Spring has arrived, and with it comes a flurry of programming at the Exeter Community Library. From regularly weekly programs like Baby Lapsits and Children’s Story Time to monthly events like Movie Matinees, the Evening Readers Book Club, and a reintroduction of the monthly Knitting program, the library has something for everyone in the community. Free yoga has been offered weekly for almost a full year, with rotating instructors visiting from Tula Yoga Center every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Anyone ages ten and older may attend, and the library asks attendees to register in advance.
On Wednesday, April 6th, at 6 p.m., the library welcomes Susan Hillman of Sunshine Signs Kutztown for a class in Crafting Spring Door Hangers. Hillman creates handmade, hand painted wooden signs perfect for home décor, holiday decorations, or gifts for friends and loved ones. As one might guess, the sign featured for this class welcomes spring with an abundance of color and cheer. The class is $25 per person, which covers instruction and the cost of materials. Payment must be received at the time of registration and can be made by cash or check. Registration is limited to 30 attendees, and those interested in registering should do so by Monday, April 4th.
Berks County residents will appreciate two upcoming programs focused on the development of pretzels and pretzel-making throughout history. First, on Saturday, April 9th at 1 p.m., the Exeter Community Library welcomes Jill Marie Thomas, great-great granddaughter of Julius Sturgis, for a history of America’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery. Thomas brings an array of photos, display items, and her book, “Twisted: Mindful Pretzel Consumption” for sale. Autographed copies of the book may be purchased for $6 each, cash or check. The program is free and open to the public, but the library asks that attendees register in advance by calling or emailing the library directly.
Just a few short weeks later, the Exeter Community Library welcomes Jason Sizemore of Butterhead Kitchen for their program, A New Twist on an Old Favorite, which introduces recipes for vegan soft pretzels and nacho dip. This delicious program is free of charge and includes samples to taste. Fun for the whole family, A New Twist on an Old Favorite will be held on Monday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. Registration is limited, and attendees should register in advance via phone or email.
Family-friendly programming is back at the library in full force, too. With warmer temperatures and nicer weather, some of the children’s programming has moved outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. On Friday, April 8th, the library welcomes Marian and Friends Ventriloquist for a rib-tickling, interactive show featuring Marian and her memorable cast of puppet characters. The 45-minute program begins at 6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather,
the program will be held indoors, with a maximum of 40 families in attendance. Registration is required, and those interested in attending this program should send an email to [email protected] or call the library directly.
Later in April, the library enjoys a visit from author Melissa Stoller as part of the Literatour Berks program in a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks. With “Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom,” a book Stoller co-authored, on display at the Exeter Community Library StoryWalk® through May 9th, Stoller will walk the trail as she reads and discusses the book. The event takes place on April 24th at 4 p.m. Signed copies of the book will also be available. The program includes door prizes and giveaways for children in attendance. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held inside. This StoryWalk® book choice is sponsored by John, Mandy, Kara, and Kean Miller. The program and visit is sponsored by PJ Library Reading and Jewish Book Council. To register, visit: www.ReadingJewishCommunity.org/home/literatour.
While the library continued to hold a stream of regular programs over the last two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, the vast majority were either held virtually or in a socially distanced manner. Though the library is still encouraging precautions where Covid-19 is concerned and will continue to monitor transmission levels, the return to in-person programming is a relief to many, including Mallory Hoffman, the Exeter Community Library’s Executive Director.
“I’m so glad our patrons have stayed with us during the past few years, and that they’re just as excited to attend these events in person as we are about holding them,” Hoffman says. “Virtual events have a time and place, but we’re beyond thrilled to welcome a full lineup of in-person events once more. I love seeing patron faces.”
Hoffman is far from the only one to express the sentiment. When asked about her feelings on the return to in-person programming, Evening Readers Book Club member Priscilla Gentry responded, “Better than spring after a long winter, it’s life returning to back to normal!” Gentry is a longtime library patron of the library.
Unless otherwise specified, registration for all programs can be completed by calling the library directly at 610-406-9431 or by emailing [email protected]. For detailed information on any of the programs listed above or for hours of operation, visit www.berkslibraries.org/exeter. The library also encourages visits to their Facebook and Instagram pages to share in the fun of upcoming programs.
The Exeter Community Library strives to provide every member of its diverse population access to an interactive, community-centered space with opportunities to share resources and programming that enrich life culturally, socially, and intellectually. As one of the busiest libraries in Berks County, the Exeter Community Library is happy to serve the community as a center of learning, accessible recreation, practical tools, and nearly 500 free programs designed for children and adults to participate in throughout the year.
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