The Adventure Continues… at the Bellevue Public Library

This year’s Adult Library Program was a record-breaking success. We had 71 events and activities scheduled every day from April 1 to May 12, with 17% higher participation than any previous year. Our librarians and community volunteers went above and beyond to make this such a successful year. Here is a review of the events and activities we offered and what we continue to offer throughout the year.

Arts & Crafts

We provided take-home kits for photo embroidery, Kumiko lanterns, tie-dying, Swedish weaving, air plant terrariums, and paper-making. We offered in-person sessions on creating personalized birthday cards, graduation and other cards, cosmic brownie and zebra cake charms, painted candles, and a flower arrangement class. We also gave our community the chance to explore our innovative Makerspace through open house demonstrations, and hosted a very successful craft supply swap.

Throughout the year, we offer craft classes and take-home craft kits. To help with your cardmaking and scrapbooking hobbies, check out our crafting stamps collection and the many craft books we have available. Craft books are shelved in the “745” section in the nonfiction area, but a library staff member is always available if you need assistance. We also encourage you to use our Makerspace for your special projects. Available machines include a 3D printer, pigment and Ink printer, heat press, mug and tumbler press, sublimation printer, laminator, die-cut machine, laser cutter, Cricut maker, embroidery machine, a sizzix machine, a binding system and sewing machines. To make an appointment to use these machines, and for free instruction, email [email protected]. 

Food & Drink

We offered options from healthy to indulgent for those looking to expand their palate. They included an appetizer sampling, plus classes on charcuterie and cake decorating for those in the community who love to entertain and bake. We had classes and presentations on black tea, sourdough starters, fermenting, and kefir water for the health-conscious. For those looking into selling their culinary efforts, a Nebraska Cottage Food Law class gave the information needed to get started.

Our library maintains a wide variety of cooking and specialty diet books in the collection. Whether you want to host a dinner party, try your hand at your favorite ethnic cuisine, or are looking to lower your glycemic index, the chances are that we have a book (or 20!) for you. Start browsing the “640” section in our nonfiction area, and we’re certain you will find something to tempt you! Additionally, we have a collection of cake pans available for checkout. Why spend money on an Elmo shaped cake pan when you can borrow one at the library for free?

Health, Fitness, & Safety

We were happy to host events geared towards your total well-being. In addition to classes revolving around the benefits of fermented food and drink, there were classes on exercise such as cardio sculpting, jazzercise, and Tai Chi. Going a step further, we had demonstrations for self-defense, plus a Healthy Aging expo.

The library continues to host an open Tai Chi class every Tuesday at 2 PM, as well as various presentations on health and wellness throughout the year (TBA). We have a variety of books and DVDs available to help you be the best you can be, whether it’s helping you lose a few pounds, taking up a new sport, or researching a physical or mental health issue. Come in to get information from qualified experts in their field, where our  librarians are always willing to help you find what you need.

Outdoor & Indoor Activities

Libraries are no longer used just for reading but are here to help you expand your horizons, explore the world, and see what is available for you in the community. During ALP, we offered several kits to get you out there to play and explore! For outdoor activities, we handed out kits for discovering Bellevue, geocaching, picnicking, and bird watching. We also hosted a star party, a plant swap, a presentation by Nebraska Parks and Games, and an online fly-fishing demonstration. And for those rainy days, we planned an escape room activity and a personal history kit. At the library itself, we held a bunco for books program, a puzzle knot demonstration, photo session, an open mic night for poetry lovers, a movie night, a game night, and puzzle competitions, all for fun and to bring together family and friends and to make new friends.

Then, as well as now, we offer leisure passes for families and individuals to the Durham Museum, the Omaha Children’s Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, Fontenelle Forest, Gifford Farm (Mondays only), the Luminarium, and City of Bellevue pool passes for Casio, Gilbert, and Dowding municipal pools. To reserve a pass, go to the library catalog and search under “leisure pass,” which will take you to the TixKeeper web page to select a date.

If you’re more of a night owl, take the opportunity to check out one of our two telescope kits for a beautiful view of the moon and stars. If you are having a staycation with friends and family, consider checking out one of our tabletop games, jigsaw puzzles, or a binge box. We have something for every age.

Going Forward…

As we move into June and the start of our Summer Library Program for kids and teens, we remind our community that we are here to support you all year round and appreciate the support you have all given us in return, whether as participants, hosts, or advocates.