Discover exciting programs and activities for all ages this January at the Huntsville Public Library.
January is shaping up to be an exciting month at the Huntsville Public Library! With a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages, there’s truly something for everyone. From brand-new events like Adult Movie Matinee and Chess Club to popular favorites like Story Times and Teen Thursdays, the library is buzzing with opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Keep reading for all the events and find the perfect way to engage and explore this month!
Library Closures
The Library will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day.
The Library will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Adult Movie Matinee — NEW
Introducing a new monthly program, Adult Movie Matinee, for ages 18+!!! The monthly Matinee will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 1:00-3:00 pm in the Staggs Community Room. Popcorn and drinks are provided! January’s viewing will be on the 16th, showing Eat, Pray, Love, a biographical romantic drama film starring Julia Roberts, based on the memoir written by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Chess Club — NEW
Join all ages & levels of experience for a game of strategy and problem-solving. The Chess Club will meet every Wednesday evening from 5:00-6:30 pm in the Staggs Community Room. You’re invited to learn and master the art of chess. Chess sets are provided, but feel free to bring your own! No registration is necessary.
One-on-One Technology Help
Do you need help with technology? The Huntsville Public Library offers the “Book-a-Tech one-on-one” program, consisting of individual technology instructional sessions. Please register online, and our IT staff will contact you to schedule your free 30-minute appointment, during which you can bring your personal devices to the library for a one-on-one session. Remember, your appointment is not confirmed until a member of staff contacts you. If you need assistance or have any questions, call the IT Reference Desk at 936-291-5485.
Story Times at the Library
Mondays, 10:45 am – *NEW NAME* Book Babies: Ages 2 and under!
Mondays, 5:00 pm- Evening Family Story Time
Wednesdays and Fridays 10:45 am – Story Time: Ages 6 and under!
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10:45 am- Saturday Family Story Time
Builders Club — New Days!
Calling all Master Builders! Join us to challenge your building skills and explore your creativity! Builders Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. for children in grades K and up, including preteens and teens! Due to small parts, adult supervision for children under 5 is required. Provided building materials include Legos, Magnetic Tiles, and more. January’s dates are the 7th and 21st.
Teen Thursdays
Every Thursday, we welcome teens ages 13-17 to the library and offer a special program for them. We will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy making new friends, having snacks and drinks, and participating in a themed activity each week. All supplies are provided, and registration is not required.
January 2 – Selfless Serving Volunteering
January 9 – SAAFE House presents Lessons on Growing Up
**Parents are welcome to attend**
January 16 – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) presents Driving Safety and Alcohol Awareness **Parents are welcome to attend**
January 23 – Canvas Painting: Art lesson on positive and negative space using pointillism techniques! We will be using acrylic paint, so dress appropriately!
January 30 – Video Games= XBOX & Nintendo Switch 5:00-6:30 pm*
Tweens and teens ages 11-17 are invited to come play video games together!
Art Fun for Everyone
Join us for an hour of creativity each Friday from 1:30 – 2:30 pm! These art classes are for beginners from ages 6 to 16. There will be painting, sculpting, and experimenting with many art styles and techniques. No registration is needed, and all supplies are provided.
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is the most popular tabletop role-playing game of all time. Players build characters and engage in an adventure. This group will meet from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. We have two groups of players, D&D Jr. (ages 11-12) and D&D Teen (ages 13-17). No prior experience is necessary! For more information, please contact Children’s Coordinator Linda Huff at 936-291-5910.
S.T.E.M. — NEW DAYS!
S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) classes at the Huntsville Public Library are here, and we are ready to learn! We are offering this program at two different times:
- 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 3:30 pm
- 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 12:30 pm
Our sessions will include reading, brainstorming, planning, and designing S.T.E.M. projects to enhance students’ engagement in these subjects. Students will work in small groups to apply their knowledge to a 30-minute project, all supplies provided. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years old. This event does not require registration. January’s S.T.E.M. dates are 11th, 14th, 25th and 28th.
Homeschool Hub — NEW TIME!
Homeschool Hub is designed to bring homeschooling families together for creative, educational, and fun activities. The month’s meeting date is Monday, January 6, from 2:00-3:30 pm. For all ages, each session encourages whole-family participation, blending structured activities with unstructured play. The library provides lending materials, educational materials, and a meeting space for support. Learn about library resources, participate in STEM lessons, and build a sense of community amongst families through the events and activities. All co-ops and independent homeschoolers are invited! For more information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Tween Book Club
Tweens ages 8-12 are invited to join Mrs. Linda in a “Book Adventure Club.” We will have book talks, share recommendations, and learn about what makes a successful tween book series. We will be meeting in the Young Adult section on Tuesday, January 7, at 3:30 pm.
Family Painting Class
Do you enjoy art but feel intimidated about creating your own masterpiece? Join us on Saturday, January 25, from 11:00 – 1:00 pm for an intro to the basics of acrylic paint. We will create a step-by-step painting of a “Winter Cardinal” from start to finish! No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided for this free event. Fun for the whole family, ages 6+!!! We might get messy so wear your old clothes. Seats are limited, and registration is required. To reserve your spot, register on our website or call Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Adult Coffee & Coloring Group
You are invited to join this new adult program that combines coloring activities and time to socialize! Studies show that coloring may have a calming effect on the mind and promote overall wellness. Colored pencils, markers, gel pens, and coloring pages are provided, as well as Coffee, Tea & Cocoa! January’s theme is “New Year.” We will meet on Thursday, January 2, from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Community Room. This is a come-and-go event with all supplies provided. No registration is necessary. January’s event will be paired with the ‘All Ages Crafternoon’ event.
Fiber Arts
Join the fiber arts group to share your knitting and crocheting projects. All are welcome – beginners and the more experienced! Sessions are held every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Supplies not provided. For more information, please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
The Piney Woods Writers Group
If you are a writer looking for other writers for encouragement and support, Piney Woods Writers Group will meet from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month in the Community Room of the Huntsville Public Library. Meetings this month will be on January 13 and 27. For more information, please contact Linda Huff at 936-291-5910 or visit the group’s Facebook page, “Piney Woods Writers Group.”
Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club
Be part of the Piney Woods Page Turners Book Club at Huntsville Public Library. Book Clubs are an excellent way to enjoy books, challenge one’s mind, and socialize with other book lovers! All interested persons are welcome to join us in the Board Room from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, January 9. The book selection for January is “A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy” by Sue Klebold. Current and future book choices can be found on the library’s website. For more information, please contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Untold Stories of Huntsville, Texas
Let’s explore the hidden histories of our town of Huntsville, Texas, and Walker County! Join us at the Huntsville Public Library to hear fascinating stories about the amazing people who have built our town over the last 200 years! Bring your stories to share with all of us! This lecture series is presented by HPL and Dr. Caroline Crimm of Historic Tours of Texas. This event will be on Tuesday, January 14 at 4:30 pm in the Community Room.
Workforce Solutions – Job Seminar Modules
Join us on the third Tuesday of every month from 2:00 – 4:00 pm to utilize the library computer lab and the FREE resources available from Workforce Solutions! January’s event will be on Tuesday, January 21. A representative from Workforce Solutions will be at the library to assist with job searching, resume building, adult education, and training opportunities, utilizing local community resources, financial and childcare aid, and so much more! Come to this event and have the amazing opportunity to plan your future and advance your career. For more information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
Adult Trivia Night- Music Theme!
Do you know a bunch of random facts about random topics? Well, trivia night was made for you! This Jeopardy-style game night is for adults ages 18+ to enjoy putting their brains to the test with the trivia theme of MUSIC! Fun will be had by all on Friday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m. Categories: Finish the Lyrics, Musical Instruments, 50’s-60’s Oldies, 70’s-80’s Classic Rock, 90’s County, 2000’s Hip Hop. Prizes are included for the smarty-pants winners!
Beginner’s Spanish Class — Special Dates
The ever-popular, free Spanish classes are continuing at the Huntsville Public Library! Instructor Eldaa Avalos will be teaching Beginner’s courses in January on only Monday, the 27, and Thursday, the 30, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room, and materials are provided. Register now to reserve your spot – there are a maximum of 15 students for each class. Register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com or call Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 for additional information.
Stories to Tell My Grandchildren
The Walker County Genealogy Society is hosting a writing group on the third Wednesday of each month at the Huntsville Public Library. The purpose of the group is to document family stories before they are forgotten. The group will meet from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on January 15 in the Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson Genealogy Room and will use the time to write, discuss, and/or help each other. The group is free and open to everyone, not just genealogists. Everyone has a story, and knowing family stories helps with emotional well-being for all ages. Be a part of the group and provide your grandchildren with family stories from the past that they may take into the future. For more information, contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471.
Open Mic Night- Poetry and Spoken Word
Whether you are a seasoned poet, a first-time presenter, or just a lover of literature, please join us for a night of community support for the arts! This free event is open to ages 16+ to recite or listen to the diversity of the voices in our community. Poems, songs, short stories, and pre-published works of literature are all allowed. Performance slots are on a first-come, first-served volunteer basis. Suggested reading length is 3-5 minutes per performer. Join us on the last Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., in the Genealogy Room. This month’s meeting will be on Wednesday, January 29. For more information, contact Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481.
All Ages Crafternoon
What a fabulous way to start the New Year by getting your creative juices flowing! The Huntsville Public Library will host our first ‘Crafternoon’ on Thursday, January 2! All ages are welcome to come and go from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. Various craft projects and supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own projects, too! Contact Amanda Sturdivant, Outreach and Program Coordinator, at 936-291-5481 with any questions or additional information.
Family Movie Day – WONKA
Movie lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy the imagination-filled world of WONKA on Saturday, January 4, from 11:00 – 1:00 pm. We will enjoy the movie in the Staggs Community Room- feel free to bring a stuffed animal friend with you! Popcorn and drinks are provided!
Master Gardeners present “Time to Stop and Smell the Roses.”
Huntsville Public Library is pleased to host the Walker County Master Gardeners “Time to Stop and Smell the Roses” free workshop from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, in the Staggs Community Room. The Master Gardeners will discuss how to prepare a new rose garden or improve an existing one, how and when to prune roses, and how to protect your roses from pests and diseases. Texas Master Gardeners are members of the local community who have been certified in the Master Gardener program in Walker County. The group is committed to educating others in the community about a variety of horticulture-related topics. Contact Mary Kokot, Adult Services Coordinator, at 936-291-5471 with questions or for additional information.
Adult Video Game Night – New
Adult patrons (18+) are invited to the Huntsville Public Library for an evening of competitive fun to play Nintendo Switch – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and XBOX- Overcooked! All You Can Eat! Games and consoles are provided, and registration is not necessary- this is a come-and-go event. Join us in the Staggs Community Room on Friday, January 31, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Contact Outreach and Program Coordinator Amanda Sturdivant at 936-291-5481 with any questions.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (S.A.I.L.) Exercise Classes
The importance of physical activity and fall prevention becomes more obvious as we age. Here’s your chance to do something about it! Join us every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at Huntsville Public Library. S.A.I.L. fitness class includes warmup, aerobics, balance, strength training, and stretching exercises that can be done in a seated or standing position. A representative from the Area Agency on Aging of the Houston-Galveston Area Council will teach the program. Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Liability waivers are required to participate and are available from the instructor. The class is free and open to adults ages 18 and older. Register online at www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com and contact Adult Services Coordinator Mary Kokot at 936-291-5471 with any questions.
CANVA Basics Computer Class
Want to design your own personalized cards or posters? Do you need to create social media images for work, school, or for your personal life? Canva is a free online graphic design tool that allows you to create eye-catching content quickly. Come learn this user-friendly tool at Huntsville Public Library from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, in the Computer Lab. This FREE course will introduce the basic tools used in design, the strategic use of color and font, how to make the best use of layouts, and advanced tips to expedite your design process. This program is for adults 18+. Registration and a library card are required to attend the class.
