Spring is here! There’s a lightness in my step; even though we’ve had some lingering blustery weather, I know that days of warmth and sunshine will soon be the norm. At the library we’re busy preparing for the Summer Reading Program and all the fun we’ll have during June and July. Until then, here are some great programs we’ll be hosting during the month of May.

Have you been thinking about how to share the story of your life? Would you like to write about your experiences but aren’t sure how to begin? The New Ulm Public Library’s Memoir Writing Group will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 2 at 10 a.m. Bring your own writing or a topic to write about and be a part of a group to keep you inspired and sharing your stories.

Don’t miss the last storytimes of the spring season! Morning storytime will meet Mondays, May 2 and 9 at 10:30 a.m. and Pajama Party storytime will meet Wednesdays, May 4 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. before taking a break for the rest of May. We hope you’ll join us for stories, music, and more. Storytimes are open to children and their caregivers.

The Art Group will hold its last meetings on Wednesdays, May 4, 11, and 18 from 2-5:30 p.m. before breaking for the summer. Artists of all levels and abilities are welcome to join this adults-only, self-directed group. Each artist should bring his/her own materials and ideas.

The Needlework Group will continue to meet throughout the summer on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The group is not a class and is designed for ages 16 and up. All types of needlework are welcome, and you can come when you’re able and leave when you need. It’s fun to discuss your projects and see what other needleworkers are creating!

Are you ready to explore The Grand Library? Do you have an itch in your imagination or an ache for adventure? Then come join one of two groups on the epic search for Books Wanted! One group will be meeting in person weekly on Tuesday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. at Red Dragon Gaming. The other group will be meeting online according to player schedules using Discord and Roll20 applications. Never played Pathfinder before? No problem! Our experienced Game Master will be happy to walk you through the game learning process so you can enjoy the roleplaying experience.

Grab some popcorn and take a seat: the New Ulm Film Society is beginning its next series of films! It will meet Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. for the showing of the first in a series of films directed by Clint Eastwood. The first film in the series is rated R with a running time of 102 minutes; visit www.newulmlibrary.org for film titles.

The Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table will hold its last session of the season on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. It will take a break for the summer and resume in September. Each presentation shares insights on historical events and people connected to the Civil War. If you would like to be a presenter, please call the library at 507-359-8331. We hope you’ll join us for these presentations and accompanying discussions!

Are you interested in family history, historical research, or connecting to the past? Join the new Genealogy Club meeting monthly on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Its next meeting will be on Thursday, May 19, so bring your questions, current projects, and stories to share. We also offer access to Ancestry Library Edition for your genealogical research.

Internationally renowned folk music duo Hungrytown will perform at the library on Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m. Their simple, melodic songs with strong harmonies and memorable arrangements are mostly original, but take their inspiration from traditional folk songs. This free program is made possible by a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative and funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Don’t forget that we also offer four adult book groups that meet monthly to discuss adult fiction, poetry, mystery fiction, and historical non-fiction. Information about our book groups as well as all of our programs can be found at www.newulmlibrary.org or by calling the library at 507-359-8331. We hope to see you at the library soon!

New Ulm Public Library is located at 17 N. Broadway and is open to the public Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.