If you love libraries (which we have to assume you do, if you're reading this newsletter), then you may be interested in celebrating National Library Week in April. This year's theme, “Libraries = Strong Communities,” is meant to highlight the ways that today’s libraries are at the center of cities, towns, and schools, providing resources, information, and a public gathering space open to everyone.

If you haven’t stopped in your favorite Washington County Library branch recently, make time for a visit. While you’re there, snap a selfie and share it with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram so we can all celebrate libraries together.

Keep reading to check out some of our programming highlights for the month of April!

Celebrate spring with golf, gardening

Celebrate the start of spring with programs to help you make the most of our best season. Improve your mobility and your golf game with a free workshop and mobility screening at Oakdale Library on April 4, make your very own concrete planter at Valley Library on April 20, and learn about the basics of composting with a Washington County Master Gardener at Park Grove Library on April 30. See all our programs for adults in our calendar.

Save broken items at Fix-It Clinic

Want to learn how to repair basic household items like lamps or small electronics? Stop by our Fix-It Clinic at R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury on April 20! You can bring up to three items (small enough to carry into the building) and work alongside a volunteer fixer to learn how to disassemble, troubleshoot, and repair the piece. Learn more about participating or volunteering on our website!

Code and build at Mini Hackathon

Teens are invited to combine coding and construction at a Mini Hackathon on April 27 at Park Grove Library. The mini hackathon is a free, afternoon event for techies of all ability levels in grades 7 through 12. Teens who are new to coding can build and adapt pre-designed projects using Microsoft MakeCode, while experienced coders can start from scratch to build something new using lights, microphones, speakers, motion sensors, and more. Learn more and register in our online calendar.

Create with Minnesota artists

We’re always excited when we get to bring Minnesota artists to our libraries and in the community. Create a customized, carved wooden sign when the Mobile Sign Shop comes to Hardwood Creek Library on April 10. Or stop by Mahtomedi’s RITE of Spring Festival on April 27 to try an antique letter press with the staff at Wildwood Library. See more arts and entertainment programs in our online calendar.

Game on with kids, teens

Lake Elmo Library is adding two after school game nights for kids and teens. On the second Wednesday of the month, we’ll play strategy board games, focusing on a new game every month. On the fourth Wednesday, drop in to play a variety of board games and video games in the library meeting room. And did you know, we also have a weekly after school game room at Wildwood Library, and a monthly game night for adults at Oakdale Library? Check out all our gaming programs in our calendar.

Library closed for All Staff Day April 17

All Washington County Library branches will be closed Wednesday, April 17 for an all staff training day. However, associate libraries in Stillwater and Bayport will be open that day. We’ll also be closed on Sunday, April 21 for the Easter holiday. Even though our buildings are closed, you can still access your library account on our website, WashCoLib.org, and check out ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through our library apps.