY LEARNERS & ELEMENTARY

Hikes and Humbugs

Sat Dec 3 | 4:30–4:45 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Meet at the playground to join us for a lantern hike down the Trail Tales Storywalk. Then stay for Here Comes Santa! (see All Ages ). 

Gingerbread with Santa

Mon Dec 12 | 6–7 pm

East Canton Branch Run, run as fast as you can! Can you help Santa catch the gingerbread man? Spend an adventurous evening doing activities and visit with Santa. 

EARLY LEARNERS, ELEMENTARY, & TWEENS

Holiday Hoopla

Tue Dec 20 | 5–6:30 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Try the traditional Jewish game of Dreidel, get silly with some Reindeer games, make a glittery snow globe to take home, and more! 

Winter Solstice Celebration

Wed Dec 21 3:30–4:30 pm

North Branch Welcome good luck and the return of the sun with our (virtual) yule log on the shortest day of the year. We’ll celebrate with tradi tions around the world! 

 Register at StarkLibrary.org or 330.452.0665

Santa

ELEMENTARY

Holidays Around The World Open House

Sat Dec 3 | 11:30 am–3:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Take a trip around the world in an afternoon of games, fun, and adventure! 

Handmade Ornaments

Tue Dec 13 | 6–6:45 pm

Main Library

Decorate clear, fillable ornaments or try something fun with paper. We’ll provide the materials to make a truly unique gift to give or keep! 

ELEMENTARY & TWEENS

Handmade Holiday Gifts & Cards

Sat Dec 3 | 2–4 pm

Sandy Valley Branch Show your love for a friend or family member with a handmade gift or card! We’ll also have a festive photo booth set up to take pictures together as a family.

TWEENS & TEENS

Winter Window Wonderland

Fri Dec 2 | 3–4:45 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Transform the Exploration Gateway into a winter wonderland and choose a window to paint! 

TEENS

Gift Creation and Wrapping Techniques

TeensCreate

Mon Dec 19 | 3–4 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch

ADULTS

10 th Annual Savoy Big Band Holiday Concert

Sponsored by the Perry FOL

Thu Dec 1 | 6–7:30 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Join us for a concert with a 13-piece jazz ensemble. 

DIY December Main Library

Fri Dec 2 | 10 am–12 pm

Embroidered Canvas Pouch

Learn the basics of handstitch embroidery, then embroider a canvas pouch to keep or give as a gift! 

Wed Dec 7 | 5–6:30pm

Singlade Balls: A Scandinavian Folk Craft

Learn the history and process of creating a Singlade Ball with yarn scraps, hand-stitch ing, and embroidery. 

Thu Dec 15 | 2–3pm

Winter Wonderland Etched Glass

Learn the basics of glass etching, then etch a wintery design onto a drinking glass. 

A Christmas Carol

Enjoy a spirited evening as Jim Knight performs an abbreviated version of A Christmas Carol. 

Mon Dec 5 6–7:30 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Tue Dec 13 6–7 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Water Marbled Ornaments

Tue Dec 13 | 6–7 pm

North Branch

Learn how to hydrographic print, also known as water marbling, to create a marbled effect with nail polish and apply it to a glass ornament. 

ALL AGES

Santa’s Workshop

Sponsored by Jackson FOL

Sat Dec 3 | 2–4 pm

Jackson Community Branch Meet Santa, decorate cook ies, craft holiday decor, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa to get into the festive spirit! 

Here Comes Santa!

with Stark Parks and Perry Twp. Rotary Club

Sat Dec 3 | 5–8 pm

Perry Sippo Branch Join us for live music, food, crafts, a tree lighting, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Holiday Escape Room

Tue Dec 6 | 4–7 pm Sat Dec 10 10 am–4 pm

Sandy Valley Branch Solve the puzzles and open the locks in time to celebrate the holidays! Call 330.866.3366 to register.

Winter Bash

Sat Dec 10 9 am–4:30 pm

North Branch Celebrate winter holidays, including Hanukkah, Kwan zaa, and Christmas, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Illumination Celebration

Sat Dec 10 11 am–1 pm

Plain Community Branch Experience cultural cele brations that center around “Festivals of Light” through live international folk music and crafts. 

A Not-So-Silent Family Celebration & Holiday Movie

Tue Dec 20 | 5–8 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch Celebrate the holidays with stories, Santa, and a movie. PJ attire welcome!

5–6 pm Santa & More 6–8 pm Holiday Movie

Light Up Downtown

Thu Dec 1 | 5:30 pm Main Library

If you’re a creator (or an aspiring creator) of any kind, you should visit the Maker Studio at Main Library! The Studio has elite, state-of-the-art equipment that will help you on your way to completing your next project.

Is sewing your thing? Try our high-tech sewing and embroidery machines. Would you like to try your hand at 3D design and printing? We’ve got that, too. You can even transfer your pictures, movies, and audiotapes to digital using the digitization station!

You can create almost anything you can imagine at the Maker Studio. Come spend an hour or two and find out!

StarkLibrary.org/MakerStudio

FREE TICKETS to the Canton Symphony Orchestra

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the Canton Symphony Orchestra free of charge. You can get four free tickets from the Library to the Holiday Pops concert on December 11 at 3:00 pm or Scheherazade on January 22 at 7 pm. Children under 18 are free. We have a limited supply, so reserve your tickets now!

Call the Canton Symphony Orchestra Box Office (330.452.2094) or email: boxoffice@cantonsymphony.org

TICKET CODES:

Library 2022 for Holiday Pops

Library 2023 for Scheherazade

Time for Teens

Teens – find your happy place with crafts, stress relief, and fun!

Chill Out!

Mindful Meditation

Thu Jan 19 | 4–5 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Take time to chill out with some guided meditation. Bring a blanket, take a rest on a yoga mat, and enjoy some peaceful music. Don’t like doing nothing? Color some coloring pages instead! 

TeensCREATE

Mon Jan 9 | 3–4 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch Sugar scrub

Shower Bombs

Tue Jan 17 | 5–7 pm

North Branch Experiment with essential oils intended to revive the spirit. 

Art Therapy

Cookies n’ Canvas

Tue Jan 24 | 4–6 pm

Jackson Community Branch

Self-care January! Use a variety of art supplies to create as a form of art therapy. Plus, learn how these actions can help relieve stress while enjoying a tasty treat ! 

Peppermint Swirl Sugar Scrub

Thu Jan 19 | 3:30–4:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Learn how to use natural materials to make a fragrant sugar scrub, and treat yourself to some homemade self-care!

Kool-Aid Lip Gloss

Sat Feb 4 | 3–4 pm North Branch Experiment and make lip gloss! 

Stress Relief with Fidget Toys

Sat Jan 14 | 2–3 pm

Main Library

Make your own fidget toys that will help combat stress with fun. 

Tweens & TeensCREATE

Mon Jan 9 | 2:30–4 pm

Sandy Valley Branch

Create your own journal and learn how journaling can help you reduce stress, control your anxiety, and organize your thoughts.

Brain Dump

Thu Jan 26 | 3:30–4:30 pm

East Canton Branch

Relax your mind by “dumping” your overwhelming thoughts into a handmade gratitude journal. 

EARLY LEARNERS

Ice Cube Art Work

Mon Jan 9 | 10–11 am

Madge Youtz Branch

Express your creativity and expression using a vivid, freez ing cold technique. 

Rainbow Ice Sensory Play Bins

Wed Jan 11 10:30–11:30 am

DeHoff Memorial Branch

Join us as we explore shapes and colors through messy art.

Frozen Bear Hunt Sensory Play

Mon Jan 30 | 10–11 am

Madge Youtz Branch Let’s go on a bear hunt. Enjoy hands-on sensory play, with a story, singing, and dancing. 

EARLY LEARNERS & ELEMENTARY

The Little Red Hen and the Frozen Treat

Mon Jan 23 | 6–7 pm

East Canton Branch Hear a version of “The Little Red Hen” with a sweet, cold twist and then make your own frozen treat to enjoy. 

ELEMENTARY

Frozen Science Fun North Branch

Snowstorm in a Jar and Fake Snow

Wed Jan 11 | 3–4:30 pm

Bring the weather inside and learn about winter weather! 

Save the Frozen Penguin

Thu Jan 19 | 3–4 pm

Help our penguin friends escape the frozen ball! 

STEAM on Ice

Tue Jan 17 | 4–5 pm

Sandy Valley Branch

Brrr! What kind of science exper iments can you do with ice? We will do projects involving melt ing and freezing, including one tasty project you can eat! 

EARLY LEARNERS, ELEMENTARY, & TWEENS

Dear Yeti Activities

Tue Jan 10 | 5–6 pm

Perry Sippo Branch

Have you checked out our Trail Tails, Yet-i? We’re teaming up with Stark Parks – write your own letter to our elusive pal, create a snowy painting to take home, and snap a Yeti selfie! 

ELEMENTARY & TWEENS

Frozen Fun Science Experiments

Wed Jan 11 4–5 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch

Learn how to make frost, cool a drink quickly, and the best ingredients to melt ice. 

Slime Time

Wed Jan 18 | 4–5 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch

When it’s too cold to play outside, homemade slime is the perfect indoor activity. Learn how to make your very own slime that is ooey, gooey, and perfect for playtime!

ELEMENTARY, TWEENS, & TEENS

Everything Frozen

Sat Jan 21 | 10–11:30 am

Plain Community Branch

Are you a lover of snow? Come explore snow and ice in all their forms through crafts and vari ous STEM experiments. All in the warmth of the Library! 

TWEENS

Snowstorm in a Jar

Thu Dec 8 | 3:30-4:30 pm

Madge Youtz Branch

Have you ever heard the saying, “oil and water don’t mix?” Learn the science behind this saying as we explore the possibilities in this fun, STEM activity.

ALL AGES

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?!

Family Movie Night

Tue Jan 24 5–8 pm

DeHoff Memorial Branch

We’ll have games and crafts for snowman lovers, followed by a screening of a COLD movie with a snowman who LOVES warm hugs. Come dressed in your cozy PJs!

The History of Sled Dogs

Presented by the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland

Sat Jan 28 | 2–3 pm

North Branch

Ever wonder about the Iditarod or the true story of Balto? Get an up-close look at sledding equipment and see how a real Siberian husky is harnessed! 

Serving Your YOUnique Needs

There are many things you may hope to find when you visit your Library. Perhaps you’re looking for the latest book by a favorite author, starting a job search, attending a program, or simply letting your mind wander and recharge.

Whatever the reason, each person who visits the Library is on a unique mission and is sharing in a diverse and multidimensional community hub. Having equitable access to resources like the library, feeling connected, and seeing yourself reflected in your surroundings are essential parts of a healthy and rewarding life.

When you embrace and celebrate diversity in our libraries and communities, you help build that experience for all people, all families, all neighbors, and all friends – each one as unique and valued as you.

Book Clubs

X More Book Clubs on pages 4–5

Main Library

Read Around the World

Tue Dec 6 | 6–7 pm  A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Tue Jan 3 6–7 pm  Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Saturday Sizzlers Saturdays | 2–3 pm 

Dec 17 | A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Jan 21 | The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

Feb 18 | The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid

Perry Sippo

From Book to Big Screen

Mondays | 12–1 pm  (Film and book discussion)

Dec 19 | The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais

Jan 23 | Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

North Branch

Banned Books

Mondays | 11 am–12 pm 

Dec 19 | Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Jan 23 | Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

Feb 27 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

TECH EVENTS

Microsoft Word I & II

Wed Dec 7, Dec 14 | 9:30–11 am

Main Library 

Cutting the Cord

Sat Dec 10 | 2–3:30 pm

Wed Jan 11 | 10–11:30 pm

Main Library 

The Libby App for Digital Materials

Tue Dec 13 | 2–3 pm

Madge Youtz Branch 

Mon Jan 23 | 6–7:30 pm

Perry Sippo Branch 

Your Stark Library Apps

Fri Jan 6 | 2–3:30 pm

Wed Feb 8 | 10–11:30 am Main Library 

Introduction to Newsbank

Thu Jan 12 | 2–3 pm North Branch 

Introduction to MyFitnessPal

Wed Jan 25 | 10–11 am Main Library 

Cloud Storage Basics

Sat Jan 28 | 2–3:30 pm Main Library 

Protect Yourself Against Scams

Thu Feb 16 10–11 am

DeHoff Memorial Branch

Zoom for Video Conferencing

Tue Feb 21 | 6–7:30 pm Main Library 

BASICS

Computer Basics I & II

Tue Jan 10, Jan 17 | 6–7:30 pm Main Library 

Email for Beginners I & II

Thu Jan 12, Jan 19 | 10–11:30 am Madge Youtz Branch 

Computer Basics I & II

Thu Jan 12, Jan 19 | 2–3:30 pm Jackson Community Branch 

Using Technology to Stay Connected

MAKERS

Getting to Know the Maker Studio

Tue Dec 6 | 6–7 pm

Wed Jan 18 | 10–11 am

Mon Feb 6 10–11 am Main Library 

Cricut Crafting

DIY Gift Tag Stickers

Mon Dec 12 | 2–3:30 pm Main Library 

3D Printer Keychains

Mon Jan 23 | 6–7:30 pm Main Library 

Introduction to Canva

Thu Jan 26 | 2–3:30 pm Main Library 

GAMING Game On

Super Smash Bros. Tournament

Sat Feb 4 | 2–4 pm Jackson Community Branch 

Virtual Bowling for Older Adults

Thu Feb 23 | 2–3:30 pm Jackson Community Branch 

Thu Jan 19 | 10–11 am DeHoff Memorial Branch

iPad Basics

Thu Feb 2 | 2–3:30 pm

Wed Feb 22 | 10–11:30 am Main Library 

Email for Beginners I & II

Tue Feb 7, Feb 14 | 2–3:30 pm Main Library 

Using the Cricut for Home Organization

Sponsored by Perry Sippo FOL

Mon Jan 30 | 6–7:30 pm Perry Sippo Branch 

Crafting with Creativebug

Thu Feb 16 | 10–11:30 am Main Library 

Cricut & Cosplay

Tue Feb 21 | 6–7 pm North Branch

Learn how to create a graphic, cut it, weed it, and press it onto a shirt. Please bring your own dark colored shirt. 

with Computer and

Madge Youtz Branch is an undiscovered treasure, helping people in more ways than you can imagine!

Madge Youtz Branch Making Life Easier!

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

60-plus years of friendship center around the Madge Youtz Branch in Northeast Canton for a group of women who grew up in the neighborhood of Crystal Park. The “ringleader,” Auldine Tovissi, refused to tolerate her friends complaining of boredom as they grew older. Her solution? The 80 -somethings had to get a new lease on life by joining a library book club. Auldine, Pat, Sue, and Rosemary enjoyed it so much that they joined a popular painting class. There, they made new friends –Delores, Clarice, Aretha, and Sheila.

“They are the tried and true patrons over there,” says library specialist Patti Wollenberg. “They are always here.”

For today’s project, the women create their own versions of a landscape painting, chatting and laughing all the while.

“When I started, everything I painted turned out green or brown,” says Pat.

Pat was frustrated, but Patti kept doing what the staff here do best –

encouraging and helping. Now Pat proudly hangs her art at home – and family members are fighting over who can have her version of The Scream

“They have no idea what they are missing,” says Rosemary, when considering those who don’t come into the branch. “There is so much to do here, and the people are so welcoming.”

MORE THAN BOOKS

For these and many other patrons, Madge Youtz is so much more than art and books. This is HOME. The inviting, cheerful space is reinforced by the friendly people who work here. They go far beyond book recommendations and research. Branch manager Susan Jacobs says, “We frequently make free copies, help new computer users, and help patrons to access legal forms for healthcare, real estate, or even to set up a new business. We do whatever we can to help. I even found options for an inexpensive, pay-as-you-go cell phone for a man who needed one.”

Over the years, the loss of manufacturing jobs in the area has taken a toll on this tight-knit community. Library assistant Ashley Lewis created a large binder with resources like food pantries, clothing giveaways, and unemployment assistance. “This way they can maintain privacy while finding the help they need.”

HELPING KIDS & FAMILIES

On a Saturday morning, a group of boys finds a comfortable place to play video games together. Sun streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, as a boy around five laughs at a LEGO ® bee on his screen. When branch manager Susan asks him a question, he smiles but does not answer. His fourth-grade brother Roberto explains that only Spanish is spoken at home. Susan quickly brings a stack of Spanish audio picture books. With the push of a button, Juan hears the story narrated in Spanish. The Library has many books, DVD s, and other materials in Spanish to accommodate a growing number of Spanish-speaking households in the Crystal Park community.

The

—Madge Youtz Branch Manager, Susan Jacobs

The brothers walked to the Library with 14 -year-old Paul and seventh-grader Tom, who live near them. Roberto is grateful that the neighborhood Library is a short walk away.

For Tom’s part, besides having a safe place to game, he enjoys reading his two favorite book series – Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Meanwhile, Paul likes having his independence to play Fortnite and check out anime books and movies.

Roberto’s family moved here from Honduras when he was a toddler. In perfect English, learned at his neighborhood school, he proudly mentions how hard his parents work to care for him, his brother, and his baby sister, Maria. Sometimes his mom brings all three kids to the library, where Maria is delighted to wander around playing with toys in the children’s section.

“My Mom only speaks Spanish,” he says. “But she always says MY NAME in English,” says Tom, proudly.

Thinking of home, Roberto wonders if there are any dinosaur movies – his little brother’s favorite! Library assistant Ashley brings over a stack of DVD s, and Juan’s face lights up with a grin. Madge Youtz has a huge selection of movies and TV shows on DVD s to borrow. Tonight will be family movie night. Then tomorrow – and for decades to come (if they follow the path of the “Tried & True Ladies”) – they can always find more of what they need at the Library.

*Some names and details are changed to protect the identity of minors.

Branch Hours

December 2022–February

Main Library

Jackson Community

Mon–Wed ........ 9 am–8 pm Thu–Sat ............ 9 am–5 pm

DeHoff Memorial East Canton Madge Youtz Plain Community Sandy Valley

Mon–Tue .......... 9 am–8 pm Wed–Sat........... 9 am–5 pm

Closed:

Nov 23 (Closing at 5 pm)

Nov 24 (Thanksgiving)

Dec 24, 25, 26 (Christmas)

Dec 31, Jan 1, 2 (New Year’s)

2023

North

Perry Sippo

Mon–Tue .......... 9 am–8 pm

Wed .................. 9 am–5 pm

Thu 9 am–8 pm

Fri–Sat 9 am–5 pm Sun 1–5 pm

Lake Community

Reopening Spring 2023. Please visit the bookmobile:

Mon 11am–2 pm

Tue 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Wed ........................3–6 pm

Thu ....... 9:30 am–12:30 pm Sat 9 am–12pm

Jan 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Feb 20 (President’s Day)

 StarkLibrary.org  hello@starklibrary.org   @ starklibrary  330.452.0665

Bookmobile

MONDAYS

Carriage Hill .........................9–9:45 am Woodlawn Village 10–10:45 am Village Tower 11 am–12:15 pm Linwood 3:30–4:15 pm Wilmot 2:30–3:30 pm Beach City ........................... 4:30–6 pm

TUESDAYS

Pleasant View .............. 10:45–11:30 am Southgate............................ 4:30–6 pm

WEDNESDAYS

Waynesburg 4:30–5:30 pm

THURSDAYS

Bender Woods 12:30–1:15 pm Perry Hills Colony Apts 1:45–2:30 pm Mayfield Manor 2:45–3:30 pm

FRIDAYS Skyline ............................. 2:30-3:15 pm

Friends of the Library Book Sales

East Canton

Wed–Sat Feb 15–18

FOL Garage (North of Main Library)

Sat Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4 9 am–3 pm

Wed Dec 7, Jan 18, Feb 8 1:30–4:30 pm