Letters from a Civil War Solider, plus Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts at Stark County District Library

Did you know the Stark County District Library is More Than Books? The library also provides excellent resources for conducting grants research. Whether you are looking to learn the basics of grant making and grant seeking, or need advice and information on starting a nonprofit organization, or need to gather crucial information for grant proposals, the library can help with invaluable information and expertise on these topics and many more grant and fundraising-related subjects. The Stark County District Library provides visitors with free public access to grantmaker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit  management, and the Foundation Center’s electronic databases, Foundation Directory Online Professional, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, and Philanthropy In/Sight. The Grants Collection is located on the second floor of the Main Library, and reference services staff are available to assist you at all times during regular library hours. Here’s a link to more information on the library’s resources for grants. Individuals in the Arts should check out Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts, a program specially designed for their needs--described in a little more detail below.

As always, each program listed here 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.

Stop in at Perry Sippo Branch on Tuesday, March 12 for From Book to Big Screen Brown Bag Book Discussion. Each month we get together at lunchtime on two consecutive Tuesdays to screen a movie that has been adapted from a book (and read the book). Bring your lunch and see The Town directed by Ben Affleck this Tuesday. You can check out The Prince of Thieves, by Chuck Hogan, the book that inspired the movie; copies are available at the circulation desk. Then come back next Tuesday (March 19) and we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between the book and the movie. New faces are always welcome!

Also at Perry Sippo Branch on Wednesday, March 13, see and hear about a collection of letters written by a Civil War soldier to his wife. At Letters From a Civil War Soldier, you’ll learn about the everyday life of a soldier during war time and the problems he faced.

Celebrate Pi Day on Thursday, March 14 at Jackson Township Branch. We’re hosting a pie exchange in honor of the famous irrational number. Participants are invited to bring a homemade pie to share, along with the recipe and their favorite pie and crust making tips. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Speaking of baked goods, Perry Sippo Branch will hold a Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, March 16. There will be plenty of great deals and delicious treats. The sale is sponsored by the Perry Sippo Friends of the Library.

Also on Saturday, March 16, join us at Main Library for the first part of our Spring Gardening Series: Seed Starting. Barb Huth of the Dumont Seed Co. will present the basics of seed starting. Additional programs in this series are coming in April and will focus on Raising Backyard Chickens, Plant Diseases, and Good Bugs/Bad Bugs.

Madge Youtz Branch presents the monthly meeting of Van Gogh Club on Monday, March 18. Explore art basics with Patti Wollenberg. Learn about famous artists, and how to express your ideas, thoughts, and feelings through art.

Get into the spirit of March Madness at East Canton Branch on Tuesday, March 19. We’ll have NCAA brackets for you to fill out and turn in for the opportunity to win a prize. Can you pick the Final Four?

Teens can learn some of the newest technology at Technology Rocks on Tuesday, March 19 at Sandy Valley Branch. Wow your friends and explore the cutting edge. Class size is limited to 15, so don’t wait to sign up.

Individuals in the Arts can get a valuable overview of foundation fundraising at Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts on Tuesday, March 19. This is a great program for anyone in the creative arts looking for funding to complete a project, mount an exhibition, put on a performance, or anything else arts-related. Learn how to identify funders supporting individual artists, explore the option of fiscal sponsorship, and create a step-by-step plan to find funding for your needs as an individual grantseeker.

Following the class, you’ll get to meet representatives of groups helping artists in Stark County, including Tricia Ostertag, Community Arts Manager of Arts in Stark. Space is limited, so don’t wait to register for this invaluable program.

You can now read complete issues of your favorite magazines for free online, on your internet-enabled tablet, or mobile device through the library with Zinio. It’s a great service with no holds, wait lists, or due dates. All you need to get started is your library card. Find out more at the library’s Zinio information page, or read my recent blog post which provides some more details.

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.