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The Darwin R. Barker Library, located at 7 Day St., Fredonia, is planning a number of events for the coming weeks, including:
-- A creative writing workshop takes place Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bring a pen or pencil and notebook. Explore different themes, play with words, meet other writers. No registration is required.
-- Children’s programs – from Feb. 5 through 27, Barker Library storytimes will be Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for preschoolers and Tuesdays, afterschool at 4:15 p.m. for all ages. Join in for stories, movies, crafts and play. All children are welcome. No registration is necessary. There will be no storytime Monday, Feb. 19.
-- Ukulele classes with Helen Smit will be offered as a five-week course beginning Monday, Jan. 29. Classes will take place on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m., with the exception of Feb.19 when the library is closed for Presidents Day. Call 716 672-8051 to register. The instructor will provide everything needed, or participants can bring their own ukuleles.
-- Technology Training – "Getting Started with Cricut-Cardmaking Craft" will be offered Friday, Feb. 9 at 1 and 3 p.m. Learn how to use a Cricut Design Space for craft making. Make and take Valentine's Day and other Cricut design cards. Space is limited, so registration is required. All materials are provided free. Children must be supervised. Free of charge. Call 716 672-8051.
The library will continue offering individual computer tutoring in February on Mondays and Thursdays. Appointments are needed for this free service. Specify needs. Dell laptops are available to borrow.
-- The Barker Library book club will meet Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. This month's selection: "Killers of the Flower Moon," by David Grann.
-- A Winter Sowing Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17 at noon. Learn how to start native wildflower seeds in a one gallon plastic jug. Bring your own seeds to plant, or check out some seeds from the community seed library. Materials are provided. For ages 13 and up. Registration is required. Call 716 672-8051.
-- Kids Take Over the Library on Monday, Feb. 19 from noon to 3 p.m. The library will be closed to the public that day, but open for kids in fifth grade and up. Use the VR system, WIFI, Play XBox games, watch a movie, dance at the Silent Disco, play board games, make a craft, eat pizza, whack a pinata, win prizes. No registration is required.
-- On Saturday, Feb. 24 at noon, the library will present a poetry reading and book signing with author Nick Smith. The local author will share excerpts of his book "Cloudwalking."
-- Lending a Helping Hand program: the generous and talented members of the Thursday Knitting Group at St. Joseph's Church have donated items for local children in need. Hand knit hats can be found in the Children's Room. Take a warm winter hat for a child in need.
-- Support the Barker and gift a piece of the local history program: Barker Bricks made from clay from the same site as the bricks used to build the 1821 Barker house, each stamped 1821, are available for purchase for $10 each at the library. The ornaments (1 ¼ x ¾) were donated by Ron Nasca of Mudslingers Studio in Fredonia.
-- Oral History Kits are available for all Barker Library patrons over the age of 16. Ask at the Circulation Desk.
-- The photography exhibit "Scenes from Where You Live" by Tom Janik will run through Feb. 29. All the images in the show were taken within a 10 mile radius of the library.
The Grape Belt Digital Collection curated by John Thomas Slater is available at https://barkerarchive.cclsny.org/s/the-grape-belt-archive/page/welcome
Local artists are invited to submit their artwork for display at the library. Mediums include photography, painting, illustration, mixed media, jewelry, small sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass arts and fabric arts. Self-taught and professional artists from Chautauqua County are welcome to submit artwork. For more information, visit the website at
The Barker Historical Museum's exhibit "Mark Twain in Fredonia." will be closing at the end of the month. The Museum also recently acquired a collection of 37 documents collected by Fredonia resident Hiram Clark (1828-1914).