The C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library in Mt. Vernon is going fine free, so there are no more fines at the library. You just need to return your books or other library materials. Lost or damaged items will still need to be paid for. You cannot check out materials while you have overdue items. However, Brehm Library cannot waive fines imposed by other libraries. Please do not leave donations in the book drop.
The Library will be closed on Feb. 19, March 29 and March 31.
Brehm Library offers a variety of classes and special presentations. Below are some of their upcoming events.
Josie B’s Book Club for girls ages 9-12 includes discussion, crafts, and snacks. Call 618-242-6322 ext. 4 to RSVP, for information on the selected book and to reserve a copy. This will be held at 6 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Jan. 25, Feb. 22 and March 28.
Family Movie Night will be held Jan. 26. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and adults must be accompanied by a kid. Because of the licensing agreement they can’t advertise what movies they will be showing, so call them at 618-242-6322 to find out the titles. Free popcorn and bottled water. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m.
There will be a game day at the library on Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be board games, card games, and role-playing games. Children are welcomed if accompanied by an adult.
Chess Club will be held the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is for ages 10 and up. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 3.
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Brehm Library on Feb. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. Samples of red beans and rice will be served starting at noon. Tom Baker’s Mardi Gras Band will play Dixieland jazz starting at 1 p.m. Dancing is encouraged. Free masks will be available to the first 50 who attend, with free beads until they run out.
The Life of Lincoln will be held at 6:30 p.m. on February 22. This is a program by David Wolfe. The presentation will cover Lincoln’s life from his humble beginnings in Kentucky. It will cover what he saw and some of the things he did in Kentucky, including his early schooling. From there, it will cover his family moving to Indiana and how he grew up. It will cover some of his adventures and the loss that he had in Indiana. From there the story goes to Illinois, where the presenter will cover the first town Lincoln lived in (New Salem). The story will also will cover his trip down to New Orleans. Then they cover his moving to Springfield, Illinois where he marries Mary Todd Lincoln and talk about his ups and downs while in Springfield. Then they go to his life in the White House, the hard times and the Civil War. Ending with his last days, going to Ford’s Theater.