Winter chill means library activities heating up

FORT MADISON - As the cold and dark days of winter set in, the library is preparing to brighten up your January and February with two exciting programs designed to lift your spirits and keep you engaged. 
Starting on January 5, our larger winter program, “Beat the Blues”, will offer a series of weekly activities designed to help you maintain a positive attitude throughout the season. Running until February 15, this program is all about exploring ways to stay upbeat when the winter weather gets you down. Week 1 will focus on developing a positive mindset through the practice of journaling, specifically starting a “Good Things Journal” to help you recognize the little victories and joys in everyday life.
Each following week will offer a new topic to keep you feeling positive. Week 2 will examine how your environment can affect your mindset and offer tips on creating spaces that boost your mood. In Week 3, we’ll dive into the connection between food and mood, exploring how certain foods can support both mental and physical health. Week 4 is all about the importance of exercise for your mind and body, with activities designed to help you stay active during the colder months. Week 5 will bring out your creative side, as we explore how art can improve well-being, including fun watercolor projects. Finally, Week 6 will emphasize social connections, featuring activities like a Mah Jong workshop and a board game night, which are great ways to meet new people and have fun with friends. 
Don’t forget: each week that you complete at least one activity, you’ll earn an entry into our “Beat the Blues” Prize Basket Drawing, filled with goodies to help keep your spirits high. So mark your calendars, grab a friend, and join us at the library for a season of fun, learning, and positive energy!
A monthly calendar of activities can be picked up at the library or found at www.FortMadisonLibrary.org.
Some Books to Help You Beat the Winter Blues

1. Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World by Isabel Gillies (646.7 GIL)
2. Create Your Own Cozy: 100 Practical Ways to Love Your Home and Life by Liz Marie Galvan (747 GAL)
3. How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis (648 DAV)
4. The New Complete Hoyle: The Authoritative Guide to the Official Rules of All Popular Games of Skill and Chance (794 NEW)
5. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary Word by Bob Goff (248.4 GOF)
6. The Crafting Encyclopedia by Zoey Schrader (J 745.5 SCH)
7. The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms by Clare Walker Leslie (508 LES)
8. So Easy, So Good: Delicious Recipes and Expert Tips for Balanced Eating by Kylie Sakaida (641.5 SAK)
9. Fitness for Everyone: 50 Exercises for Every Type of Body by Louise Green (613.71 GRE)
10. Watercolor 101: Techniques for the Absolute Beginner by Jeanette Robertson (751.42 ROB)

 Upcoming Events at the Fort Madison Public Library –
The Library will be closed on January 1 for New Year’s Day.
Pre-School/Toddler Story Hour –Wednesday mornings at 10:30. 
Minecraft –3:30-5:00 pm Mondays for all ages.
Once Upon a Wednesday – January 7 from 3:30-5:00pm.  Kids’ afterschool activities and crafts.
Thursday Crafternoon – 3:00-5:00 pm every Thursday.  This group works on larger projects that will take several weeks so plan to come several times if you want to create something.
Geri-Fit – Senior exercise class Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning at 10:30.  Newcomers always welcome.  Though the exercises are targeted toward older adults, there are no age restrictions for this program.  Class will not be meeting on January 1 or 19.
All Booked Up! - The library's book discussion group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.  On Thursday, January 8, we will be discussing "The Stories of Your Life and Others” by Ted Chiang.  February’s book will be “– Kindred: Graphic Novel Adaptation” by Octavia E. Butler, Graphic Novel Adaptation by Damian Duffy and John Jennings.