Nothing bad about Bad Art Night
Library wants to fill your week with a month's worth of things to do
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Despite their best efforts, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library failed to find a single bad artist last week. Nearly two dozen patrons descended upon the library’s main branch for a “Bad Art Night,” an event meant to unleash a bit of chaotic creativity.
Amid the chaos, beauty emerged.
The library provided the supplies: paint, ribbon, paper, even neon-colored golf tees. The artists brought the ideas. Before long, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more materialized in their hands.
Events like Bad Art Night take place almost every day at the library’s three branches. Whether it’s downtown, south, or in Russiaville, the library just starts with books. It ends as an experience.
This week, the library is loaded with events, highlighted by the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse. Take a look at all the library has to offer and make plans to participate like these budding artists did.
TODAY
New Baby Bunch
Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group will meet on Mon., April 8, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 2 years are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Mon., April 8, from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
Peek-a-Boo Playdate
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon. April 8, from 11-11:30 a.m. for a playful storytime full of fun rhymes and songs for babies and toddlers. This event takes place at the library’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 0-2.
Eclipsed in Fun
It’s not just an eclipse, it’s a party! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., April 8, for an afternoon celebrating one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in all of nature! This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from noon until 4 p.m. For more information, please visit www.khcpl.org/2024-eclipse
Board Game Night
Snacks and board games! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., April 8, from 5:30-8 p.m. for a fun evening playing games like WarMachine, Dice Throne, Marvel United, Marvel Champions, and Riot Quest! This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Drums Alive! Family Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Family Beats session on Mon., April 8, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. The event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
TUESDAY
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenge? Meet with a professional from 4C Health who can connect you to the support and services you need. The next Mental Health Access Day will be Tuesday, April 9, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., April 9, from 10-11 a.m. to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required by calling 765-626-0813.
Kindermusik Laugh and Learn
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Laugh and Learn will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., April 9, from 3:30-4 p.m. for children ages 0-5 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Discovery Center: 3D Pens
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Tue., April 9, have fun with 3D pens at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Share and Swap Low-Carb Recipe Tasting
Are you on a low carb diet and want something new and exciting to fix? Bring a low-carb recipe and samples to share and find some new ideas at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., April 9, from 6-7 p.m. Register here by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Invasive Species
Learn about invasive species and what you can do to stop their spread with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., April 9. This program, taught by Mathias Ingle from Purdue Extension, will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
WEDNESDAY
Legal Aid Clinic
Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., April 10, from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
KHCPL Main Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., April 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. for engaging and lively discussions of books from different genres. This month’s book is “Educated,” by Tara Westover. The discussion takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required. Visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
Discovery Center: Robots
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Wed., April 10, have fun with 3D pens at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Poetry Group
Poets in search of an audience and feedback from fellow poets are encouraged to attend the Poetry Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., April 10, from 5-8 p.m.
Starry Skies Painting
Learn new painting techniques and explore your creativity! Using software to view the night sky at a time that is important to you, the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will help you incorporate accurate night sky features into your painting. This event takes place on Wed., April 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Join the waitlist for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
THURSDAY
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., April 11, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 0-2. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Thu., April 11, from 11-11:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
KHCPL Russiaville Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., April 11, from 1-2 p.m. for engaging and lively discussions of books from different genres. This month’s book is “Lost Apothecary,” by Sarah Penner. The discussion takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Registration is required. Visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
Blood Drive
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a blood drive on Thu., April 11, at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 1-6 p.m. Register in advance by visiting https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/10209427
Teen Art Group
Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., April 11, from 4-4:55 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., April 11, from 5-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend.
Art in Progress – Kids’ Art Club
Calling all young artists! Unleash creativity through fun projects and learn artistic skills in a supportive, lively environment with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., April 11, from 6-7 p.m. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 8-13.
Earth Day Chair Yoga
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library presents Yoga Does a Body Good on Thu., April 11, from 6-7:15 p.m. Tap into the Earth's energy with this grounding, stabilizing practice. Chairs will be used for support. No prior yoga experience required. This event takes place at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., Russiaville.
FRIDAY
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., April 12, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
Genealogy for Night Owls
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Genealogy for Night Owls event on Fri., April 12, from 5-11:45 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This after-hours research event is open to people of all experience levels, with staff ready to assist. There will be a buffet dinner, snacks, and door prizes. The cost of the event is $20, and registration is required. Make payment by April 8 in the Genealogy and Local History Department in the library’s lower level.
SATURDAY
Dance Across Russiaville
Celebrate National Libraries Week with a special “Dance Across Russiaville” event on Sat., April 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Participants should gather eithers at the Russiaville branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 315 Mesa Dr., or the Russiaville Lions Club, 555 N. Liberty St., as participants will attempt to create a mile-long dancing line. This event is open to the entire community.
Wrangler & Friends
Kindness and love create lasting relationships. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as Wrangler visits the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, for story time, and hear a story about "a little horse who did a very big thing!" This event takes place on Sat., April 13, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Craft Corner: Wooden Crate Mini Gift Basket
Using stain, paint, and embellishments, participating artists will turn a dollar store crate into an adorable gift basket! Join the Howard County Public Library on Sat., April 13, from 1-3 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, for this special art event. Registration is required and runs through April 10. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Poetry Workshop
Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., April 13, for a poetry workshop. The theme of the event is “Turning the Tangible into the Intangible,” an exercise in delving deeper into your poetic voice. The workshop takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 1:30-3 p.m. This workshop is hosted by the Poetry Society of Indiana.