October 2024 @ Black Earth Public Library
News, programs, events, and more at the library in October 2024!
Library News
Bailey Anderson to Depart as Library Director
After three years as the director of Black Earth Public Library, Bailey Anderson will be departing for a position with Wisconsin Public Radio. During her time as director, Anderson worked to expand library services, and make the library the “place to be” in the community by planning programs like the Local Author Fair, Taylor Swift Party, author readings, blood pressure monitoring sessions, and more, in addition to advocating and working for a bigger space where more community needs can be met. Her last day at Black Earth Public Library will be October 4.
For more on Anderson’s tenure as director, please see this coverage in Star News online or by reading it at the library.
Join the Friends of the Black Earth Public Library on October 4, 2pm-4pm at Black Earth Municipal Building for a Farewell Party for Bailey. Refreshments will be available. If you’d like to bring cookies, bars, or other refreshments, email belibraryfriends@gmail.com.
All Ages
Driftless Park Passport Program
It’s our 4th annual Driftless Park Passport program in partnership with Gateway to the Driftless, the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains, and the Mazomanie Free Library! From August 15 – October 15, stop by one of our library locations to pick up your passport and earn fun prizes for exploring local parks. Prizes are available for those of all ages, kids through adults.
Smokey Bear Challenge
Sign up for the Smokey Bear Challenge on Beanstack from August 15 – October 15 and earn prizes for reading books with nature/conservation themes, learning about our environment, and visiting parks. Visit blackearthlibrary.beanstack.org or our website for more information and to get started.
Kids
October Activity Grab Bags for Kids
A new bag containing activity sheets, stickers, and a craft will be available starting Tuesday, October 1. Stop by the library or call 608-767-4905 to have a bag set aside.
Storytime
Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun activities with friends! Best for babies and toddlers, but the whole family is always welcome.
Toddler Art
Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29 from 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Come create, explore, and play at the library! Our art experiments for little hands are designed to encourage curiosity and build motor skills. Enjoy the process and come dressed for a mess.
Monster Mash Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 23 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join us at the library on your day off of school for crafts, treats, and a scavenger hunt. Great for the whole family. Don't forget to wear your costume!
Adults
Spice of the Month Club
Each month we will be providing "take-and-make" kits featuring a different spice, herb, or blend. Each kit will include information about the featured spice, two simple recipe suggestions, and enough spice to make both of the recipes included. The kits are free, but supplies are limited. Please, only one kit per household. For October we’ll be offering nutmeg.
Garden Club
October 3 & October 24, 6pm, Black Earth Veterans Park
Veggies, herbs, and flowers, oh my! Garden Club is an informal discussion with area gardeners and growers where you can get advice from others in the community. Whether you're just starting out with your garden or are a Master Gardener, please come by to ask questions, share your experiences, and swap veggies with growers in the area!
Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (weather permitting) during the spring, summer, and fall. Thursday, October 3 and Thursday, October 24 at 6pm at Veterans Memorial Park. This is a volunteer-led program.
Book Discussion
Wednesday, October 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Building Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion of the memoir The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story about War and What Comes After by Clemantine Wamariya. Copies of the book, including audio copies, are available at the library.
Titanic Menus: A Culinary Journey Through Ingredients and Recipes of the World's Most Illustrious Passenger Ship
Saturday, October 12 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
This program will tie into the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s “Top Chef Wisconsin”-inspired 2024 “Culinary” theme. Delve into letters that first class Titanic passengers wrote to loved ones at home, describing the elaborate lunch feasts and other delicacies. Study the distinctly different menus from first, second and third class. Hear stories of Wisconsin residents who were aboard the Titanic. Throughout the presentation from Wisconsin author Veronica Hinke, nibble on seasonal foods that Titanic passengers ate, including the assorted cheeses that were offered on the first class luncheon buffet each day. Recipes will be provided. Books will be available for purchase. This program was made possible by Beyond the Page with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Madison Community Foundation.
Local Author Fair
Friday, October 25, 6:00pm
Black Earth History Center at 1022 Blue Mounds Street
Join us on Friday, October 25th at 6pm at Black Earth History Center at 1022 Blue Mounds Street for an evening of readings from six local authors, a Q&A session, and the opportunity to purchase books from featured authors. Stay tuned to our website and our social media to find out who the authors are this year. Many thanks to the Black Earth Historical Society for the use of their space at 1022 Blue Mounds Street for this event.
This Month’s Adult Display
Local Authors
Coming Soon
Sugar Rush
Holiday hours