Community members are invited to enjoy a number of free programs at the Oakdale Library during January.
The NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support Group will meet at the library on Tuesday, Jan. 3 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This free, peer-led support group is designed to help adults living with mental illness. Participants can gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. The group is led by NAMI-trained facilitators who follow a structured model to ensure that everyone in the group has an opportunity to be heard.
LEGO Days will be held on Fridays, Jan. 6 and 20 at 3 p.m. Finished LEGO creations will be displayed at the library. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however they must have direct parental supervision at all times.
Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy “Wee Move and Play” on Mondays, Jan. 9 and 23 at 11 a.m. This program features an hour of music, movement, and sensory play.
The library will offer free computer classes this month, beginning with Computer Basics on Tuesdays, Jan. 10 and 17 at 10:30 a.m. An Internet Basics class will be offered on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Advance registration is required for all computer classes; contact the Oakdale Library at (209) 847-4204 to sign up.
Teens and adults are invited to a duct tape craft on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 3:30 p.m. Crafters can use duct tape to make bookmarks, customize phone chargers, and more.
Children of all ages can participate in a penguin craft on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Preschool age children will make simple cotton ball penguins, and older children will have the opportunity to make water bottle penguins. All materials will be provided.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 3:30 p.m., children and teens can enjoy giant versions of popular games. Participants will have the opportunity to test their gaming skills while interacting with their peers.
The “STEAM Works: Clouds” program will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 3:30 p.m. This Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math program will follow a Story Time about clouds. Children will learn about clouds and rain through a rain-themed science activity. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older.
The Library Book Club will be reading “Beautiful Ruins” and then meeting to discuss and share on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 11:30 a.m. You can sign out a copy at the Library and join in. New members are always welcome.
Children can celebrate the Chinese New Year with a craft on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Participants will make dragons out of toilet paper tubes. All materials will be provided.
LEGO Days, Wee Move and Play, craft programs, Giant Game Fun, and STEAM Works are sponsored by the Friends of the Oakdale Library. They will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 23, at 1:30 p.m. You can sign up to join the Friends. Forms and info are available at the library.
The Teen Book Club will be off in January but returns on Feb. 9 to discuss “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” Come by and pick up a copy of this book and then join in to share ideas and food.
The Oakdale Library is at 151 S. First Ave., in Oakdale. For more information, call the Oakdale Library Branch Supervisor, Wayne Philbrook, at (209) 847-4204.