This November the Ellsworth Public Library is all about stories: exploring family stories through our monthly reading challenge, hearing the stories of Chef Tucky's journey from Sri Lanka to Prescott at Discover Together Tuesday, or visual stories told through images with photographer Jen Falkofske's art display or through Pierce County Agricultural History in the Local History Vault.

We invite you to come tell your story through arts and crafts in the Makerspace or at our Mocktails and Appetizer Tasting party. As always, everyone is welcome at the library, and whenever you stop in or participate in a program, we are so grateful that you've chosen to become a part of the library's story.

November's Reading Adventure Challenge: Family Stories

Art on Display: Exploring Nature: A Photographic Journey with Jen Falkofske (opens Nov. 4)

On Display in the Local History Vault: Pierce County Agriculture: We are celebrating Pierce County's agricultural heritage through images and memories of times gone by as well as celebrating the continued importance of agriculture in our communities today. We invite you to stop by and share in the celebration by viewing this exhibit.

In the Makerspace: Explore Family, Trees and Self Portraits through arts, crafts and activities.

Second Annual Teen Photo Contest - open to Pierce County teens ages 12-18. Theme: Pieces of Me, submit up to three photos taken in 2024; prizes for Beset in Show, Honorable Mention and Fan Favorite - submissions due by 8 p.m. Nov. 22. Voting on Facebook and at the library runs from Nov. 25-27.

Stitchin' Time Crafters typically meet on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Contact the library if you are interested in joining so we can add you to the group email list which members use to communicate with each other.

Young families visiting the library this month should note that the Storytime Playspace is closed on Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for Play & Learn. Contact Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley for more information. www.frcsv.org

Morning Storytime - Fridays Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 10:10 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes, crafts and activities with time to socialize and play. Children 0+ and their caregiver(s) (Storytime Playspace)

Nov. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m: Artist Reception and Exhibit Opening. Stop in to celebrate the photographic art of Jen Falkofske with a meet the artist event and exhibit opening. (Library Atrium) 

Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be a part of the West Main Street Business Uptown Stroll and stop by the library for a special craft honoring veterans in the Makerspace along with some light refreshments.

Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. is Tech Time: One-on-one assistance from our tech expert, Barb. Call the library for an appointment time. Barb will be available for three half-hour time slots the second Monday of each month. (Study Room)

Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. is Discover Together Tuesday - Meet Chef Tucky. We invite you to journey from Sri Lanka to the United States on a food inspired journey with Tucky Dias Bandaranaike, chef-sommelier of The Arbor at Young Acres outside Prescott. Tucky will share his story, his inspiration and about his latest restaurant, which is a chef-driven scratch kitchen focused on delivering globally inspired cuisine with locally procured ingredients. Chef will also prepare some Sri Lankan cuisine for us to sample. A meal sponsored by the Ellsworth Senior Center and the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library will follow. (Ellsworth Senior Center)

Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. - Morning Book Club: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” (Meeting Room)

Nov. 14 - Mocktails & Appetizer Tasting Party Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Come greet Bartenders Steve and Todd Straub as you enjoy delicious mocktails paired with sweet and savory appetizers. Visit with friends and celebrate our Friends of the Library and all that they do to support the library's mission. You'll take home some great mocktail recipes for your own entertaining and hopefully find a bit of community, laughter and joy before we enter the busy holiday season.

Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. - Robotics Exploration (ages 8+). Explore coding and programing through inquiry, hands-on STEM and robotics challenges. (Makerspace)

Nov. 18 starting at 4 p.m. - Therapy Dog Maggie will be at the library and is accepting 15-minute one-on-one sessions with people of all ages. Are you missing a special furry friend or living somewhere where you can't have a pet? Maggie would love to snuggle while you read the newspaper, work on our community puzzle or just sit in our comfortable, quiet library. Sign up today by calling the library.

Nov. 19 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. - LEGO at the Library (Makerspace)

Nov. 26 at 10:10 a.m. - Tuesday Tales Storytime in partnership with Pierce County Head Start

Nov. 26 at 5:15 p.m. - Library Board Meeting

Nov. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. Dino-vember Extravaganza - An evening of stories and exploration for dinosaur young dinosaur enthusiasts and future paleontologists. Meet author and mammoth tooth finder, Kate Chelichowski, as she shares her book “A Mammoth Story” and view a real mammoth tooth! Dig for dinosaurs and fossils, create Jurassic Art and enjoy dino-mite treats!

The library will be closed on Nov. 28 and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Starting Nov. 29 look for our scavenger hunt at Light Up The Fair.

The library is currently open Monday/Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For updates on library services and/or program details, please call 715-273-3209 or visit our website at ellsworthlibrary.org. We hope to see you soon! 

Submitted by Youth Services/Program Coordinator Caroline Herfindahl