April is National Library Month, observed across the nation by public, school, academic, and special libraries. The Vinton Public Library will be celebrating with some special programs as well.
Branch librarian Sarah Rodgers says she is very excited about a group of “inspirational, faith-based authors” who will be signing and discussing their books in the “Local Author Book Signing” on Saturday, April 8, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Dr. Fred Eichelman, a retired public school teacher who began his career at William Byrd Middle School, has written three textbooks and a science fiction novel. His current book, “Faith, Family, Film: A Teacher’s Trek” details how film and television have influenced his own development, teaching, and Christian ministry.
Dr. Carolyn Adams Roth, author of “Rooted in God: Interpreting Plants in Bible Lore,” “God as a Gardener: Exploring Plants in Bible Parables,” and “Lesser Known Bible Characters: Using Their Relationships to Restore Ours,” will also be meeting and greeting. She is a Master Gardener and creator of the award-winning St. John Lutheran Bible Gardens in Roanoke.
Guest author Mary Clark Dalton’s books include the Rainbow series for children that imparts lessons in moral values beginning with “Rainbow’s Promise” about the adventures of Rainbow the Butterfly.
Karen Throckmorton, author of “Smoke Rising: Crossing into the Depths of Poverty,” is the founder and president of Orphan Medical Network International and a recipient of the Paul Harris Award for international humanitarian aid. Her book is described as “an intense story of courage, faith, and love for others.”
Patrons may now sign up for the ongoing “Book a Librarian” program, exclusive to the Vinton Library. The 30-minute, one-on-one sessions with an experienced staff member are meant to assist patrons with additional services “which technology class instruction may not cover.” An appointment request form needs to be completed at the circulation desk.
This year the Vinton Library is partnering with the Town of Vinton and the Vinton History Museum on April 13 at 10 a.m. for the annual Arbor Day celebration. There will be story time, crafts, and snacks at the library followed by a tree planting across the street at the museum.
The library will also host a “Hearing Impaired and American Sign Language Workshop” on April 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. Those who plan to attend need to be familiar with Word and have basic computer skills.
Children in grades 2-5 are invited to the “Wacky Science Snow Frenzy” event on April 6 at 3:30 p.m. led by \children’s library assistant Patty Kiser.
Schedules for regular weekly and monthly programs can be found online at www.yourlibrary.us/.
The East County Café located on the mezzanine level of the library is now offering iced espresso drinks and Italian sodas in addition to the regular menu. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10-6, and on Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5.
Information on all programs is available by calling the Vinton Library at 857-5043.
