March is Teen Tech Month. Geek out at the library.

Local photography expert Marcheta Gibson will show you how to set up a scene with props, lighting, and people. Take those photos and turn them into a poster you design using Picasa software. You can either use your own digital camera and SD card, or borrow one of ours. There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. Thu, Mar 8^th, 6:30-8:15pm.

Area computer expert and instructor Jerry Francl will show us how to produce computer animation using the freely available "Scratch" programming environment, which can be used to make games and short animated films. Bring your own laptop or use one from the library's laptop training lab. This workshop lasts for two sessions, so you'll want to attend both. Space is limited, so registration is required. Thu, Mar 29^th, 6:30-8:15pm and Thu, Mar 22^nd, 6:30-8:15pm.

The Morrow County Sheriff's Department will be here to tell us all about their K-9 unit and the work that they do. For grades K-6. Sign up now. Sat, Apr 21^st at 2pm.

Test your wits, reflexes, and courage in our library tribute to the hottest book series of the year. There will be no fight to the death, but contestants will be assigned districts, draw their weapons from the cornucopia, and engage in battles that will test their wits, reflexes, and courage. Crafts, games, contests, refreshments, and door prizes will be provided. Registration is required. For grades 7-12. Fri, Mar 16^th, 7-10pm.

Do you love free books and playing Bingo? Come on out, make new friends and win adult fiction and non-fiction books by playing Bingo. Everyone is welcome and it's FREE. Refreshments will be provided. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Mon, Mar 12^th, 10-11am.

Examine the crime scene, test the evidence, and help solve the crime. For detectives in grades 3-6. There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. Sat, Mar 17^th at 2pm.

Who will be our next chess champ? Test your chess skills in our four-round Swiss-system tournament, with no eliminations. Points are assigned to each player's win, loss, or draw, and the player with the highest score wins. Participation prizes and prizes for the three highest scores will be awarded. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to enter, but registration is required. Sat, Mar 24^th, Noon-5pm.

Japanese culture, films, and manga. For teens in grades 7-12 only.

• Mon, Mar 5^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Apr 23^rd, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, May 14^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Jun 4^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Jul 9^th, 6:30-8:15pm
• Mon, Aug 6^th, 6:30-8:15pm

The Galion Public Library Association meets annually at the library. Mon, Apr 9^th.

Attention young filmmakers: create and record a short (1-3 minute) book trailer for your favorite book and enter it into our contest. Finalists will be shown at our World Premiere program. Prizes will be awarded. Rules and details will be available at the main desk once the contest starts.

• Thu, Mar 1^st, Contest Begins
• Thu, Apr 26^th, World Premiere

Only 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood. Out of those, only 8% do. That amounts to about 3 out of every 100 people. Your donation makes a difference! To make a difference, schedule an appointment to donate blood at the Galion Public Library on Monday, April 2nd. We look forward to seeing you there! Mon, Apr 2^nd, Noon-6pm.

Griff, an American Labrador Retriever, is a trained therapy dog as part of Therapy Dog International's Tail Waggin' Tutors program, and he listens to boys and girls read books. He'll be here on Wednesdays from 5-6pm. Studies show that therapy dogs calm students so that they can practice, gain confidence, and improve their skills in a relaxing environment. Parents can sign their children up for a ten-minute session of reading with Griff.

Federal tax forms and state tax booklets are here now.

The Galion Public Library is holding our 3rd Annual Poetry Contest in honor of Poetry Month and National Library Week (April 8 - April 14). We encourage those 18 years and older to submit an original poem for this growing contest by Friday, April 13, 2012. All poems must be: 1) an original creation of the submitter, 2) typewritten, 3) no more than 40 lines in length, 4) never been published, 5) Poets will submit only one poem. Poems will be judged on thoughtfulness, grammar, tone, creativity, style and appearance. No additional artwork, please. Winners will be announced by Monday, April 23rd. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place poems. Winning poems will also be displayed at the library and on our website. You can download a copy of the entry form here.

• Fri, Apr 13^th, Poems must be submitted by 6pm.

If you love architecture, photography, or Galion, the Galion Public Library has a contest for you. To celebrate National Library Week (April 8-14), help us hunt for letters around town. We're looking for the letters A-Z that are found in our local architecture and nature. Our own library has an S! What letters can you find? Each photo submitted will be put on display for the month of April. Submit 26 photos or just 1... participants will earn drawing tickets for the first 5 photos they submit. The drawing for a NEW Kindle Basic will take place at 5:30pm on Friday, April 13^th. A-Z photos can be submitted starting Monday, April 2^nd. You can download a blank entry form from here.

• Fri, Apr 13^th, Photos Submission Deadline 5:30PM

National Library Week this year will be April 8^th-14^th. We will kick it off here at the library on Monday, April 9th with our very own National Library Week Cafe. Join us between 11-3 for cake and coffee. Check out a book, sign up for a program and enjoy some refreshments on us! We'll look forward to seeing you!

Our 2012 Poetry Contest winners have been announced. First place goes to Grammy's Little Boy by Marsha Cheesman. Second place goes to As Silence Follows Rain by Kay A. McNaul, and third place goes to The Gull by Rowan Kempf. Thanks to everyone who participated. You can read all three winning poems here.

The chess club is the longest-running teen program at the library. Whatever your skill level, join our ongoing ladder tournament and find out which rung you will dominate.

• Thu, Mar 1^st, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Mar 15^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Apr 5^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, Apr 19^th, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, May 3^rd, 6-8:15pm
• Thu, May 17^th, 6-8:15pm

The Colonel Crawford Company, a local revolutionary war group, will re-enact what life was like in 18th century America. Come learn about 18th century weapons, clothing and camplife. Weather permitting, our library lawn will come to life as an 18th century camp with various hands-on activities! Come try your hand at 18th century games, use some 18th century tools, learn how to do the laundry the "old-fashioned" way, learn about furs, weapons and map-making and MORE. Camp will move in-doors if necessary Sat, Apr 28^th, 1-4pm.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic (April 14/15, 1912), the Galion Public Library is pleased to welcome Mandy Altimus Pond, archivist for the Massillon Museum. Ms. Pond will discuss this historic ship from concept to completion, the social climate before and after its tragic demise, and the passengers aboard. She will explain the early 1900s and why the Titanic was so significant, marking the end of the Edwardian Era with its sinking. Registration required. Call 419-468-3203. Sponsored by the Friends of the Galion Public Library. Wed, May 2^nd, 6-7pm.

Want to start a vegetable garden in your back yard? Or, need tips for making the most out of your current garden? Join local gardener, Tim Groth and learn how to grow your own vegetable garden. Tim will discuss many gardening basics including: what's needed to get started, how to select the best site, how to prepare the soil, raised beds, square foot gardening, when to plant different vegetables and more. Call 419-468-3203 to register. Mon, May 7^th, 6-7pm.

Join us for a special viewing of an animated feature film. Bring a pillow and blanket if you wish. We'll supply popcorn and punch. For grades K-6. There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. Stop by the library to find out what movie we'll be showing. (It's rated PG.) Sat, May 19^th at 2pm.

Calling all Mothers...let's celebrate Mother's Day and Spring; enjoy craft time with your child. Join Stampin' Up Demonstrator and local teacher, Kerri Zeuch, for a fun spring craft. You and your child will be making a Rosette filled flower pots that you can enjoy all year round with; green thumb not required. This program is free, but registration is required. Limited spots available. Call 419-468-3203 to register.

The Friends of the Library will be hosting their spring book sale. Proceeds will benefit the library. Fri, May 25^th, Thu, May 24^th, and Sat, May 26^th.

Summer reading is coming up for children, for teens, and for adults. Watch this space for more information about the summer reading programs.

Dream Big! Starting June 1^st, check out books from the library and use your reading log to keep track of either the number of books or the time you spend reading. We'll reward you with fabulous prizes. Also check out our summer reading shows and experience fun beyond your wildest dreams. Children up to 6^th grade can register starting June 1^st.

For every item you read, fill out a rating form to enter our weekly prize drawing. Two lucky winners will win $10 gift cards for local restaurants, shops, iTunes, or books. Teens going into grades 7-12 can sign up at the main desk starting June 1^st. If you come to our special summer events you will be able to enter bonus tickets for the weekly drawings. The night time is the right time for teens at the library.

Join us Tuesdays at 6:30pm for stories, crafts, and lots of fun.

• Tue, Mar 6^th at 6:30pm, Windy Days
• Tue, Mar 13^th at 6:30pm, Everything Green
• Tue, Mar 20^th at 6:30pm, Spring
• Tue, Mar 27^th at 6:30pm, Out Like A Lamb
• Tue, Apr 3^rd at 6:30pm, Easter
• Tue, Apr 10^th at 6:30pm, Rainbows
• Tue, Apr 17^th at 6:30pm, Spring Garden
• Tue, Apr 24^th at 6:30pm, All About Trees

Join us Wednesdays at 10:30am for stories, crafts, and lots of fun.

• Wed, Mar 7^th at 10:30am, In Like a Lion
• Wed, Mar 14^th at 10:30am, St. Patrick's Day
• Wed, Mar 21^st at 10:30am, Spring Flowers
• Wed, Mar 28^th at 10:30am, Rabbits
• Wed, Apr 4^th at 10:30am, Happy Easter
• Wed, Apr 11^th at 10:30am, April Showers
• Wed, Apr 18^th at 10:30am, Cows
• Wed, Apr 25^th at 10:30am, All About Trees

The Galion Public Library encourages all those over 18 years of age to participate in this years Adult Summer Reading Program. Registration begins June 1st. Once registered, you're able to participate in the weekly drawings by simply reading books! 3 winners will be picked every Friday beginning June 8th. The Summer Reading Program ends July 31st with the drawing of our GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Watch this spot for more details!

• Fri, Jun 1^st, Registration Begins
• Tue, Jul 31^st, Adult Summer Reading Program Ends

Join us on the lawn to celebrate summer and reading. For children up through 6^th grade. You do not need to register for this program: you can just come. Wed, Jun 6^th, 1-3pm.

For children up through 6^th grade. Sign up in the children's room starting June 1^st.

• Wed, Jun 13^th at 2pm, Jason Abbott
• Wed, Jun 13^th at 7pm, Jason Abbott
• Wed, Jun 20^th at 2pm, Tom Phoolery presents Showcase of Dreams
• Wed, Jun 20^th at 7pm, Tom Phoolery presents Showcase of Dreams

Jeff Nicholas presents Howl at the Toons. For children up through 6^th grade. Sign up in the children's room starting June 1^st. Wed, Jun 27^th at 7pm and Wed, Jun 27^th at 2pm.

For children up through 6^th grade. Sign up in the children's room starting June 1^st. Wed, Jul 11^th at 7pm and Wed, Jul 11^th at 2pm.

Ohio Nature Education presents Nocturnal Animals. For children up through 6^th grade. Sign up in the children's room starting June 1^st. Wed, Jul 25^th at 2pm and Wed, Jul 25^th at 7pm.

For grades 7-12. Sign up at the main desk starting June 1^st. Thu, Jun 14^th.

Artist Russell Merrit will present Japanese art. For teens going into grades 7-12. Sign up starting June 1^st at the main desk. Mon, Jul 9^th at 6:30pm.

Sign up at the main desk starting June 1^st. Thu, Jul 26^th at 6:30pm.

Learn computer animation with Scratch. For teens going into grades 7-12. Sign up at the main desk starting June 1^st.

• Tue, Jun 5^th, 3-4:30pm
• Tue, Jun 12^th, 3-4:30pm
• Tue, Jul 3^rd, 3-4:30pm
• Tue, Jul 10^th, 3-4:30pm
• Tue, Aug 14^th, 3-4:30pm
• Mon, Aug 20^th, 3-4:30pm

Drop by the library to make a craft with a Dream Big theme. You do not have to register for this program: you can just come.

• Mon, Jun 11^th, 3-4pm
• Mon, Jun 18^th, 3-4pm
• Mon, Jun 25^th, 3-4pm
• Mon, Jul 9^th, 3-4pm
• Mon, Jul 16^th, 3-4pm
• Mon, Jul 23^rd, 3-4pm

• Thu, Jun 7^th at 6:30pm
• Thu, Jun 21^st at 6:30pm
• Thu, Jul 5^th at 6:30pm
• Thu, Jul 19^th at 6:30pm
• Thu, Aug 2^nd at 6:30pm
• Thu, Aug 16^th at 6:30pm

Find the cookbooks of your dreams and let your unused cookbooks become treasures for others! Bring up to three cookbooks (that you no longer use and wish to trade) from your personal collection plus a dish to share. Call 419-468-3203 to register for this program. Registration required. Tue, May 29^th, 6-7:30pm.

Join local author Rachel Mendell for her 2012 Summer Writing Series. Rachel will be at the Galion Public Library for 3 consecutive Saturdays this summer. Sign up for all 3 or just 1, whatever your schedule allows. All workshops are from 10am - Noon. These workshops are free, but registration is required. Please call 419-468-3203 to register.

• Sat, Jun 23^rd, 10-Noon, Healing Writing
• Sat, Jun 30^th, 10-Noon, Journaling
• Sat, Jul 7^th, 10-Noon, Creating the Character Driven Novel

The board meets at the library at 4pm on the third Monday of each month.

Get hands-on experience using a web browser to find information on the internet. This course will start you off on the ground floor and rocket you into the online world. We can only take ten people for this class, so sign up now. $2 reserves your seat.

The library will be closed in observance of the holiday.

• Mon, May 28^th, Memorial Day
• Wed, Jul 4^th, Independence Day
• Mon, Sep 3^rd, Labour Day
• Thu, Nov 22^nd, Thanksgiving Day
• Fri, Nov 23^rd, Day After Thanksgiving
• Mon, Dec 24^th, Christmas Eve
• Tue, Dec 25^th, Christmas Day
• Tue, Jan 1^st, Closed for the New Year