Join us for Friday Block Play throughout the winter months! Miss Sarah will have different kinds of blocks out for free play and social time. Meet us at the library for a morning of hands-on play, building with blocks, and building new friendships! Ages: Designed for children under the age of 4. Location: Ms. Sarah’s Activity Lab Time: 10-11am NO REGISTRATION. Come and go as you please.
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.
The Batesville Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, February 16th - ALL DAYÂ for President's Day and we will hold Staff Development that day as well. You can still use our eLibrary and Databases. eLibrary and Databases can be found at https://ebatesville.com/dl/ You can also search our catalog at https://evergreen.lib.in.us/eg/opac/home?locg=215
Theme: Buildings Craft: We will build with blocks! There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children's area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This program is geared toward children ages 3 – 5.
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.
Theme: Buildings Craft: We will build with blocks! There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children's area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. This program is geared toward children ages 3 - 5. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Theme: Buildings Craft: We will build with blocks! There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children's area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. This program is geared toward children ages 3 - 5. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Join us to create a simple loom weave using sturdy cardboard, cutting evenly spaced notches, then wrapping vertical yarn and finally weaving colorful yarn over and under. This is a fun and kid-friendly craft that develops fine motor skills and creativity. Ages: Free for kids ages 6-11 years old Location: Ms. Sarah's Activity Lab Time: 4-4:45pm Registration is required. Please sign your child(ren) up below. NOTE: When signing up more than one child –after registering the 1st child you must hit refresh in your browser to register the next child.
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.
Join us for Friday Block Play throughout the winter months! Miss Sarah will have different kinds of blocks out for free play and social time. Meet us at the library for a morning of hands-on play, building with blocks, and building new friendships! Ages: Designed for children under the age of 4. Location: Ms. Sarah’s Activity Lab Time: 10-11am NO REGISTRATION. Come and go as you please.
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!
There’s no time like Storytime! Theme: Friendship Craft: Friendship bracelets Start your Saturday with Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This program is geared toward children ages 3 – 5.
Join us every Monday for a fun filled 30 minute interactive session that uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to stimulate the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is geared towards ages 0 to 3. Help your little one grow by: Building Early Literacy Skills Encouraging Language Development Supporting Social and Emotional Growth in a low-pressure setting Choose which time works best for your little ones. Choose between the 10am session or 11am session. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Join us every Monday for a fun filled 30 minute interactive session that uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to stimulate the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is geared towards ages 0 to 3. Help your little one grow by: Building Early Literacy Skills Encouraging Language Development Supporting Social and Emotional Growth in a low-pressure setting Choose which time works best for your little ones. Choose between the 10am session or 11am session. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
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 has been cancelled. Grab your dice and join in fun! Team up with other kids in a beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons adventure that meets 1-2 times a month. All materials provide. Just show up ready for fun! Ages: FREE for kids ages 10-13 years old Location: BMPL Meeting Room B Time: 4-5:30pm REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE SIGN UP YOUR CHILD(REN) BELOW. NOTE: When signing up more than one child –after registering the 1st child you must hit refresh in your browser to register the next child.
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.
Theme: Kindness Craft: Sensory Bins There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children’s area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This program is geared toward children ages 3 – 5.
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.
Theme: Kindness Craft: Sensory Bins There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children’s area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. This program is geared toward children ages 3 - 5. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Join from the comfort of your home for an at-home online talk with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch. Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch. Take part in our conversation with Tom Crouch about the trials, errors, and incredible legacy of the Smithsonian’s foundation. A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration. Digital live-stream is on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Register here (it’s FREE): https://libraryc.org/ebatesville/108287 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.
A Volksmarch (German for "people's walk") is a non-competitive, recreational walk or hike through scenic or historic areas, focusing on fitness, fun, and camaraderie; participants follow marked trails, get cards stamped at checkpoints, and enjoy nature, local culture, and sometimes refreshments. Come join us the last Tuesday of each month! This month we will meet Brum Woods (Paved Parking lot entrance on Mulberry Street) ALL AGES WELCOME Registration is REQUIRED All Children MUST be accompanied by an Adult Participants must be able to stay in between the two BMPL Guides while walking and must be able to follow all instructions while visiting special locations. Enjoy the fresh air, get active, and have fun with others while learning something new! List of each month and Places we will go: January 27th - Oldenburg - Meet at Softball Parking Lot across from Wastewater plant February 24th - Brum Woods (Paved Parking lot entrance on Mulberry Street) March 31st - Freedom Park - (Meet at Pavilion) April 28th - Skatepark/Soccer Park path May 26th - Brum Woods (Nature Trail - Huntersville Rd parking lot June 30 - Batesville (History Walk) meet at parking lot across from Weigels Funeral Home July 28th - Oldenburg (History Walk) meet at the park behind Beautiful World shop August 25th - Green Acres Walk - meet at Michaela Farm September 29th - Orchard Walk - Villa Orchard October 27th - Batesville (Cemetery Walk) - St. Louis Cemetery November 24th - Gratitude Hike - Liberty Park
Theme: Kindness Craft: Sensory Bins There’s no time like Storytime! Join us for a fun filled 45 minute session that incorporates books, songs, & activities to build early literacy skills. Storytime is held inside the Activity Lab in the Children’s area of the library. Storytime helps your pre-schooler grow by: Listening to stories, singing songs, and learning rhymes help children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. Storytime gives little ones a chance to meet other children, practice sharing and listening, and build confidence in a group setting. Sharing stories together creates special moments and helps parents learn fun ways to support early learning at home. This program is geared toward children ages 3 - 5. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
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.
Kids Chess ClubOur new Kids Chess Club invites young thinkers to learn, play, and grow through the game of strategy and fun. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already loves chess, this club offers a welcoming space to build skills, make friends, and enjoy friendly competition. Join us at the library as we help spark confidence, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning—one move at a time. This program will be parent led with help from Ms. Sarah (children's coordinator). If you have a chess set feel free to bring it. Some will be supplied. Ages: Free for kids ages 6-11 years old Location: BMPL Meeting Room B Time: 4-5pm REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE SIGN UP YOUR CHILD(REN) BELOW. NOTE: When signing up more than one child –after registering the 1st child you must hit refresh in your browser to register the next child.
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 us for a fun craft time! Kiddos will create three different hands-on crafts using paper, paint, scissors, glue, and tissue paper. These activities are designed to build fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and support important skills for learning... like hand-eye coordination and focus. Ages: Free for kids ages 3-5 years old Location: Ms. Sarah’s Activity Lab Time: 10-10:30am REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE SIGN UP YOUR CHILD(REN) BELOW. NOTE: When signing up more than one child –after registering the 1st child you must hit refresh in your browser to register the next child.
Join us for a fun craft time! Kiddos will create three different hands-on crafts using paper, paint, scissors, glue, and tissue paper. These activities are designed to build fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and support important skills for learning... like hand-eye coordination and focus. Ages: Free for kids ages 3-5 years old Location: Ms. Sarah’s Activity Lab Time: 4-4:30pm REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PLEASE SIGN UP YOUR CHILD(REN) BELOW. NOTE: When signing up more than one child –after registering the 1st child you must hit refresh in your browser to register the next child.
Join us for Friday Block Play throughout the winter months! Miss Sarah will have different kinds of blocks out for free play and social time from 10am to 11am. Meet us at the library for a morning of hands-on play, building with blocks, and building new friendships! Ages: Designed for children under the age of 4. Location: Ms. Sarah’s Activity Lab Time: 10-11am NO REGISTRATION. Come and go as you please.
Monday – Thursday : 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday : 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM
Library Hours
Monday – Thursday : 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday : 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM
131 N. Walnut St.
Batesville, IN 47006
Phone: (812) 934-4706
Fax: (812) 934-6288
Email: info@ebatesville.com
Contact Us
131 N. Walnut St.
Batesville, IN 47006
Phone: (812) 934-4706
Fax: (812) 934-6288
Email: info@ebatesville.com
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