September 2025 │ Vol. 9, Issue 9 THE BOSSARD BEACON The monthly newsletter of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library The life of American cartoonist and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz will be presented by narrator, storyteller, and actor James Froemel beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at the library. Froemel, a graduate of West Virginia University, is a three-time winner of West Virginia’s “Biggest Liar” contest. He will portray Schulz in a living history performance in the Riverside Room. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip, which first appeared on October 2, 1950. Over the following 50 years, until his death in early 2000, Schulz would pen thousands of Peanuts comic strips and introduce the world to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the gang − creating a beloved and timeless cast of characters. Peanuts would go on to be syndicated in over 2,600 newspapers worldwide and be adapted into many popular television specials, including It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas − animated specials that are still watched annually by families across the country as holiday traditions. During the program, light refreshments will be provided. In honor of the “Thanksgiving feast” from the television special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, these refreshments will include pretzels, jelly beans, and popcorn. Attendees can also enter their name into a drawing for The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time by Mark Evanier. This deluxe edition book celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts and the legacy of Charles M. Schulz. It will be published in October. ‘Mush!’ with Noggin, the Alaskan sled dog Library to host three-time Iditarod race participant Writer, public speaker, and musher Karen Land, along with her sled dog, Noggin, the Alaskan husky, will discuss her participation in the 1,000 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race during an event at the library on Sunday, September 28. During the presentation, beginning at 2 p.m., Land will explore the sport of mushing where one or more dogs pull a sled. In addition to being a three-time competitor in the Iditarod, Land has participated in many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Over the last 25 years, Land has given presentations at over 1,000 schools and public libraries − traveling to nearly every state along with her sled, mushing gear, arctic clothing, and beloved dogs. This program is free and open to anyone with an interest. Actor James Froemel is pictured portraying cartoonist Charles Schulz. Karen Land is pictured with her “string of dogs” during the Iditarod in Alaska. This annual long-distance race typically takes 8-15 days to complete. Storyteller and actor to portray famed Peanuts creator
Tween Book Club @ Rio Ren Faire Youth Services Programs Trivia Night Ages 13 and over Come out for 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 Evening Storytime Ages 3-6 Evening storytime attendees will enjoy a “If You’re a Chicken and You Know It” theme on September 4. On September 18, attendees will enjoy a reading of The Yellow Bus by Loren Long. Evening storytime is for children, ages 3-6, and their parents or caregivers. Ages 7-9 The second In-B-Tween meeting in September will feature a reading of I Am Not an Octopus by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Marc Boutavant. The In-B-Tweens will create their own octopus origami, play octopus tag, and enjoy pizza. In-B-Tween Club Ages 8-12 The Tween Book Club will meet at the Rio Renaissance Faire in September. Tickets will be provided for Tween Book Club members. Tweens are encouraged to read The Day I Fell Into a Fairy Tale by Ben Miller prior to the event. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library. Those who plan to attend should contact Rachael by September 25 by calling 740.446.7323 or emailing rbarker@bossardlibrary.org. Permission form & liability form required. Ages 7-9 The first In-B-Tween Club meeting in September will feature a reading of Snow on the Mountains by Rebekah Eyre, illustrated by local artist Bethany Bartholomew. Attendees will enjoy watercolor art, healthy snacks, and a barnyard game. In-B-Tween Club Ages 16 and over Molly Fulk with the Whitney/Strong Organization will provide suicide prevention training for attendees during this event. Participants will learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to ask someone who may be in crisis about suicide, and how to assist someone in getting support. The training is 60 minutes in length with two certified trainers. All adult attendees will receive a gun safety kit. This program is free and open to anyone age 16 and over. To register, please email programs@bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323 x 229. Registration required. Suicide Prevention Training
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. ‘Color Me Happy’ Adult Coloring Ages 18 and over Stop by the library to enjoy an adults-only coloring session. Coloring sheets and coloring gel pens/pencils will be provided or you can bring your own. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing coloring session and genial conversation. “Color Me Happy” is only for adults ages 18 and over. No children are permitted. Weekly Programs Storytime Ages 3-6 Join us each Monday morning for storytime. Each program features stories, songs, and crafts with an engaging and educational theme for children and their parents and/or caregivers. Yoga Ages 16 and over An hour-long Yoga session is held each Monday evening in the Riverside Room with a certified Yoga instructor. Please bring a Yoga mat or beach towel and wear comfortable clothing. Waiver form required. Pat-a-Cake Lapsit Ages birth-3 The library presents stories, rhymes, and songs with fun and engaging themes for the youngest of readers and their parents and/or caregivers each Wednesday morning. 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 own games 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 Day The World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library. The eBook and audiobook are available on the hoopla app. All interested readers are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Adult Book Club typically meets once per month at the library.
StoryWalk at the French Art Colony The StoryWalk title for September is A Fall Ball For All by Jamie A. Swenson, illustrated by Chiara Fedele. StoryWalk is located on the grounds of the French Art Colony, 530 First Avenue. StoryWalk is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and great children’s books! ‘Bridging the Tragedy’ author talk Authors Bill and Jaci Kousoulas will discuss their book Bridging the Tragedy: Silver Linings in the Mysterious Ohio River Valley during an author talk beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 19 in the library’s Riverside Room. The Kousoulas’ book is a psychological study that focuses on the lasting impact of the Silver Bridge Disaster of 1967, the surrounding paranormal phenomena, and the positive growth that has occurred in the region since the late 1960s. Autographed copies of Bridging the Tragedy will be available for purchase during this event. Bob’s Market to host do-ityourself terrariums event John Morgan with Bob’s Market and Greenhouses, Inc., will present a DIY terrariums class beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 25. Registration is required. Morgan will teach attendees how to create their own terrarium using a Mason jar and miniature plants. All supplies will be provided to participants. To register, please email programs@bossardlibrary.org. Include your name, email address, and phone number. Or feel free to call 740.446.7323 x 229. The class is limited to the first 24 participants who are age 18 and over. Register today for the ‘Mothman and Mocktails’ painting program The library will host a “Mothman and Mocktails” painting program beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 12 in the Riverside Room. Paint along with Jody in a step-by-step process to create a Mothman design on a wine glass. Participants will also enjoy various mocktails as they paint. This event is limited to the first 30 participants who are age 18 and over. To register, please email programs@bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323 x 229. If emailing or leaving a voice message, please include your name, email address, and phone number. The library encourages anyone with an interest to register. While space is limited, if enough interest is shown, a second class may be offered. Local veterinarian to present ticks and tick diseases prevention event Janice Williams, DVM, local veterinarian with Riverbend Animal Clinic, will be on hand beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 13 to present information on the types of ticks and tick diseases that are prevalent in Gallia County and the surrounding region. Dr. Williams will discuss recent changes in the local tick population, the various diseases carried by ticks, and how ticks can impact both humans and animals. Attendees will also learn how to protect their families and pets from the spread of various diseases carried by ticks. This event is free and open to all. Bossard staff member Jody will guide participants as they create their own Mothman wine glass.
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