The New Braunfels Public Library offers a plethora of cultural, topical, and educational programs for adults and families. Many of the regularly scheduled programs include story times, arts & crafts activities, holiday-related programs, health and fitness activities, gardening activities, book clubs, author visits, smart device help sessions, paws to read program, and more.
A few special events and programs from this year:
WWI Centennial Commemoration: The Westside Community Center partnered with the Sophienburg Museum and the City of New Braunfels to set up an 8-month long display which included crafts, WWI memorabilia/artifacts, a poppy seed garden, and more!
NBU Rain Barrel DIY: This popular activity has many positive impacts such as recycling, money saving, and a fun activity that patrons are able to take home. The only thing patrons had to bring was their own 32 gallon container. All other supplies, information, and instructions were provided by NBU and the City of New Braunfels.
Cooking Classes: The Westside Community Centers hosts multiple cooking classes and activities. These programs are educational, fun, and free for patrons to participate. Many of the topics include new recipes, safe food handling, and holiday specials.
Power Up At Your Library Week: This second annual statewide campaign brings public awareness to the exciting world of technology and introduces ways it can be utilized throughout the library. Patrons were given the opportunity to complete a mobile scavenger hunt which gave them a tour of the library and its resources. After a completed hunt, patrons received a cool tech gift and were then entered into a drawing for the grand prize of a Virtual Reality (VR) Headset.
RIOmobile-Although the RIOmobile made its debut last summer, it is continuing to expand its horizons. The bookmobile has made extra stops at places such as the Comal County Fair Parade, Resolute Healthy Pregnancy Fair, McKenna Roll & Read, National Night Out, Dr. Seuss Celebration, and several resource nights, back to school fairs, and PTA carnivals at schools in the area.
The programs this year were well-received within the New Braunfels community and many of the programs were even inspired by patrons’ interests.
As a part of the nationwide Centennial Commemoration, the Westside Community Center collaborated with the Sophienburg Museum and the City of New Braunfels to display WWI memorabilia/artifacts, host crafting activities, plant poppy seeds in the NBPL Reading Garden, and create a display of Finding Winnie: the True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear. These displays were showcased from April 6, 2017-November 11, 2017.
Book Discussion Groups
Fiction-2nd Tuesdays of the month
Join this group of fiction book lovers. This group gathers once a month to read and discuss a different novel.
September-The Sea—Banville
October-Prodigal Summer—Kingsolver
November-Today will be different—Semple
December-TBD
Mystery-3rd Thursdays of the month
Lovers of mystery and detective novels are encouraged to take part in this group. The group reads and discusses a different novel each month.
September-Alpine Obituary—Daheim
October-Silent Speaker—Stout
November-Blackhouse—May
December-TBD
Color Me This: Coloring Therapy
Enjoy a relaxing time coloring with other friendly folks every 1st Thursday of the month.
ReadBox
Each month we show a move based on a book.
September-Julia & Julia
October-Adjustment Bureau
November-Under the Tuscan Sun
December-The Importance of Being Earnest
Pin Perfect
Every 3rd Thursday of the month, we’re taking Pinterest inspired crafts and showing you how to make them a reality. All supplies are provided. You bring the creativity and leave with a complete product. Registration required.
Crafty Hour
Need to unwind after work before heading home for the evening? Never carve out craft time at home? Every 4th Tuesday, stop in for our monthly crafty hour. We’ll have a craft ready for you to create but you can also bring questions about any craft project(s) you’re working on. Registration required.
Sit & Stitch
Do you like to knit, crochet, or do other stitching crafts? We share tips and patterns while socializing with other crafty people. All levels are welcome.
Open Tech Sessions
Drop in with all your smart device and technology questions during our weekly tech help hour. Receive one-on-one help for all your questions! Now open Wednesdays and Thursdays, no registration required.
Social Media Classes
Learn the basics of various social media sites including Intro. To Social Media, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
O.W.L. (Older, Wiser, Livelier)
Every Monday join other seniors to for various activities including bridge lessons, 42 lessons, line dancing, yoga for seniors, DIY crafts, and more!
Laughter Yoga
Family Friendly: 3rd Fridays
Adults: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays
Gentle Yoga
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Tai Chi
Every Tuesday
Wednesday Travel Talks
Every 3rd Wednesday stop in to hear travel talks from local travel enthusiasts. Share tips and tricks.
Homesteading 101
Join us as we explore a variety of topics dealing with sustainable living and homesteading such as bee keeping, rain barrels, pasta making, and organic skin care.