December 2025 │ Vol. 9, Issue 12 THE BOSSARD BEACON The monthly newsletter of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library LIBRARY CLOSURES Christmas Eve December 24 Christmas Day December 25 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 ‘Traveling Bricks’ exhibition opens in January at Bossard International traveling exhibition showcases 120 models using more than 1 million LEGO® bricks Individuals and families with children of all ages should make plans now to visit Traveling Bricks, an exhibition made entirely of LEGO® bricks, that will be on display at Bossard Memorial Library beginning on January 17, 2026 and continuing until April 19, 2026. This unique exhibit reimagines the history of human transportation and technological advancement ⎯ from early transportation to ships and maritime travel, trains and railways, ground vehicles, record-setting machines, aviation, and space flight across 60 themed scenes. Crafted by professional artists, Traveling Bricks has been seen by families, students, and curious minds in Slovakia, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Canada, among other countries and cities in the United States. Highlights of the exhibit include an over 20-foot-long model of the Titanic, a towering sky rocket, and an iconic Zeppelin, all crafted using LEGO® bricks. Library Director Debbie Saunders stated that the library is pleased to present Traveling Bricks ⎯ the fifth major exhibit hosted by the library since 2016. “The board, administration, and staff at Bossard Library are enthusiastically anticipating the hosting of this exhibition in Gallia County,” Saunders said. “This one-ofa-kind exhibit is not only entertaining, but also educational with a focus on the arts and STEM and STEAM education.” Saunders further noted that, as with the exhibits previously hosted by the library, visitors can experience Traveling Bricks at no admission cost. “Typically, families must travel several hours away from our part of the state to experience an exhibition of this caliber while paying entry fees,” she said. “We are pleased to once again offer an exhibition experience with no admission cost at the door.” Additional details about the library’s hosting of Traveling Bricks will be forthcoming. Please visit bossardlibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook for the latest details. The Traveling Bricks exhibit features examples of maritime and ship transportation, including historical models, such as the one pictured. Visitors can view this international traveling exhibit at Bossard Library beginning on January 17, 2026, at no admission cost.
‘Color Me Happy’ Adult Coloring Ages 18 and over Stop by the library to enjoy a relaxing coloring session. Coloring sheets and coloring gel pens/pencils will be provided or you can bring your own. Bring a friend and enjoy creative coloring and genial conversation. “Color Me Happy” is only for adults ages 18 and over. No children are permitted. Youth Services Programs Trivia Night Ages 13 and over Stop by the library for monthly Trivia Night and compete as an individual or play with your friends to test your knowledge of current events, history, pop culture, and more! 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 served. Adult Programs Ages 7-9 The In-B-Tween Club will enjoy a reading of Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt in December. Attendees will get to create their own Christmas moose craft. The In-BTween Club meets monthly at the library. For more information, contact Rachael at 740.446.7323 x 226. In-B-Tween Club Teen Book Club Ages 13-19 The Teen Book Club will meet in December to discuss Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library. The eBook and digital audiobook can be found on the hoopla app. During the meeting, teens will enjoy making gingerbread houses and playing the card game “Santa, Cookie, Elf, Candy, Snowman.” Permission form required. Evening Storytime Ages 3-6 On December 4, evening storytime attendees are encouraged to attend the Bright Star Theatre production of “Christmas with Santa” in the Riverside Room. On December 18, the featured book for evening storytime will be Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner. Ages 3-6 A special storytime will be held at the Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum on December 8. Attendees will enjoy a tour of the station and a reading of The Little Engine That Could Saves Christmas by Meredith Rusu, illustrated by Jill Howarth. Storytime at the Railroad Museum
French City Writers’ Guild Ages 18 and over Both new 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. Weekly Programs Storytime Ages 3-6 Join us each Monday morning for storytime. Each program features stories, songs, and crafts with an engaging theme for children. Yoga Ages 16 and over An hour-long Yoga session is held each Monday evening in the Riverside Room with a certified Yoga instructor. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat or beach towel. A limited number of Yoga mats are available on site. Waiver form required. Pat-a-Cake Lapsit Ages birth-3 The library presents stories, rhymes, and songs with fun and engaging themes each week for the youngest of readers and their parents or caregivers. Needlework Circle Ages 12 and over Anyone with an interest in fiber art is welcome and encouraged to stop by the library each Wednesday afternoon for Needlework Circle and share their love of fiber art with like-minded community members. 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 favorite tabletop RPG, board, or card game or select a game from the library’s board game collection. Adult Book Club Ages 18 and over The Adult Book Club will discuss The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, a holiday-themed romance-mystery novel by Ally Carter, during its December meeting. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library, while the eBook and audiobook are available on the hoopla app or the Libby app. Beginning Sourdough Bread Class Ages 18 and over Register today for a sourdough bread making class at the library. During the class, participants will create and mix their own sourdough starter for use at home. All supplies will be provided. The class is limited to 30 participants. To register, please call 740.446.7323 x 229 or email programs@bossardlibrary.org.
The StoryWalk title for December is The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer, illustrated by Jannie Ho. StoryWalk is located on the grounds of the French Art Colony, 530 First Avenue. StoryWalk is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and great children’s books! Bright Star Theatre returns to the Bright Star Theatre, a national touring theater group, will return to Bossard Library beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 4 with a performance of their show “Christmas with Santa.” Sponsored by the Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center, this live performance will feature two lovable elves, “Scrunchie” and “Bangles,” who have accidently misplaced some of Santa’s presents. Families with children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend “Christmas with Santa,” but, according to the Bright Star Theatre’s website, this production is best appreciated by audiences in grades pre-kindergarten and higher. O’Donnell returns Following the release of the second book in his Tapestry of Life series, local author Patrick O’Donnell is returning to the library for an author talk and book signing in December. Beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, O’Donnell will be on hand to discuss his writing, including his latest book Tapestry of Life: God’s Grace for Everyday Living, published earlier this year. O’Donnell has worked in human services for over 35 years and has served the region professionally in a variety of roles, including chaplaincy and Christian education. According to O’Donnell’s website, his book series began as a public journal of his journey through suffering ⎯ a journal he captured in his first devotional book published in 2024. Book two of O’Donnell’s devotional series is a “gentle companion for anyone longing to find spiritual depth in the dailiness of life.” During this event, copies of O’Donnell’s books will be available for purchase. The author will be available to speak with those interested in his work and writing and to sign copies of his books. For more about O’Donnell’s writing or to read his blog, please visit tapestryoflife.org. Drop in for a ‘Winter Tea Break’ Stop by the library and enjoy hot tea and live music during a special “winter’s day tea break” program on Sunday, December 14 in the Riverside Room. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until 2:30 p.m., fiddler Jenny Allinder will play Appalachian and Irish fiddle tunes while attendees enjoy tea provided by local business A Pup and A Cup Tea Company. Those who attend can choose between holiday spice tea or cinnamon apple tea while enjoying cucumber sandwiches and a selection of desserts. No registration is required. This event is free and open to anyone age 12 and over.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDQ4NTQ1