“The Book of Harlan” by Bernice L. McFadden is Willard Library’s 2022 Battle Creek Reads book. In its 17th year, the program encourages the entire community to read one book and then hear the author talk. McFadden will speak about the book on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriot. The  novel centers on Harlan, an African American musician during the 1940s, as he travels to Paris during World War II and is held in an internment camp during the Nazi occupation. Click here to read more.

A good story is not from memory, but from the heart. On the next "Stories at Sundown," Michael “Mac” McCullough’s guests will be two masters of the craft, Dick Strader and Nicole Mullis. We'll share our plans to bring back the Mosaic Storytelling Showcase series in the new year.

Monday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.,
Live streaming on Willard's Facebook Page, YouTube, and WillardLibrary.org

Due to COVID, Maker Mondays have been canceled through the end of January.

Drop into the Creative Space downtown to learn about the new equipment and resources on Monday afternoons. Each month features a different project.

The January project will be using the vinyl cutter to create a personalized family tree research binder. Each binder contains printouts from ancestry.com to help with the research process. In addition, library staff will be available to answer questions about using library resources for family research.

Mondays, Jan. 3, 10, 24, and 31,
2-5 p.m.,
Downtown Creative Space

Explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math) by joining us this month as we make ScooterBots. Youngsters may learn principles of engineering and electric circuitry. Materials for this program may be found in the School Age Grab ’n’ Go Kits, which are available beginning Feb. 1 while supplies last.

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

NOTE: This program has been canceled due to COVID. Watch here for new dates.

Students ages 9-14 are invited for a night of painting with award-winning artist Jamari Taylor, owner of Jaylie Art. Participants will create their own cherry blossoms paintings to take home.

Jamari is a portrait artist originally from Battle Creek now residing in Grand Rapids. Using charcoal, acrylics, and oils, she creates images that portray a subject’s character, power, and strength.

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.,
Helen Warner Branch,

Thursday, Jan. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.,
Downtown Lower Level,

Love comes in many forms. During this story time, Miss Chelsea will read Diane Adams’ book “Love is” about the love a little girl has for her pet duck. In addition, she will talk about some ways to show loved ones how much you love them.

Monday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m.,
Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels