January 2026

Lower Providence Library News!

Happy New Year, Friends!


As we ring in the New Year, we are making a big change at

Lower Providence Community Library:

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be NO OVERDUE FINES on Children's and Young Adult materials, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, Music CDs, and magazines!

This is the next step in becoming a fine-free library and making our materials as accessible as possible for everyone.

Please keep in mind that if you lose any of these materials or return them damaged, you will be responsible for the replacement costs.


2026 Reading Goals?

In 2025, I finished my reading goal of 52 books by the absolute skin of my teeth, and it was, overall, one of the most underwhelming reading years of my life. I'm hoping to leave this terrible reading energy in 2025 and start new in 2026! Right now, my only real goal in 2026 is to read more classics, beginning with East of Eden by John Steinbeck and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in January. I hope that each month I'll be able to provide you with my thoughts on a newly read classic, and tee up what classic is to come!


Thank you all for your continued support and patronage of the

Lower Providence Community Library!

It is an absolute honor and privilege to serve this wonderful community

year after year.


Happy reading, and see you at the library!


Marija Skoog, Library Director

mlskoog@mclinc.org

See what I'm reading on Storygraph!

FYI: LPCL Edition

Goodbye 2025, Hello to 2026!

Please note the library will be closed:


Thursday, January 1st, 2026


Have a happy and safe New Year! The library will reopen on

Friday, January 2nd, 2026, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Read this month's newsletter carefully!

There are new program offerings and adjustments to current programs. Don't miss what's happening at the library!

Some exciting things at the

library this month!

Join Nicole and Christeyn to kick off the year with a vision-boarding party!


Use your creativity and bring the photos/words/phrases/goals that will guide your vision for 2026. Supplies provided. Space is limited. This creative crafty program is intended for adults and is free to the public.


Saturday, January 17th at 2:00 pm.

Please register online or call 610-666-6640 ex. 0


Beanstack Challenges

Our 2026 Beanstack Challenge is here! No matter what format you choose, log your reading all year long!


The Beanstack App isn't just for Summer Reading; we have challenges all year long!


Use Beanstack to track the books you read or to maintain your reading streak! If you need help using the app, visit Adult Services for assistance.


Download the Beanstack app or visit https://lowerprovidencelibrary.beanstack.org/

*If you are a local business interested in sponsoring a challenge, please contact Adult Services*

January's Beanstack Challenge features Benny, the Beanstack Mascot! Write reviews and earn Benny-themed badges!


Download the Beanstack app or visit https://lowerprovidencelibrary.beanstack.org/

Adult Programming


Learn more about our Adult Programming

and what it is like to bring adult programs to LPCL!

The Head of Adult Services now has a blog!

Click here to read this month's post.

Book Clubs

Adult Afternoon Book Discussion

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On Monday, January 19th at 12:30 pm

The afternoon book group will be discussing:


Before We Were yours

by Lisa Wingate.



All are welcome to join this book club that meets the third Monday of the month! Copies are available at the library for pick up. Please email Kevin Fennell at KFennell@mclinc.org for more information.



No Registration Required.

Adult Evening Book Discussion

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On Wednesday, January 21st at 6:45 pm 

The evening book group will be discussing:


The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald


All are welcome to join this book club that meets the third Wednesday of the month! Copies are available at the library for pick up. Please email Marija Skoog at mlskoog@mclinc.org for more information.


No Registration Required.

A Different Kind of Book Club

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On Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 pm

"ADKBC" will be discussing:


Conviction

By Denise Mina.



All are welcome to join this book club that meets the fourth Thursday of the month! Members are responsible for securing a copy of the book. Please email Deb Duffy at deblrduff@gmail.com for more information.


No Registration Required.

BYOBook Club

On Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 pm,

The BYOBook Club will be meeting.

*New Program*


All are welcome to join this book club that meets on the fourth Saturday of the monthBring your own book, read in a quiet space, and socialize if you choose. This is our version of the book clubs featuring silence. Intended for adults.


No Registration Required.

Movies

Friday Classic Movie Matinee

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Friday, January 2nd at 1:30 pm

*New Program*


This Month's Classic Movie is:

Rear Window


Rated PG, this 1954 Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart is 112 minutes long.



This program happens on the first Friday of the month and features films that were made before 2006 that are one (or more!)

of the following criteria:

  • Based on a book
  • Patron Suggested
  • Culturally Significant
  • Timeless or enduring relevance
  • In our collection
  • Satisfy the requirements of our movie license.


The ratings of selected movies can vary. Viewer discretion is advised. When available, free popcorn is provided!





Registration is required; please call the circulation desk to reserve your seat! Call 610-666-6640 ext. 0 or email mmcneil@mclinc.org.

Is it Better Than the Book Movie Club

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Monday, January 26th at 1:30 pm

*New Program*

It's a book club...It's a movie club...ITS BOTH



This Month's Movie Book Club is:

Wicked: Part 1


Rated PG, this 2024 John Chu film is based off the Gregory Maguire book Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Run time is 160 minutes.

This program happens on the fourth Monday of the month and features films that were adapted from books for the big screen. After the movie, there will be a brief discussion about the adaption of the film from the book.



The ratings of selected movies can vary. Viewer discretion is advised. When available, free popcorn is provided!



No Registration is required

Friday New Movie Matinee

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Friday, December 19th at 1:30 pm

*Please note the time change of this program*


This Month's Friday matinee is:

Thelma


Rated PG-13, this 2024 John Margolin comedy is 97 minutes long.




This program happens on the third Friday of the month and features films that were made in the last 2-3 years that are one (or more!) of the following criteria:

  • Based on a book
  • Patron Suggested
  • Award-winning/critically acclaimed
  • In our collection
  • Satisfy the requirements of our movie license.



The ratings of selected movies can vary. Viewer discretion is advised. When available, free popcorn is provided!



Registration is required; please call the circulation desk to reserve your seat! Call 610-666-6640 ext. 0 or email mmcneil@mclinc.org.

Monthly Programs

Adult Coloring

First Monday of the Month

from 1:00 - 3:00pm.


De-stress and get creative! Join in for a fun, relaxed afternoon with pencils and markers at our Adult Coloring Book Class. We have lots of beautiful coloring book pages to choose from. You’re never too old to color! 


No registration required, all materials provided.

Writer's Circle

Fourth Wednesday of the Month

from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.



This group meets once a month. Members share their prepared works by reading aloud. A monthly prompt is provided for inspiration, but it is not required. Pieces may include memoir-style writing, essays, or occasionally fiction. This is not a "workshop" style group.  

We meet to enjoy one another's stories, although there is usually a brief comments/questions/discussion following each reading.  The group is suitable for writers of all levels and experience.


Please contact Eileen Myers at emyers176@yahoo.com

for more information or to become part of the group.

Senior Social Hour

Fourth Friday of the Month

from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.



Join us for light refreshments and get to know your neighbor!


This month, we'll meet Joyce from the Liberty Bell Wanderers and learn about the benefits of being part of a walking group.


Adult TTRPG

First Saturday of the Month

from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.


Formerly "Adult D&D", we've expanded to be able to play other Table-Top Role-Playing Games. Time to break out your dice and roll for initiative! Join us on the first Saturday of the Month for this role-playing game program. This session is intended for adults 18 years and older.



Registration is required due to seating limitations, email RMosakowski@mclinc.org.

Weekly Programs

Sunshine Social

Monday Mornings

from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

*New Program*



A place for Adults with disabilities & all abilities to gather and socialize. Coloring, fidgets, games, and conversation are provided. Please no food. Outing groups and caregivers welcome.



No Registration Required.

FOLP Work Session

Monday Afternoons

from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Interested in becoming a Friend of the Library?

Join the friends for their weekly work session in the Book Sale Area. Help sort donations and tidy the sale. Meet other volunteers and help the library!



No Registration Required.

Mahjong

Tuesday Afternoons

from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

This group plays both American and Siamese versions. Bring your own card, tiles not required.

All levels are welcome.



No Registration Required.

English as a Second Language

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Tuesday Afternoons

from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm.


Instructors Maureen Miller and Carol Dole will lead the group in our cafe area in a casual, conversational English practice. No experience required.


Registration required, Call 610-666-6640 ex 0 or email MMcNeil@mclinc.org

Yoga at the Library: In-Person Instruction

Taught in person by certified yoga instructor Helen Mitchell



Tuesday Evenings:



Chair Yoga

from 5:45 pm to 6:30 pm.

This class is for everyone! Designed for all abilities, this class is done entirely from a chair. Cost:$5.00



All Levels/Gentle Yoga

from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm.

This class is suitable for all levels of practice and designed to help you clear your mind while moving, stretching, and strengthening your body. Bring your own yoga mat. Cost: $5.00

Adult Craft Wednesdays

Wednesday Mornings

from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Bring your personal craft projects and join in with others for a friendly exchange of conversation while working on your craft. All are welcome!


No Registration Required

Classic Games Group

Thursday Afternoons

from 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm.

*Please note the time change of this program*


Join us each Thursday to play and socialize. Bring a classic game (card, tile, etc.) or drop in to play!


The group is currently playing Canasta and Pinochle.


Newcomers and experienced players welcome. The group is open to learning new games!


No Registration Required

Virtual Programs

Yoga/Chair Yoga via Zoom

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Yoga and Chair yoga taught by certified yoga instructor Kamini Patel via Zoom.



Class times are as follows:

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:00 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm

Gentle Yoga: Monday at 4:00 pm, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 pm

Zoom ID  6568878396 Password 000816


No registration required

Outreach Programs

Introducing our Little Free Food Pantry!


Give what you can. Take what you need.

Open to everyone, the Little Free Food Pantry is here to help members of our community, regardless of their circumstances, without qualifiers or judgment.


We ask that donations be nonperishable, unopened, and unexpired food goods. Please, no glass.


Click here to learn more.

Medicare

Douglas Keene, the PA MEDI (Medicare Education and Decision Insight) coordinator for Montgomery County, wants our patrons to know that state-trained PA MEDI volunteer counselors have always offered free, unbiased easy-to-understand information about the best plans for health coverage for Medicare recipients.


Counselors are available at (610) 834-1040 ex 120 

to return calls and assist people with their Medicare concerns.


In addition, PA MEDI has put several informative Medicare presentations (and more) on their website at https://www.rsvpmc.org/medicare-help You can watch these presentations on your devices at your convenience.  

Children's Programming

Keep up to date with Children's programming!

Join the Lower Providence Library Kids Corner

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lpclkidscorner

Questions? Requests?

Contact Sandrah Moles at smoles@mclinc.org

or call (610) 666-6640x5


Click for Children's Programming

Pre-K Storytime

Thursdays at 11:15 am

Not quite in Kindergarten?

This storytime prepares young children,

ages older 3's to 6 year olds, to become more

familiar with sitting and listening to

longer, more involved stories.

No registration necessary.

Check out our Decodable Readers!

These are phonics based, leveled readers. Color-coded for easy reference. We also have some in audio book format!

Located near the Easy Reader books in the Children's area.

Teen Programming

TAB

Teen Advisory Board

'Junior Friends of the Lower Providence Library'

GRADES 7-12 ONLY

Teen Advisory Board members are considered

'Junior Friends' of the Lower Providence Library.

As such, we organize activities and volunteer to help our community.

We meet on the first Monday of the month, during the school year.


Monday, January 5th, from 5-6 PM.

Meet in the Community Room of the Lower Providence Library.

Electronic Resources

Libby, by Overdrive


Provides access to audiobooks, eBooks, and Magazines which can be checked out and downloaded to your electronic device.

Click here for more information and to register.

Hoopla Digital

Digital Movies, Music, eBooks, Audiobooks and eComics - Instantly Available - 24/7 - Free with your Library Card! 

Available to Lower Providence Community Library cardholders only.

Click here for more information and to register.

Beanstack

Track your reading and participate in challenges to earn badges and even prizes. Not just for summer reading anymore! We'll have Beanstack Challenges set up to enjoy all year long!


Download the app or learn more by clicking here.

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Consumer Reports

Publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory and survey research center. Click on the Consumer Reports Logo to access.

Home use for Lower Providence Community Library cardholders only.

LPCL YouTube Channel

We'll be sharing fun videos and tutorials to enhance your
Digital Library Experience.

@lowerprovidencelibrary

Never miss a video,
Like and Subscribe today!

Support the Library

Your gift makes a difference!

We are working hard to provide services and innovative programming for you.
If you are able, please consider
making a donation to the library. 
We are grateful for your continued support.

Grocery Rebate Program


When you shop at Redner's you can donate to the library at the same time by using your store card. Sign up in the store for the save-a-tape program then drop off your saved receipts in the library. 


Click on the grocery bag above to find out more about this program sponsored by the Friends of the LPCL Library.

The Lower Providence Community Library has shown that its programming has fully integrated the PA Forward(R) Initiative and is committed to providing the programming fuel to move PA Forward(R).


To learn more about PA Forward (R), click here.