THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.
The Newcastle Library is closed to the public as we work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, the Library is hard at work to bring you resources and programming online! See the opportunities below and if you have any questions or suggestions please contact Vicki Heck at [email protected].
NEW - UPDATE JULY 17
The Newcastle Library is now taking book returns through the manual book drop on Wednesdays and Fridays 10 am to 1 pm.
REOPENING PLAN
As the region starts to reopen, the Newcastle Library has released its plan on how it will welcome back the community. Staff were allowed back in the branches this week for the first time since the library closed! Staff will be prepping the buildings and getting organized for Phase 2, where they invite people to begin placing holds and select locations will have curbside pick-up. For a full listing of how the library services will evolve as we move through the phases click here.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
KCLS Summer Reading Program for All Ages!
We need reading in our lives more than ever! All ages can join our summer reading program. Read 500 minutes or more and you're eligible to enter a raffle to win a prize package books selected just for you!
Head to kcls.org for a full listing of virtual programs, but here are a few highlights:
Pop-Up Storywalk
July 17-August 7
Get outdoors! Get reading! The next time you head to Lake Boren Park, take a trek and read the children's book Bea's Bees as you wind along the path. Learn more here.
Take Back Control of Your Financial Future
Thursday, July 23, 4pm
For adults. Presented by Society of Financial Awareness (S.O.F.A.).
You thought you were on track with your retirement before Covid-19, but now where do you stand? The last few months have been unprecedented, and left many of us unsure of exactly what to do. Whether you’re concerned about recent market losses and protecting your retirement savings, or you’ve recently lost employment and have questions about what to do with a 401(k), we’ll look at what each of you can be doing right now to help take back complete control over your financial future – no matter what happens.
Register for the Zoom link here.
Poetry of Place-Writing Poems that Engage with the Living Environment
July 25, 11am
The Newcastle Library, Newcastle Arts Council, the City of Newcastle and 4Culture proudly present Poetry of Place-Writing Poems that Engage with the Living Environment. Join us as local award-winning poet Laura Da’ teaches this one hour class on using poetry to explore a sense of place and history through observation of the natural and urban environment. Students can expect to read poems for inspiration, talk through new writing prompts, and leave class with a new poem. The class is open to writers of all ages and experiences. This online class will be held at 11 a.m. on July 25. Register here by 9 a.m. on July 24 to receive a link to access the virtual class.
After that, use your new-found poetry skills to submit a haiku to our Newcastle Sidewalk Haiku Contest. Additional details will be revealed on July 25!
Medicare 101
Tuesday, July 28, 10am
Turning 65 in 2020? Were you planning to work and have suddenly been laid off? Medicare Coach, Pat Roley, will discuss the Medicare basics, timelines for enrolling, how to avoid lifelong penalties, what really is “The Donut Hole” and other topics. If you are a Veteran, learn how to leverage Medicare along with your VA Benefits, and if you are under 65 on SSDI learn about a Medicare Advantage Plan available for you.
Register for the Zoom link here.