I Got Killed? How?!

            Sharpen up your sleuth skills and get your investigating eyes ready because Calhoun County Library has revamped our murder mystery program. Introducing a new name, we are inviting anyone who wants to feel like a detective to attend “I Got Killed? How?!” every Tuesday from 5:30 - 7 PM.

            I Got Killed? How?! is replacing the Calhoun Private Investigators. This program is now bigger and better, and if you like digging deep, finding clues, using your critical thinking skills, and solving a murder mystery, then I Got Killed? How?! is for you! Examine evidence, question suspects, uncover details, and evaluate facts to figure out who did the killing. This program is intended for adults.

            If you want more information on this program, check out our video featuring some of your favorite people at the library at http://bit.ly/3RlTJ0L. Our promotional video gives a little insight into what this program is all about.

            Our first I Got Killed? How?! program will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 5:30 PM - 7 PM. and every Tuesday following the debut. Come to the Calhoun County Library and help us solve all of these mysteries! We need you!

Improve Your Health with the Library

            At the Calhoun County Library, we offer a relaxing fitness class twice a week with an experienced instructor that you don’t want to miss.

            Strong & Limber is a class that can help work out all your creaks and kinks while also improving your balance and overall wellness. This program, Strong & Limber, taught by Summer Johnson, helps build strength, flexibility, and durability. As you awaken your muscles, you’re training them to assist you in reducing stress and pain. When people hear about Strong & Limber, they automatically think about physical movement. While movement is involved in this class, there is more to it than that. We do get physical, but there won’t be any handstands or cartwheels! This class focuses on meditation and breathing. To gain full control of yourself, you have to know your body and mind, and that is the goal for each Strong & Limber class here at the library.

            The calming environment of the class is enhanced by dim lighting with sunlight peeking through. Soft music plays as Summer provides guidance in stretching, touching toes, and building a strong core. The movements are slow and deliberate which results in a soothing atmosphere for self-care.

            Let's get flexible! Join us for gentle stretching on mats or in chairs twice a week. On Tuesdays, this class is 11 AM - 12 PM and Fridays from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. The cost is $2 a class or $14 for the month which gives you access to all Tuesday and Friday classes for that month. 

            If you are interested in connecting your soul and body, we would love for you to join Strong & Limber at the Calhoun County Library! While you are here, feel free to check out some books on stretching or whatever you are interested in. This is the perfect opportunity to continue your New Year’s resolutions and maintain your health in a fun way!

            This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Calhoun County Library.

Successful Computer Class

“Click and drag. Double click. Scroll. Tab. Copy and paste.” These are just a few of the phrases you’ll hear when you come to our Adult Computer Class. The Calhoun County Library offers a free adult computer class every week and the participants are successfully learning new technology skills.

“I’ve been working since I was about 16 so you acquire a lot of different experiences but I’ve found that you have to keep up with the technology, you have to keep up with the computer," said class participant Cleo Owens. She shared with us that she even ordered an Apple watch online completely by herself and is learning how to use it which is something she was never able to do before!

Class participant Mary Dixon said, “I was a bit overwhelmed. I actually came to the library because I was pulling my hair out. I said, I need a book on excel! I feel more confident in my job and I’m over 60 years old so technology goes so fast so it’s nice to feel confident and know someone’s there to support you.” She has learned how to use the computer to design posters and other graphics for work as well.

The Calhoun County Library has even gained some media attention around this class! WLTX News aired a short story and interview with some of the students that attend this adult computer class. To check it out, visit their website at WLTX News or head to our Facebook Page.

We would love to see you at our adult computer classes whether you need a refresher on using Excel, need help setting up an email account, or need help with a new device. Learn new computer skills or brush up on skills you already have. You can learn all things computer related! Join us every Wednesday from 3 PM - 5 PM for this completely free class. We would love to have you here!

Mother Goose on the Loose Interrupted

            Calhoun County went through a scary moment last week when a tornado warning alarm was sent out. At the Calhoun County Library, the Mother Goose on the Loose program was taking place. Mary Jo Springs, our Mother Goose, made sure to keep her children calm.

            On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, a tornado warning was sent to the members of Calhoun County. In the middle of this, the Calhoun County Library was having our weekly children’s program, Mother Goose on the Loose. The attending children, who do not understand what a weather alarm and flickering lights meant, were confused and scared. In the Family Room, where we sheltered, Mary Jo took it upon herself to calm these children down. She did this by continuing what she does during Mother Goose on the Loose: playing the ukulele, singing, dancing, and reading.

            Thank you Mary Jo Springs for staying, being quick on your feet, and making sure that everyone was safe and entertained.

            Parents, bring your littles to the Calhoun County Library every Wednesday from 10:30 AM – 11 AM to join our free Mother Goose on the Loose program led by Mary Jo. Your child is sure to have a blast!

First Completion of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

            1,000 Books may seem like a lot, but our little readers have taken on the challenge! At the Calhoun County Library, our youngest readers may participate in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which is an incentive to start reading at a young age to prepare children and give them a head start for kindergarten.

            Last week, on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, we had our very first child complete the program! Aria Coble finished reading  1,000 books within a year of starting her journey. The staff here at the Calhoun County Library is very proud of Aria, and we commend her dedication and adventurous spirit. Congratulations, Aria!

            Parents - by reading 1,000 books with your children before they begin kindergarten, you are letting them know that reading is an important life skill that will hopefully become a habit. You can sing, dance, play, and recite together to show that reading is fun!

            Parents, it is not too late to sign up for your child to participate in this program. To participate, you can sign up on calhouncountylibrary.com/reader365 or come into the library to fill out a simple form.

            1,000 books may seem like a lot, but don’t get intimidated. If you read only one book a day, that means that your child will have reached the goal in under three years! That doesn’t mean you have to read 1,000 different books either; every book counts. You and your child can read the same book over and over and it still counts each time!

            For every 100 books your child reads, Calhoun County Library invites you to bring your child in for a new log sheet and a reading celebration. This includes having their photo taken so they can be placed on our Wall of Fame in the children’s section of the library. We want to celebrate our little readers for every goal they reach.

            You don’t have to stop at 1,000 books! There is a lot more learning ahead!

            This awesome literacy program is offered in partnership with our local schools and funded through grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Rescue Plan Act.⁠