Adults

Join us for our Mahjong class and discover the rich history and modern-day appeal of this classic tile-based game. Originating in China during the Qing Dynasty, Mahjong has been played for centuries and continues to thrive across cultures worldwide. Today, Mahjong is experiencing a resurgence, gaining popularity among all ages for its mix of strategy, memory, and social interaction. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up your skills, this class offers a fun and engaging way to learn the game, meet new people, and challenge your mind. NO REGISTRATION. STOP BY!

Do you have a project that you need a little motivation to finish? Do you get lonely working on your projects at home? Just want a little company? Join your fellow crafters for an afternoon of crafting and chatting. Bring your craft project(s) from home and join us for a crafty social hour! Craft & Chat meets Tuesdays from 1-2 PM. NO REGISTRATION.

BATESVILLE MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY (BMPL Parking Lot with Mobile Bus) Wednesday, January 7, 2026 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 131 N. WALNUT ST BATESVILLE, IN 47006 To schedule an appointment click here https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11625208 The Versiti mobile bus will be in the parking lot at the library. You can schedule a time with the link above or walk-ins are welcome. Help us reach our goal of 14 blood products. Remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Each blood donation can impact up to 3 local lives – be a hero and make a difference in our community.

Felting is one of the oldest forms of textile arts. Needle felting begins by rolling a small amount of wool and stabbing it with a needle. It is a quick hobby to learn, and many find it stress-relieving. This month we are meeting on the second Thursday of the month (January 8th) as BMPL is closed on our “regular" day . We will start the New Year going back to Needle Felting basics. This is a great time to try needle felting if you’ve never been before. January's Snowflake project will allow you to learn what needle felting is, how it is done, and provide the foundation for future projects.  If you are already familiar with needle felting, you will be able to continue to expand your skills with new technique and design. All material will be supplied. We will meet inside the library (ROOM A). Please join us for this NO cost adult program (18 years and older). Join at any time. Registration is REQUIRED for this program. Fill out the form below.

Gather each month with other like-minded family history enthusiasts. Each month we will explore a different topic. This month is: Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library will drop in via ZOOM to talk about what their library has to offer genealogists and some special research tips on finding your German Ancestors. This FREE program is for Adults. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Sign up below.

Do you have a project that you need a little motivation to finish? Do you get lonely working on your projects at home? Just want a little company? Join your fellow crafters for an afternoon of crafting and chatting. Bring your craft project(s) from home and join us for a crafty social hour! Craft & Chat meets Tuesdays from 1-2 PM. NO REGISTRATION.

Join us from the comfort of your home for an at-home online author talk with prominent cultural writer and bestselling author David Brooks on his book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply, in which he helps us pose essential questions: If you want to know a person, what kind of attention should you cast on them? What kind of conversations should you have? What parts of a person’s story should you pay attention to? Virtual discussion is on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST Register here (it's FREE) https://libraryc.org/ebatesville/106422 Can't attend live. No worries. Click the link above for the recording after the live date. This program is brought to your by Batesville Library and The Friends of the Library.

Book: The Servant by James Hunter Theme: Leadership, service, personal development. Strong kickoff to the year with a focus on values, purpose, and service-oriented leadership. Join the Mayor’s Book Club (Mayor John Irrgang), a new opportunity to foster community discussion around various topics. No rsvp expected, we’re happy to have you drop in! You can borrow a copy of any of these books at the Batesville Memorial Public Library. If you’d like your own copy, we encourage you to support our local bookstore, The Bookshelf, on Walnut Street. If you are an online shopper, you can order online and still support The Bookshelf by going to Bookshop.org. Our goal for these meetings is to unearth ideas and inspiration to take back to our neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and service organizations to build a better community. Remember, you do not need to RSVP. We’re excited to see you there!  

Tired of misplacing your reading glasses? Always smeared from being on top of your head? Or use it for your sunglasses. Let’s bring back the glasses chain! Come and join other glasses wearers in designing your own chain. And if you don’t need an eyeglass chain, feel free to join us to make a bracelet or necklace.  All supplies will be provided. A suggested donation helps keep our library programs thriving, so we can continue bringing learning, creativity, and community together for everyone. This class welcomes a suggested donation of $8 to help support our programs, but it is completely optional. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please sign up below.

Do you have a project that you need a little motivation to finish? Do you get lonely working on your projects at home? Just want a little company? Join your fellow crafters for an afternoon of crafting and chatting. Bring your craft project(s) from home and join us for a crafty social hour! Craft & Chat meets Tuesdays from 1-2 PM. NO REGISTRATION.

Our 1:30 – 2:30pm book guide is Steve Holland. Step into a world of captivating stories and lively discussions at our Novel Idea Book Club! Whether you’re an avid reader or someone looking to discover new books and ideas, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, share your thoughts, and dive deep into a wide range of genres. What makes our book club special? It’s not just about reading—it’s about engaging with others in thoughtful conversations, exploring different perspectives, and broadening horizons. Each meeting is a chance to discover books you might not have picked up on your own, all while enjoying a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you agree or disagree with the book, it’s the lively debates and shared enthusiasm that make each session so enjoyable. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to build a sense of community! You’ll get to know new people who share your love of reading, make lasting friendships, and be part of a group where your opinions truly matter. So come for the book, stay for the conversation—and discover why our Novel Idea Book Club is so much more than just a group of people reading the same book. It’s a place where ideas come to life, connections are made, and your next great read is just a discussion away! The JANUARY book is PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.. (summary from amazon.com) NO Registration. You Can Find a copy of the book for check out one the NOVEL IDEA BOOK CLUB display at the BMPL LIBRARY.

Join from the comfort of your home for an at-home online author talk with author Julia Hotz. Be sure to jump start your new year with us as we chat virtually with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging. The Connection Cure combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to help us discover the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing. Traditionally, when we get sick, health care professionals ask, “What’s the matter with you?” But around the world, teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers have started to flip the script, asking “What matters to you?” Webinar discussion is on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Register here (it's FREE): https://libraryc.org/ebatesville/106423 Can’t attend live. No worries. Click the link above for the recording after the live date. This program is brought to you by Batesville Library and The Friends of the Library.

This program is cancelled due to weather. Registration is required for this program. This registration is for the 1:00pm program. Join us for a fun and interactive 90-minute chocolate-making class at the Batesville Memorial Public Library! Learn about the rich history of chocolate while getting hands-on experience in tempering, molding, and dipping to create your own delicious treats with experts from Candyland Creations and More. Plus, take home your handmade chocolates in a goody bag! The History of Chocolate: Discover how chocolate evolved from ancient civilizations to modern-day treats. Tempering 101: Learn the secrets of melting and tempering chocolate for a smooth, glossy finish. Hands-On Creations: Molded chocolates (solid and filled) Hand-dipped chocolate treats Decorating Techniques: Learn how to drizzle, sprinkle, and add creative toppings. Goody Bag Take-Home Treats: Each participant gets a fun goody bag filled with their handcrafted chocolates. Q&A Session: Ask questions and get expert tips for making chocolate at home. All Supplies Provided: We’ll supply everything you need, including aprons, gloves, and ingredients. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.  Suggested donation amount: $10 Sign up is required below.

This program is cancelled due to weather. Registration is required for this program. This registration is for the 5:00pm program. Join us for a fun and interactive 90-minute chocolate-making class at the Batesville Memorial Public Library! Learn about the rich history of chocolate while getting hands-on experience in tempering, molding, and dipping to create your own delicious treats with experts from Candyland Creations and More. Plus, take home your handmade chocolates in a goody bag! The History of Chocolate: Discover how chocolate evolved from ancient civilizations to modern-day treats. Tempering 101: Learn the secrets of melting and tempering chocolate for a smooth, glossy finish. Hands-On Creations: Molded chocolates (solid and filled) Hand-dipped chocolate treats Decorating Techniques: Learn how to drizzle, sprinkle, and add creative toppings. Goody Bag Take-Home Treats: Each participant gets a fun goody bag filled with their handcrafted chocolates. Q&A Session: Ask questions and get expert tips for making chocolate at home. All Supplies Provided: We’ll supply everything you need, including aprons, gloves, and ingredients. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.  Suggested donation amount: $10 Sign up is required below.

This program has been cancelled due to the weather. Join us for an afternoon of real-life narratives, where we share heartfelt and captivating experiences. Join us to connect, share, and embrace the beauty of real-life tales! NO Registration. Open to the Public. FREE.

Library Board meetings are open to the public. To view the meeting agenda, please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6UkFCw-AJPSvglwgLrjNum1oHoROZVR?usp=sharing BMPL Board of Trustees 2026 Mark Stenger - President 4 th term: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2028 Ripley and Franklin County Boards of Commissioners Thomas Barnett - Vice President 3 rd term: 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2025 Ripley and Franklin County Councils Jamie Schantz - Secretary 2 nd term:1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026 Batesville Community School Corporation Dana Cassidy 1 st term: 1/1/2024 - 12/31/2027 Batesville Community School Corporation Jeff Ollier 3 rd term: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2028 Batesville Community School Corporation Mark Masavage 3 rd term:1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026 Ripley and Franklin County Councils Heather Goldsmith 1 st term: 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2028 Ripley and Franklin County Boards of Commissioners Peter Mack - Treasurer Non-voting Board member

Join from the comfort of your home for an at-home online author talk. We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller. Join us in conversation with Liz as we embark on a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances. Register today to “enter the woods,” if you dare! Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. Webinar discussion is on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST. Register here (it's FREE): https://libraryc.org/ebatesville/106424 Can’t attend live. No worries. Click the link above for the recording after the live date. This program is brought to you by Batesville Library and The Friends of the Library.