Sunday, January 19, 2025
On the heels of successful events that rang in the New Year at Bellmore-Merrick’s libraries, there’s a lot of events to look forward to as they embark into January.
At the Bellmore Memorial Library, young patrons and their families will enjoy a relaxing morning, during the library’s “Read to a Dog” event. Geared for children between the ages of 4 and 12, Therapy Dogs of Long Island will be at the library throughout the morning with trained therapy dogs. Children can share an age-appropriate book with a dog, practicing their reading skills with an extra special listener.
There are several time slots available to register for between 10 and 11 a.m. on Jn. 18, and the portal to sign up opens on Jan. 2 at 9:30 a.m. for Bellmore Memorial’s patrons.
Fun continues later in the month on Jan. 26, as children between the ages of 4 and 8 will have an opportunity to relax and play board games with older teens during “Board Game Buddies.” From 2 to 3 p.m., teen volunteers will be around to play a board game with children from either the library’s collection or their own homes. This event will serve as both a way for children to enjoy an afternoon with older peers, and as a way for teens to earn volunteer hours.
The library is at 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmore.
Kick off the New Year with a fun concert, featuring the Hambones, at the North Bellmore Public Library on Jan. 12. From 2 to 3:15 p.m., the musical group will perform a tribute to Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks,” marking its 50th anniversary. The program will feature an insightful overview of the album’s themes and historical context, followed by a full performance of the album in its original track order. The concert will conclude with a lively discussion and question-and-answer session.
The North Bellmore library is at 1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore.
Have something from the holidays you may not need? The Merrick Library will host its first-ever Grinch Swap on Jan. 11 from 12 to 2 p.m. From Jan. 4 through Jan. 9, library patrons can bring their unwanted gift to the library for inspection, and staff will categorize it by value, and give you a ticket for a corresponding category.
Once the gift is surrendered, it will remain at the library, and on Jan. 11, patrons can return with their ticket and select new gift from that category matching their ticket.
Patrons must be 18-years-old or older to sign the gift swap agreement, and there are any younger participants, an adult must sign on their behalf.
Gifts must be new, unused and in original packaging. The maximum value is $50, and if a patron misses the gift swap event on Jan. 11 after dropping off their unwanted gift, their gift is forfeited and cannot be returned or swapped for something else.
The Merrick Library is at 2279 Merrick Ave., Merrick. No registration is required for the Grinch Swap.
For those looking to start off their New Year in a crafty direction, the North Merrick Public Library is hosting a morning crochet event on Jan. 27, starting at 11 a.m. Those interested in attending can spend the morning crocheting alongside peers, learning new skills and strengthening existing ones. The North Merrick Library is at 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick.
Whether looking to volunteer, learn new skills, or simply enjoy entertainment with neighbors, residents can find plenty of opportunities to engage with Bellmore-Merrick’s libraries as they begin the New Year. For more information about these and other upcoming events, residents are encouraged to contact their local branch directly.
