Mary L. Cook Public Library Newsletter 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 CLOSING DECEMBER 31 AT 5 PM CLOSED JANUARY 1 CLOSED JANUARY 19 /STAFF WORK DAY WHAT'S NEW Recommended New Releases: 1/5: The Invisible Woman - J. Patterson No one sees her, but she sees everything. Elinor Gilbert was once a young woman with a thriving career at the FBI. Her former boss disguises Elinor as a middle-aged nanny, and casts her as an agent on the inside of his investigation into a New York art dealer suspected of ties to organized crime. 1/6: Dark Joy - C. Feehan In this paranormal romance, a jaguar shapeshifter and an ancient Carpathian warrior must unite against vampires threatening their world while fighting their intense attraction.
The First Time I Saw Him - L. Dave As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah and daughter Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety and finds there just might be one way back to Owen, her missing husband. The Right to Remain - J. Grippando Legendary criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck takes on a twisty, difficult case that becomes one of the most complex in his illustrious career. Jack Swyteck comes to believe that Elliott isn’t trying to hide his own guilt by not speaking - he may be protecting someone else. The Viper - B. Meltzer A thrilling Zig and Nola series unravels a shocking cold case with a personal and deadly twist. As a killer closes in, Nola Brown starts investigating for herself, uncovering a sinister plot that reveals her mother’s dark history, the true identity of her mother's killer, and the shocking secret behind her death. 1/13: The Devil's Daughter - D. Steel Two sisters with opposing personalities clash when they move to Los Angeles together, where their difficult past resurfaces amid career pursuits and relationships. Private Rome - J. Patterson A priest is murdered and a Private agent is the number one suspect. Jack Morgan is in Rome celebrating the opening of a new local Private office, when the party takes a deadly turn. Woman Down - C. Hoover A writer seeking inspiration at a remote cabin meets Detective Saint, whose presence reignites her creativity but leads to dangerous blurred lines between fiction and reality. 1/20: George Falls Through Time - R. Collett A modern Londoner is transported to the year 1300 during a moment of stress, where he must navigate medieval life with the help of a servant while facing a dangerous royal summons.
Such a Clever Girl - D. Kane Fifteen years after her family's mysterious disappearance, Aubrey Tanner returns to her hometown where three women hold dangerous secrets about a fateful night. Twelve Months - J. Butcher Wizard Harry Dresden must protect Chicago from ghouls while dealing with his brother's illness and an arranged marriage to a vampire, all while recovering from devastating losses. 1/27: Dear Debbie - F. McFadden A columnist who gives advice to troubled wives loses her job and discovers her husband's secrets, leading her to take revenge against those who wronged her. Her Cold Justice - R. Dugoni Defense attorney Keera Duggan fights to prove her client's innocence in a double homicide case that reveals a dangerous conspiracy involving drug smuggling and corruption. Pendergast: the Beginning - D. Preston FBI Agent Chambers mentors enigmatic Pendergast on a case that evolves from investigating ritualistic murders in Mississippi to uncovering a true horror beyond the initial killings. The Witching Hours - H. Graham In Salem, psychically-gifted Skye and Zachary investigate a grandfather-in-law's murder and the disappearance of a nanny and children, while confronting apparent witch visions. Our Patrons Liked : Atmosphere - T. Jenkins Reid This novel is set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits. The Chaperone - L. Moriarty In 1922, a traditional thirty-six-year-old woman chaperones rebellious fifteen-year-old Louise Brooks to New York City, leading to unexpected discoveries and personal transformation for both.
Cry Havoc - J. Carr In 1968 Vietnam, a Navy SEAL operator investigates disappearing special forces teams and a Soviet plot while uncovering dark truths that connect the CIA, KGB, and battlefields of Southeast Asia. The Day the World Came to Town - J. DeFede When 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11, the town's residents showed extraordinary kindness to stranded passengers, inspiring Broadway's "Come from Away" musical. Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead - E. Austin A morbidly anxious young woman stumbles into a job as a receptionist at a Catholic church and soon finds herself obsessed with her predecessor’s mysterious death. First Lie Wins - A. Elston A woman living as Evie Porter who must navigate a dangerous game of identities while her real past threatens to catch up with her. The Queens of Crime - M. Benedict In 1930 London, five legendary women crime writers form the Queens of Crime to solve a real murder case of a young nurse, while Dorothy Sayers faces threats about her dark past. THANK YOU! The Friends Annual Holiday Auction The Friends of the Mary L. Cook Public Library Holiday Auction was an enormous success! This fundraiser has grown to be more than just wreaths to be auctioned; this year we had eagles, bicycles, artwork, pottery, and lots of wonderful baskets with something for everyone! Thank you to our Friends of the Library for their dedication to make this annual event so successful! We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their donations: Grandma’s Gardens, Jennifer Baker, Ruth Pressler, Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home, TMB Woodworks, B&B Carryout, Schmidt Autocare, Kim McClinchy, Olive Branch Campground, Merkle Wellness Solutions, Mitchell’s Plumbing, Sherry Federle, Marilyn Mahrt, Donna Bellman, Cathy Bowersox, The Secret Garden, Linda Morgan, The Friends Museum, Touch of Heaven, Michelle Weaver, People’s Bank, Linore Rose Burkard, LCNB, Sun Sprouts Café, Waynesville Candy Shoppe, Paint Your Party LLC, Caesar Creek Animal Clinic, Jamie Gabbard Realty, Infinite Tea Room, Peddler House, Suz Beckett, Sheryl Wallace, Stitching in the Stacks, A Cup for Everyone, Gregg E. Smith Pottery, and T.A.X.E.S.
CHILDREN Storytimes will resume on January 6, 2026. There will be no Preschool Storytime on Thursday, January 15. 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. *NO storytime on January 15. 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, January 8 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, January 6 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, January 13 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. 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 began December 29.
January’s Mini Canvas Take & Make for All Ages Pick up a canvas beginning Monday, January 12 while supplies last, and bring it back by January 30 to be displayed in our mini canvas art show during the month of February. Moana - Interactive Movie Kits available beginning Tuesday, January 20. 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. How to Find a Bird Storytime Thursday, January 22 from 10:30 - 11:15 am Join us for a special storytime in collaboration with Warren County Park Naturalists for a program based around the story “How to Find a Bird” by Jennifer Ward. Miss Cathy will read and Warren County Naturalists will have information about North American birds as well as the Great Backyard Bird Count. No registration required. We will have kits with bird seed for you to make your own bird feeder, while supplies last.
Drop-In Family Master Builders Saturday, January 24 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Grades Pre-K thru 5th (Pre-K children must be accompanied by a caregiver). Use your imagination to build with LEGO, magnetic tiles, marble run, Keva planks and more. No registration required. Drive-in Movie Dear Two-, Three- and Four-year-olds and a caregiver... YOU are invited to a Drive-in Movie on Tuesday, January 27 from 6:00 - 6:30 pm at the Mary L. Cook Public Library. Kids love to play with boxes, and now they can make their own little box car with help from their parents/caregivers. They will then watch a short children’s book movie in their car and have a snack before “driving” home. Register for this event beginning Monday, January 12 (513-897-4826). Boxes will be provided. Stuffed Animal Sleepover Bring your favorite stuffed animal (just one, please) to the library for a sleepover! Drop off your stuffed animal on Friday, February 6 between 4:00 - 4:30 pm. This program is for ages 3 yrs. - 1st grade. On Saturday, February 7 (between 10 am and 2 pm) pick up your stuffed animal, and see what kind of mischief your little buddy got into at the library after dark! Required registration begins Tuesday, January 20. TWEENS: 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 pm, beginning January 8 and ending February 12. Registration began December 15. Stop Motion Club for 4th-6th grade - During this 4-week club, work with others to storyboard, create a set, and record a stop motion short film. The club will meet on Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:15 pm beginning February 12 and ending on March 5. Registration begins on Monday, January 26. 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. ADULTS Take and Make Mini Canvas (all ages) Pick up a canvas beginning Monday, January 12, while supplies last, and bring it back by January 30 to be displayed in our mini canvas art show during the month of February. Getting Reel Film Club (18+) We will be meeting on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 pm to discuss the film Grave of the Fireflies. 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 The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill on Tuesday, January 20 from 5:30 - 6:15 pm. Registration for this book club is closed. Rootifnders Winter Break Rooffinders genealogy group is taking a winter break and plans to meet in April. 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. 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
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, January 6 - Nintendo Switch and Board Games Tuesday, January 13 - Bingo Tuesday, January 20 - Bead crafts Tuesday, January 27 - Jeopardy 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. *There is no meeting on Thursday, January 1. The next meeting is Thursday, February 5. Dungeons & Dragons Create characters, roleplay in adventures, and discover the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 3 - 4 pm in the Community Room. No experience necessary. Registration is required and is currently full. This month's meetings are on Wednesday, January 14 and 28.
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