Get to Know Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and More at Stark County District Library

Did you know the Stark County District Library is More Than Books? Throughout April the library will be celebrating National Poetry Month with a Kaleidoscope of Poetry, the annual poetry contest for grades 2 through adult. Create an original poem and enter it in the contest by Tuesday, April 30. Additionally, there will be poetry-themed programs at all locations of the library all month long—here is a link to the all the poetry activities at SCDL this month.

As always, each program listed below is linked to the Stark County District Library Events calendar, where you'll get more information about the program (such as the time the event is offered), and have the opportunity to register online or by phone to attend.

The Ohio State University Extension in Stark County will present the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program beginning Tuesday, April 2, and running every Tuesday in April. It’s an interactive program that helps families learn about nutrition, meal planning, stretching food dollars, and increasing physical activity. There will also be food tastings and recipes.

Learn how to improve your brain’s health at Cognition and Brain Health on Tuesday, April 2 at Perry Sippo Branch. Occupational Therapist Andi Michelson will show you how brain health can be positively impacted by lifestyle. She’ll present practical and fun ideas for creating an enriching environment for your brain.

Plain Community Branch will host Needle Chat for knitters, crocheters, and other needle crafters beginning Wednesday, April 3. The group meets on Wednesdays throughout April, so bring your knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or other needle craft projects and ideas and share them with other crafters. Meet new people, learn new stitches and projects, and make something great. All skill levels are welcome.

Kids grades K-5 can delve into the fascinating secrets behind the illusions of famous magicians like Harry Houdini at Ology World, a fun program based on the popular Ology book series. On Thursday, April 4, we’ll look at Illusionology at Main Library. And next month, on May 2, we’ll examine Wizardology.

Also on Thursday, April 4 at Main Library, kids ages 6-10 can enjoy a special story time designed to educate and enlighten about eye health and safety in a fun way. Wild About Eyes is sponsored by Prevent Blindness Ohio and features guest storytellers, the Wild About Eyes interactive kiosk, important information for parents and caregivers about their children’s vision, and advice for keeping your family’s eyes healthy and safe.

Teens can up-cycle used books to create unique art journals at Altered Book Art Journal on Thursday, April 4 at Main Library. We’ll use a variety of media to create fantastic new journals every Thursday in April.

Join us at Jackson Township Branch on Monday, April 8 for Getting to Know Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn about what the park has to offer all year long—including family activities, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, local foods, train rides, biking, hiking, and much more.

Members of the Canton Symphony return to several branches of Stark County District Library for Listen at the Library family story times. Listen at the Library features special musically-enhanced versions of your children’s favorite stories. It’s a wonderful experience for families, and the symphony musicians really bring the stories delightfully to life. Here is a link to all the Listen at the Library story times at a location near you.

Poets and poetry fans are invited to Madge Youtz Branch on Monday April 8 for Poetry Café. Share your work and celebrate National Poetry Month with your fellow poets.

Are you thinking of buying a home? James Duck of Nationwide Insurance will be at Main Library on Monday, April 8 to present Problem Spotting Before You Buy a Home. Find out what to look for and the potential pitfalls to avoid in house shopping before you commit to your dream home.

There are many other excellent events planned at a branch of the Stark County District Library near you, including children's story times, book groups for adults, computer classes, classes that will assist you with your eReader, programs for teens, and much more. For a full listing of events and programs, check www.StarkLibrary.org/eventscalendar and find something that enriches and inspires you today.