May 2025 │ Vol. 9, Issue 5 THE BOSSARD BEACON The monthly newsletter of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library Pinewood Derby Day is back! Stop by the library on Saturday, May 10 as we host our Second Annual Pinewood Derby Day. Public pinewood derby races will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until noon in the library’s Riverside Room. School-aged children, kindergarten through grade 12, are encouraged to participate in the public races. Those children who are registered for the public races may obtain a free pre-shaped car kit, paint, decals, and weights provided by the library beginning April 28. To register for the public derby races, please email programs@bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323. The public derby races are limited to the first 75 participants. Please register by Sunday, May 4. The official 2025 Scouts’ Pinewood Derby will follow the public races and will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Scouts participating in the official races must register with their local troop leader. Everyone is welcome to attend and observe both the public and official 2025 Scouts’ Pinewood Derby races. Light refreshments will be provided. Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, Bossard Library will welcome Noel Poirier, Executive Director of the Ohio Genealogical Society, as he discusses the life story of the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette, a celebrated French military officer who played key roles in both the American and French Revolutions, later returned to America in 1825 where he stopped in Gallipolis on his “farewell tour.” During this presentation, Poirier will discuss Lafayette’s family, his early life, military training, and service in the American Revolutionary War. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. This history program is being held in conjunction with the local Lafayette 200 Celebration commemorating Lafayette’s visit to Gallipolis in 1825. The celebration will be held from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 at the Gallipolis City Park. Events will include the arrival of a 19th century replica sternwheeler, a recreation of Lafayette’s speech, a cannon salute and flag ceremony, performances by local high school bands and choirs, and the unveiling of a Lafayette historical marker, among other activities. For the latest information on the Lafayette 200 Celebration, visit lafayette200.org. This portrait by the artist Ary Scheffer of the Marquis de Lafayette is part of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery collection. LIBRARY HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM BOSSARD LIBRARY 740.446.7323 bossardlibrary.org 7 Spruce Street Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 LIBRARY CLOSURES Monday, May 26 Memorial Day
French City Writers’ Guild Ages 18 and over Both budding and experienced writers are encouraged to stop by the library to attend the monthly meeting of the French City Writers’ Guild. Writers are encouraged to discuss their original works of various genres, including nonfiction, poetry, and genre fiction. Guild meetings are only for those age 18 and over. For more information, contact Randall at rfulks@bossardlibrary.org. Trivia Night Ages 13 and over In observance of the Lafayette 200 Celebration, Trivia Night attendees will enjoy special Lafayette-themed trivia in May. Compete as an individual or play with your friends to test your knowledge of topics related to the Marquis de Lafayette! Trivia Night is open to teens, adults, and families with children who are age 13 and over. The winning individual or team will receive a nominal prize and bragging rights! Light refreshments will be provided. Youth Services Programs Adult Programs Tween & Teen Book Club Ages 8-18 The Tween and Teen Book Clubs will meet at Final Boss Con at the University of Rio Grande Lyne Center. Admission is free for book club members attending this event who register with the library. Final Boss Con features popular fandom quizzes, video game tournaments, cosplay contests, and vendors. Tweens are encouraged to read Castle in the Mist by Amy Ephron prior to the meeting. Copies of the book are available at the library. The eBook and audiobook is available on Libby, while the eBook can be found on hoopla. For more information or to register your teen or tween, parents or guardians should contact Rachael by calling 740.446.7323 x 226 by May 15. Registration and liability form required. In-B-Tween Club Ages 7-9 The first In-B-Tween Club meeting of the month will feature a reading of The Penny Pot by Stuart J. Murphy with illustrations by Lynne Cravath. Attendees will learn about face painting with Jody and also enjoy carnival games and snacks. The second In-B-Tween Club meeting in May will feature a reading of Lemonade for Sale by Stuart J. Murphy with illustrations by Tricia Tusa. This meeting will serve as a “Thinking Money for Kids” session with Rachael. ‘Stress Less’ Meditation Ages 16 and over Join meditation instructor Seraphia Snodgrass for a “stress less” meditation program in the library’s Riverside Room. During this special program, Snodgrass will guide attendees through immersive meditations. Participants will explore breathing techniques to calm the body and mind, as well as learn ways to cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress. This event is free and open to anyone with an interest who is age 16 and over. No registration is required.
‘Color Me Happy’ Adult Coloring Ages 18 and over Stop by the library to enjoy an adults-only coloring session. Coloring sheets and coloring gel pens/pencils will be provided or you can bring your own. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing coloring session and genial conversation. “Color Me Happy” is only for adults ages 18 and over. No children are permitted. Weekly Programs Storytime Ages 3-6 Join us each Monday morning for storytime. Each program features stories, songs, and crafts with an educational and engaging theme for children. There will be no storytime on Monday, May 5. Yoga Ages 16 and over An hour-long Yoga session is held each Monday evening in the Riverside Room with a certified Yoga instructor. Please bring your own Yoga mat or beach towel (a few mats are available on site) and wear comfortable clothing. Waiver form required. Pat-a-Cake Lapsit Ages birth-3 The library presents stories, rhymes, and songs with fun and engaging themes for the youngest of readers and their parents or caregivers each Wednesday morning. Lapsit will not be held on Wednesday, May 7. Needlework Circle Ages 12 and over Anyone with an interest in fiber art is welcome and encouraged to attend Needlework Circle each Wednesday afternoon at the library. Anyone with an interest in learning to knit, crochet, or complete other fiber art is also encouraged to attend. ‘Game on!’ Game Day Saturday Ages 12 and over (under 12 with an adult) Bring a friend and stop by the library for Game Day. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own games or select a game from the library’s board game collection. Adult Book Club The Adult Book Club will discuss The Ground Breaking: The Tulsa Race Massacre and an American City and its Search for Justice by Scott Ellsworth during its May meeting. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library. The eBook and audiobook are available on the Libby app while the eBook can be found on hoopla. For more information, contact Lynn at 740.446.7323 x 229. Mold Inspection & Prevention Join Chris Farver, CEO/Owner of Tri-State Smart Home Solutions, LLC, and certified residential and commercial mold inspector, for a mold inspection and prevention program. Attendees will learn how to identify various types of mold, why mold appears, and how to eliminate and prevent future mold in the home. This event is free and open to the public.
coming May 23 The library will host a “Cookies and Canvas” event beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23 in the library’s Riverside Room. Registration for this program is required. During this event, library staff member Jody will guide attendees through creating their own acrylic canvas painting in a step-by-step process. Paint along with Jody to create a colorful night scene. All supplies will be provided by the library, as well as cookies and other refreshments. This event is for anyone with an interest, including those with no painting experience. This program is only for those 18 and over and will be limited to the first 24 registrants. To register, please visit bossardlibrary.org beginning on May 11 or call 740.446.7323 x 229. This event is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. to Gallipolis Railroad Museum The Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum and Bossard Library will once again host the annual Steampunk Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the railroad museum, 918 Third Avenue. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Guests are invited to attend dressed in Steampunk attire and participate in a costume contest. Stop by to explore the museum and enjoy photo opportunities with the railroad cars and engines, as well as live music, antique cars, and model railroads on display. Attendees can also enjoy teapot racing or Steampunk Nerf dueling with Splendid Obstacles. The Nerf dueling competition will begin at noon, while the teapot races will begin at 3 p.m. Steampunk and other fandom items will be available for purchase from various vendors and food vendors will also be on hand. Children and adults can stop by the library’s table to create a free Steampunk craft. For more information about the Steampunk Festival, visit bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323. StoryWalk at the French Art Colony The StoryWalk title for May is Soaked! by Abi Cushman. StoryWalk is located on the grounds of the French Art Colony, 530 First Avenue. StoryWalk is a great way for both children and adults to enjoy the great outdoors and great children’s books! Paint along with Jody on May 23 as she provides step-by-step instructions and create your own night scene with acrylic paint on canvas! The annual Steampunk Festival will be held at the Gallipolis Railroad Museum, 918 Third Avenue, Gallipolis, on May 3.
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