By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-chief, Dale County Chronicle
The Ozark Dale County Library has announced a full calendar of programs and events throughout July, offering educational, recreational, and community activities for children, teens, adults, and families.
From story times and Lego building to computer classes, history presentations, and community gatherings, the library’s July schedule includes opportunities for residents of all ages to learn, create and connect.
Children’s programs
Young readers can enjoy Story Time every Wednesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, with sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Each program includes stories, crafts or activities, and snacks.
Homeschool Hangout will be held on Thursday, July 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Homeschool and virtual learning families are invited for social time, educational resources, activities, and a free lunch.
Toddler Tales returns Thursday, July 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room, offering an evening story program for families unable to attend daytime Story Time.
Lego Club meets Saturday, July 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Builders of all ages are welcome to participate in challenges, games, and free play, with Duplo blocks available for younger children.
The Curiosity Crew will meet Monday, July 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. The educational program encourages young explorers to discover topics ranging from astronomy and wildlife to oceans and volcanoes.
Teen programs
Game On! @ the Library takes place every Friday, July 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Participants can enjoy video games, tabletop games, trading card games, board games, and weekly Dungeons & Dragons adventures.
Prose & Cons Teen Media Club meets Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Teen Library for ages 14 to 18. This month’s discussion will focus on the role of awards in books, films and other media.
Drawn Together Teen Art Club meets on Saturday, July 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. Teens ages 14 to 18 will create fantasy-themed artwork that will be displayed in the library’s Teen Area.
Adult programs
Adults looking to improve their technology skills can attend Basic Computer Classes on Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25, from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants will learn internet browsing, Microsoft Word, and other everyday computer skills.
Twisted Stitches will meet Saturdays, July 11 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Teen Library. Knitters, crocheters, cross-stitchers, and other fiber artists of all experience levels are invited to bring projects and socialize.
A free Social Security & Medicare 101 seminar will be held Tuesday, July 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The presentation will cover Social Security benefits, retirement planning, Medicare enrollment, health care options, and common misconceptions.
Patriotism and Ozark will take place Saturday, July 18, at 12:30 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Guest speaker Brian Fair will discuss the history of patriotism in the United States and its connection to the local community.
The Knights of the Wiregrass Chess Club meets Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Players of all skill levels are welcome.
Community events
Residents can support local patients during the LifeSouth Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the main library.
The library will host a Semiquincentennial Celebration on Thursday, July 2, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the library’s grassy area to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Helen Taylor Andrews will present a program highlighting the nation’s history.
Craft & Jigsaw Puzzle Swap will be held Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bay Area Meeting Room. Participants are encouraged to bring unused craft supplies and puzzles to exchange with others.
Medievon al Meetup follows Saturday, July 25, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The themed event will feature games, a mini feast, costumes and medieval-inspired activities, with loaner attire available for those who need it.
The Society for Creative Anachronism Fighter Practice will be held Sunday, July 5, and July 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the library’s grassy area. Led by Ethan Coate, the sessions introduce participants to medieval-style combat, armor, fencing, and martial arts.
Anyone with questions about the library’s programs may email [email protected] or call the Ozark Dale County Library at (334) 774-5480 and ask for Outreach Specialist Mac Bates. If Bates is unavailable, callers may ask to speak with Library Director Karen Speck or Information Technology Specialist Chadwick Bivins.
The Ozark Dale County Library is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Below are some photos from the Children’s Summer Reading Program, which recently concluded. Over 100 children participated in the annual program.
