Washington Public Library

Join us for a day of Dolly activities. We’ll start the morning off with a Dolly inspired storytime at 10am for families. Enjoy Dolly themed make and take crafts starting at 10:00 a.m. (while supplies last) followed by a live set of ALL Dolly Parton covers from Steph Anderson of the Tonks & the Aurors beginning at 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 30th All Ages Storytime at 10:00 a.m. Make & Take Crafts from10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Live Concert at 6:00 p.m.

Presentation inspired by Dean’s new book, “The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders.”Author presentation and book signing brought to you by the Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads. Thursday, September 12th at 6:30 p.m. Adult

Join us for a presentation all about the fascinating hobby of ball-jointed dolls. We will talk about when the hobby started, how to get involved, and what you can do with your ball-jointed doll. Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 p.m. Adult & Teen

Friends of the Washington Public Library Fall Book Sale will be held in the Library Meeting Room. Friday, September 20th from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 22nd from Noon-4:00 p.m.

Join us in the City Hall Council Chambers as historical fiction authors Sarah Angleton and Jana Meehan stop by to discuss their novels, Paradise on the Pike and Where the Lights Are Shining, both of which are set on the grounds of the 1904 World’s Fair. Tuesday, August 27th at 6:30 p.m. Adult

The Missouri Book Festival celebrates the best of regional life, culture, and history with an array of dynamic programming meant to promote literacy and encourage reading. Events will take place in Washington, the quintessential Missouri town. Here, books that feature stories on the Show-Me State come to life in food demonstrations, sports exhibitions, performances, and lively author talks and discussions. Missourians of all ages will hear from regional authors while gaining insight into the content they produce and the writing process. Not only will attendees enjoy festivities that truly reflect our state, they’ll also have the opportunity to browse for their next favorite book! 2024 Missouri Book Festival Schedule Click Here for a Printable PDF Version of the Schedule. See updates at the Missouri Book Festival Facebook Page. Why Washington The Best Read Community in America, Washington is a beautiful historic riverfront town with a strong commitment to reading. In 2020, Washington and its nearby neighbors logged more than 1.5 million pages of reading! A long-running youth literacy program supported by dozens of community partners and the nonprofit Community Literacy Foundation has provided more than 20,000 new books to area schools and libraries. Hundreds of children, parents and grandparents gather at the community’s annual Family Reading Night each spring to celebrate the importance of reading together. In the fall, the annual Run to Read offers books to dashers, walkers and runners in exchange for a morning of fitness. Washington is well-known to authors from across the state—and nation. The community’s independent bookstore, Neighborhood Reads, and the Washington Public Library and its Friends organization, both work to introduce authors to readers of all ages throughout the year. Planned Events Week of September 9 In-school programming at multiple schools for students in grades K–12 to promote literacy and celebrate the festival Previous school programming included the Do You Know MO? game show, author talks, and meet-and-greets with Fredbird. Friday, September 13 Opening night keynote event featuring guest speakers The previous keynote event featured noted broadcaster and Missouri native John W. Brown.  John opened the program discussing significant moments in Missouri history and later interviewed notable Missouri natives including baseball player Rick Ankiel and actor and comedian Bill Chott. 2024 Keynote details will be announced soon!  Saturday, September 14 Festival day and featured programming throughout Downtown Washington Planning for the 2024 festival is underway and will feature programming that celebrates regional life, culture, and history with activities for all ages. Activities from the previous festival included:

We dare you to get wild with dinosaurs from Show-Me Dinosaurs! Meet giant dinosaurs and baby dinosaurs, dig up fossils and buried treasure, walk a carnivore, and make dino-crafts. Wednesday, July 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Family What kinds of Dinosaurs will you meet? Click here for some examples.

Registration: Monday, June 24th-Friday, July 7th Call the library at 636-390-1070 to register. Friday, July 19th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Adult 21 & up 6:15–Library Presentation from current and former library directors & Velma Jones Stroetker Award Presentation. 6:45–Adult Book Fair opens in the Library Meeting Room to shop books & book merch provided by Neighborhood Reads (A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Community Literacy Foundation). 6:45–Appetizers, Desserts, & Drinks will be served at the lower level circulation desk.

Most people don’t believe in monsters, but you know the truth. They’re real, and it’s your task to bring them down. Monster of the Week is an action-horror Role Playing Game. Grab the fireplace poker and get your spell book. That monster’s going down! Tuesdays, June 25th & July 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Ages 10 & Up