Colby Community Library April Update
April is National Library Month and events at the Colby Community Library (CCL) include special programs to celebrate the importance of libraries in communities. While supplies last, free handmade bookmarks will be available as gifts to patrons.
Until they are gone, CCL logo t-shirts will be on sale. Choose from long or short-sleeved shirts at a very reasonable cost. No special orders will be taken.
Libraries are not just books anymore; they are also community centers for educational and social opportunities. Visit to check out what libraries have to offer you and your family.
Learning Opportunities
The CCL is hosting two QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) suicide prevention trainings on Tuesday, April 1, at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend either presentation sponsored by Prevent Suicide Taylor County. There will be light refreshments 30 minutes prior to each presentation.
On Tuesday April 8, CCL’s monthly adult education class will be presented by Elise Woik of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of Medford. The topic will be “Advance Care Planning: The Importance of Documenting Your Wishes.” The presentation begins at 1 p.m. in the library’s community room. This will be the final class until the autumn schedule begins.
Following the Advanced Care Planning class on April 8, an adult education technology class taught by Chippewa Valley Technical College instructor Todd Meyer will be from 2-3:30 p.m. Bring your personal device (laptop, tablet or cell phone) for assistance. Register by calling 715-223-2000. Meyer will also have a class on Tuesday, May 13, from 2-3:30 p.m. Again, registration is required.
Mini-Art Contest
To celebrate National Library Month, a Mini-Art Contest will be sponsored by the Friends of the CCL. Pick up and paint (oil or acrylic) a 2.5 x 3.5 inch canvas and return it to the CCL by April 30. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Youth, Teen, and Adult.
Puzzle Race Back by popular request for ages eight years through adult: an Easter break puzzle- a-thon will be hosted at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 21. Race to set 500-piece puzzles in teams of 2-4 people. Stop in to fill out a form or call 715-223-2000 by April 18. There will be a prize for the winning team.
Vaccine Clinic
Clark County Health Department is holding a Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic for 65+ in the CCL’s Community Room from 10 a.m-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Appointments are necessary. Call the Immunization Hotline at 715-743-5292 to sign up.
Fish Fry
The Colby VFW will be hosting a Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, April 18, to benefit the Colby Community Library. Please show your support. Serving is from 5-7:30 p.m. at the VFW Bar & Hall. Call in orders are also available beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Baby Bags
The first baby boy and first baby girl born during National Library Week April 6-12 at Marshfield Medical Center will receive a reading-themed baby gift bag filled with goodies from the Friends of the CCL.
Remember that the CCL’s Welcome New Baby Bag Program is always available for local babies ages newborn-6 months. The bags, designed to be a child’s first book bag for library visits, are filled with useful baby items created by talented CCL volunteers.
Take and Make Kits
Enjoy creating springtime crafts with the Take and Make kits for April. Please select one each time you visit. Adults are also able to select from take home mind strengthening games.
Book Clubs
“Carmel Pecan Roll Mystery” by Joanna Fluke will be discussed by the CCL’s book clubs on Tuesday, April 15, at 1 and 6 p.m. The cozy mystery, complete with recipes, was selected by Angela Esselman.
Craft and Hobby
Friday, April 18 will be Adult Craft and Hobby in the Community Room of the library. Doors open at 4 p.m. Snacks and beverages are welcome. The group will meet again in May before taking a summer break until September.
Story Times
Springtime story times for pre-school aged children continue Friday mornings at 10 a.m. on April 4 and 11. The April 11 session will feature Angela Busse and a “Woodland Fairy Celebration” at 10 a.m., sponsored by AbbyBank.
Occupation Poker
The adult reading challenge has proven immensely popular with patrons. Pick up a form, read five books or view five movies, and return it for a chance to start or improve your poker hand. The challenge runs through the end of 2025.
SRP
Plans for the 2025 Summer Reading Program (SRP) are in progress. The theme is “Color Your World: On Safari.” In May, pick up a brochure or check the CCL website, Facebook page, and Tribune- Phonograph for details about the program and expanded summer hours. Businesses: please remember the letters sent in January requesting support of the summer program. If you are able, contribute to this great program to “Keep Kids Reading” in the greater Colby area.
Hours
The CCL is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon-7 p.m. The library is closed on Saturdays, but will hold Saturday hours from May 31-August 30. Curbside is offered during regular business hours by calling 715-2232000.
