HOURS Library Pick-up Lockers and Book Drop are available 24/7 Monday through Thursday 9 am - 7 pm Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm CLOSED DECEMBER 24 CLOSED DECEMBER 25 CLOSED DECEMBER 31 AT 5 PM CLOSED JANUARY 1 WHAT'S NEW Recommended New Releases: 12/1: The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe - J. Patterson A true crime thriller about a woman who changed Hollywood history, and whose indelible image captures our imagination to this day. 12:2: Stuart Woods' Blown Away - B. Battles Teddy Fay's hope for a relaxing vacation vanishes when he attends a prominent actor’s annual birthday party, where he witnesses a heated squabble between two women, only for one of them to turn up dead the next day.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World - A. Atkins A rollicking comedic thriller set in 1985 in which a suburban teen suspects his mom’s new boyfriend is the ultimate bad guy - a KGB agent. Sharpe's Storm - B. Cornwell Major Sharpe finds himself saddled with a burden: Rear-Admiral Sir Joel Chase. Sir Joel could hold the key to defeating Napoleon. But to pull off his plan, he needs someone who knows how to think fast and survive the impossible...Sharpe. 12/9: The Birdwatcher - J. Mitchard A jury may have given Felicity a life sentence, but Reenie Bigelow knows that her childhood friend is not capable of murder. And so Reenie, a journalist, decides to use her deep connections to Felicity’s past to unravel the truth. Spasm - R. Cook From Robin Cook, fan favorites Jack and Laurie return in another fast-paced spine chiller about a deadly bioweapon that could disrupt the world order as we know it. The Time Hop Coffee Shop - P. Patrick Greta Perks was the shining star of the iconic Maple Gold coffee commercials. When Greta stumbles upon a mysterious coffee shop serving a magical brew, she wishes for the perfect life in those past commercials. What will happen when Greta has to choose between perfection and real life, with no turning back? Everyone in the Group Chat Dies - L. Chilton A funny and thrilling page turner about a TikTok true crime investigator, a ’90s serial killer that may not be as dead as everyone would like, a text thread from hell, and long buried secrets that just won’t stay in the grave where they belong. 12/16: Direct Action - J. Stewart Charley Castillo, the original Presidential Agent is in Virginia Beach to visit his son when two gunmen appear. Charley is able to thwart a deadly mass shooting, but he is badly injured. When the news of the attack reaches him, Pick McCoy senses that this is no random event.
Love in Plane Sight - L. Connelly With her brother’s grumpy best friend - and her longtime nemesis - as Beth’s flight instructor, her pilot lessons could be a plane disaster or their first-class ticket to forever. 12/23: Robert B. Parker's Booked - A. Gaylin Boston PI Sunny Randall investigates a popular book critic on a mean streak, the Book Babe, only for her to wind up dead. 12/30: In Your Dreams - S. Adams A homecoming to Rome, Kentucky, sparks a new romance - and lots of drama - between two old family friends. We Who Will Die - S. Stark A romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible. The Rest of Our Lives - B. Markovits Pitch-perfect, tender, and keenly observed, this novel is a story about what to do when the rest of your life is only just the beginning of your story. Our Patrons Liked: The Correspondent - V. Evans Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, this gem about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. Denied Access - V. Flynn Don Bentley completes the trilogy by taking Mitch Rapp back to his fledgling assassin days, picking up where Kill Shot ended, on a mission to save the woman he loves amid a CIA showdown with the Russian intelligence services.
The Forget-Me-Not Library - H. Webber When a road detour leads Juliet to Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, and into Tallulah’s life, the two women soon discover there’s magic in between the pages of where you’ve been and where you still need to go. And that happiness, even when lost, can always be found. How to Age Disgracefully - C. Pooley A senior citizens center and a daycare collide with hilarious results in the new ensemble comedy. The Proving Ground - M. Connelly The Lincoln lawyer is back with a case against an AI company whose product may have been responsible for the murder of a young girl. Red Sky Mourning - J. Carr With the walls closing in, Navy SEAL sniper James Reece is on a race to dismantle a conspiracy that has forced America to her knees. The River Is Waiting - W. Lamb A young father grappling with unbearable tragedy as he searches for hope, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness. The Women - K. Hannah As green and inexperienced as the young men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed America. Frankie will also discover the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak that love can cause. CHILDREN Please note: We will be taking a break from Preschool Storytime, Toddler and Baby Storytimes during the weeks of December 22 and December 29. We will resume on January 6, 2026.
Toddler Time Storytime for children 2 and 3 years and their caregiver. Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. Winter session begins on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. We will read a story or two and do fun activities each program. These sessions involve caregivers as active participants. Caregivers are expected to stay with children during all sessions. No registration required. Baby Bookworms Storytime for children from birth to 2 years and their caregiver. Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. Winter session begins on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Enjoy great books for babies and learn fun songs and rhymes. These sessions involve caregivers as active participants. Caregivers are expected to stay with children during all sessions. No registration required. Preschool Storytimes Storytime for 4- and 5-years including kindergarten. Thursdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. Winter sessions begin Thursday, January 8, 2026. Children will listen to stories, learn new words, sing, dance, and develop their imagination. Preschool listening skills are practiced. Caregivers are not required to stay in the room during storytime. No registration required. Storytime Superstars for Preschool Storytime Come to storytime at the Mary L. Cook Public Library for Preschool Storytime and get a stamp. When you have 10 stamps on your Storytime Superstar card you will earn a free book! We will keep your Storytime Superstar card here at the library. *While the recommended ages are listed in the above children’s program descriptions, please know they are a guide and that your child(ren) may continue in the program they started in the fall even if they have a birthday during the course of the program season (September - April). We want your child to be comfortable and confident in a developmental stage-appropriate program. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Welch or Cathy Ruth. We would be happy to talk with you and help in any way we can!
Early Readers Kindergarten Book Club Meets on Thursday, December 18 from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will meet monthly to read books, do activities, and build reading skills. This club will not teach children to read but is meant to introduce them to great books and build excitement about books and reading. This book club is full. Questions, contact Cathy Ruth at ruthca@marylcook.com. Chapters Book Club (grades 1 - 2) Meets on Tuesday, December 9 from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will read a short chapter book a month. We will meet and start off with a snack, discuss the book and author, and do activities associated with the book. This book club is full. Questions, contact Kathleen Welch at welchka@marylcook.com. Rapid Readers Book Club (grades 3 - 5) Meets on Tuesday, December 16 from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will read a chapter book a month. The books will be a variety of genres. We will meet and start off with a snack, discuss the book and author, and do activities associated with the book. This book club is full. Questions, contact Kathleen Welch at welchka@marylcook.com. HO HO HO! Santa Open House Santa Claus will be visiting the library during the Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 6 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Bring the entire family to see Santa, who will be available for photographs. In addition to the visit from Santa, visitors can write letters to Santa, create a holiday craft, and partake in refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. Required registration began November 10. You may call the library at 897-4826 or stop in and register at the front desk. The library staff and Santa hope to see you there. Mail your Letters to Santa….. The Elves and Santa are waiting to hear from you and the Mary L. Cook Public Library (381 Old Stage Rd., Waynesville) wants to help. We have a special mailbox for you to drop your Santa letters in. If you mail your letter before December 15, Santa’s elves will try to answer by December 25. You can mail your letters now.
Popsicle Photo Frame Kits Pick one up beginning Monday, December 8. While supplies last. Included in kits are the frame, scrabble tiles, and pipe cleaner hanger. Scrabble tiles available: Family, Be Happy, Love, I (heart) Cats, I (heart) Dogs. You will need: glue, markers, or crayons to decorate your frame and a picture to put in the frame. Make an Ugly Christmas T-shirt! (Grades K - 5) Join us on Monday, December 15 from 4:15 - 5 pm for an Ugly Christmas T-Shirt Party! We provide the shirt and the decorations; you provide the ideas! Required registration begins Monday, December 1. The Santa Clause - Interactive Movie Kits Take a trip to the North Pole with Santa and Charlie. Available beginning Monday, December 15. Pick up a movie kit at the front desk; available while supplies last. DVDs are available for check out. Each kit has activities and snacks for 4 people. Creative Writing Club - Calling all 4th - 6th graders, do you love to write stories? You are invited to join the library’s 6-week creative writing club where we will explore several genres of creative writing, including journaling and poetry, using writing and picture prompts to spark imagination and creativity. The club will meet Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30, beginning January 8 and ending February 12. Registration begins on Monday, December 15.
Kids Art Class Grades K-5 from 4:15 - 5 pm, Monday, January 12 - We will be making a Van Goghinspired snow globe. All materials will be supplied. This class is a collaboration with the Waynesville Arts Council. Registration begins on Monday, December 29. Be a Kid Librarian Calling all 1st - 5th grade kids, we would love your help putting a book display together of your favorite books for other kids to enjoy! Stop by and fill out an application! Homework Help with Jacob George Here’s What to expect: -Academic support for students K-12 from a Licensed Intervention Specialist -Friendly, welcoming environment in our library -Access to resources, books, and knowledgeable staff Click here - fill out our Google form Or scan the QR Code:
Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! Parents: Stop at the front desk to request your 1000 books log sheet. For every 100 books your child reads they earn a free book and a sticker! When your child reaches 1000 books, they will receive a free book and a certificate of achievement. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Ohio The goal of the Warren County Imagination Library is "Every Child Reads Every Day". Help us give every child in Warren County the gift of a free book every month! Register at ohioimaginationlibrary.org. The Mary L. Cook Public Library proudly manages the database for Warren County. For new registrations, questions, or concerns, please contact: Database Manager: Kelly Maloney Email: maloneke@marylcook.com Phone: 513-897-4826
ADULTS The Friends of the Library Holiday Auction is Going on Now! Come in now and bid on your favorite holiday decorations and gift baskets which have been donated by area businesses and community groups. Bidding began November 21 at noon. Bidding will end on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 pm. You could do your holiday shopping at the library! Take and Make (adults 18+) Holiday Tree Banner Pick up the December Take and Make on Monday, December 1. Each kit will have supplies to make one holiday banner and will be available while supplies last. For adults 18 years and older. Crochet Basics with Acacia and Teressa The last meeting for crochet basics is on Tuesday, December 2 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. This class is currently full. Adult Ornament Paint Party at the Library (18+) On Saturday, December 13 from 11 am to 12 pm, join Cheryl Kerns at the library to learn how to paint this Santa Ornament. This is a guided painting class, so you do not have to be an expert to leave with an adorable ornament. Cheryl will walk you through each step of the
process, allowing time for questions, concerns, or anything else that might arise. Inperson registration for this program began on Wednesday, November 26. Remember to bring your $10 deposit as it is required upon registration. Don't worry, though, this will be returned to you on the day of the event. Rootfinders Rootfinders genealogy group will meet Saturday, December 13 at 10 am. Getting Reel Film Club (18+) We will be meeting on Monday, December 15 at 5:30 pm to discuss the film The Holdovers. Registration for this club is still open; call or stop by the front desk to register. Genre Exploration Book Club We will be meeting to discuss the book Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson on Tuesday, December 16 from 5:30 - 6:15 pm. Registration for this book club is closed. Puzzle Swap/Puzzle Table No checking out! We also have a puzzle available for you to sit down and work on while visiting here at the library. Waynesville Food Pantry Help support our local food pantry. Gather your donations and drop them off at MLC. Items needed: peanut butter, canned soup, individual fruit cups, tuna, canned chicken, granola bars. TEENS For Teens in 6th-12th grade: Join us after school at the library for Food, Fun & Friends on Tuesdays from 3 - 4 pm in the Community Room! No registration required. Tuesday the 2nd - Nintendo Switch and Board Games Tuesday the 9th - Bingo Tuesday the 16th - Bookmark and Ornament Craft Tuesday the 23rd - No Teen Program due to Winter Break Tuesday the 30th - No Teen Program due to Winter Break
Anime and Manga Club Stop in for anime-related crafts and games, try Japanese snacks, and watch anime. No registration required. Every first Thursday of the month from 3 - 4 pm in the Community Room. This month's meeting is on Thursday, December 4. Dungeons & Dragons Create characters, roleplay in adventures, and discover the world of Dungeons and Dragons! Held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 3 - 4 pm in the Community Room (no meeting December 24). No experience necessary. Registration required - please call or stop in to sign up. This month's meeting is on Wednesday, December 10.
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