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. 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.
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.
The Adult Book Club will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The February book will be Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah, and the March book will be The Music of Bees by Eileen Gravin. Copies of the books to be discussed will be available at the circulation desk on the first floor.
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: Feb. 22 and March 28.
Join the group Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for stories read aloud during Story Time. They will have a fun craft/activity that goes along with the theme for the day. Suitable for children ages 2-5.
Monthly take & make craft kits for children are available on the first Tuesday of each month. Kits are limited and available on a first come basis.
Two Homeschool Moms Gatherings are planned. Join other moms to discuss making the most of your unique homeschool. All homeschool moms are welcome. Each month they will discuss a new topic. This is hosted by Hannah Greever and will be held at 6:30 on Feb. 1 and March 7.A Library Learners Homeschool Meet Up will be held on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 & March 19. Learn to utilize library resources for a successful homeschool experience. Meet fellow home educators to share ideas, triumphs, challenges, and concerns.
The Library is offering a Rip and Stitchers Knitting and Crochet Workshop. Patrons who have taken a beginning class of crochet and/or knitting are welcome. Patrons who know how to crochet and knit are also welcome. This group is not for beginners. Patrons must have a library card in good standing with the Illinois Heartland Library System. They will meet the first Tuesday of the month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Patrons must sign up to attend. Please call 618-242-6322, ext. 2, to register.
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 Library offers take-and-make craft kits for adults and teens. Enjoy making crafts to decorate your home, to give as a gift or just for fun? Pick up a craft kit to make at home. Kits are for ages 13-18 and 19 and up. The kits can be picked up at the second floor reference desk on the first Wednesday of the month. There are a limited number of kits, available on a first come basis.
The C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library is located at 101 S. 7th St. in Mt., Vernon, Illinois. For more information on the Library and its programs call 618- 242-6322.
