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 at the  Library 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.

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. Join us in February to make wool dryer balls! This is a great time to try needle felting if you’ve never been before. What are "dyer balls"? Reusable natural balls that you toss in the dryer with wet clothes to naturally soften fabric, reduce static, decrease wrinkles, and shorten drying time. 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.

The Ukulele Club is a club for anyone who plays or wants to learn how to play the Ukulele. We have fun singing and playing all kinds of music! Music sheets are provided. The Ukulele Club meets in the (Activity Lab located in the children's area) of the library every 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, from 6:30 - 7:30pm. Batesville Library has FREE Ukuleles for checkout if you are interested in playing or learning to play. For more information about this club please contact Janey at psteph@etczone.com. This club is ran by community members. NO REGISTRATION.

Design a beautiful heart-shaped window ornament using colorful glass fragments. Participants will arrange pieces inside a heart frame to create a stained-glass–style decoration that sparkles in the light. No experience needed—just creativity! 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 $7 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 at the  Library 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.

Book: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Theme: Moral courage, community reflection. A short, powerful winter read suited to quiet reflection and meaningful discussion. 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!  

Gather each month with other like-minded family history enthusiasts. Each month we will explore a different topic. This program will run from 1-3PM. This month is: Discover how to preserve memories and stories to create connections with those you love and reminisce about the past. Photos are powerful tools for bringing those memories to life. "Reminiscence therapy" is a therapeutic approach that uses guided conversations and photos to improve mood, communication and well-being. Rick Voight will talk with us over Zoom about this therapy. Jody will be here with two Vivid Pix Memory Stations. Bring in a few photos that you would like enhanced and share your stories. This FREE program is for Adults. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Sign up below.

This program is cancelled for today. 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 FEBRUARY book is The Runaway Wife by Dee MacDonald. Connie is tired of solving one family crisis after another - usually involving her unruly grandchildren - while her husband Roger spends all day at his beloved golf course. Surely it must be time for her to shake off her apron and start living again? So Connie packs a bag, gets in her little green car and drives off... The Runaway Wife is an inspiring and joyously uplifting novel about being true to yourself. If you loved The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry this book is for you. (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.

The instructor for today is able to join us. We have a set at the library for those that are comfortable playing or bring your game board from home. 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!

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.

Registration is required for this program. This registration is for the 5:30pm 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.

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 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