Bellaire Public Library

Private Event
2023-01-14 | Bellaire Public Library, 330 32nd Street, Bellaire, OH, 43906, United States
The Library’s Community Room is booked on this date for a private event.
RENT A ROOM AT THE LIBRARY:
A large community activity room is, for a fee, available to rent when not in use by the library, along with a smaller “table” room. Both can be reserved by calling the library (740-676-9421) or by stopping by at the circulation desk during regular library hours. Please be sure to review fee schedules for the Community Activity Room and the Table Room before booking a reservation.
Check our online activity calendar on this website for availability of rooms:
➤ View calendar

BPL Board of Trustees Meeting
2023-01-17 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS:
The Board of Trustees meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Table Room. When a holiday falls on the 3rd Tuesday, the Board will then meet on either the second or fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend.

➤ Learn more about BPL’s Board of Trustees

2023 Great Stone Viaduct Winter Lecture Series
2023-02-15 18:00 - 19:00
Join us this year for the 11th annual GSV Winter Lecture Series in 2023!
➤ Download a printable 2023 brochure schedule
➤ View recorded versions of the 2023 GSV Winter Lecture Series*
(*available only after date of presentation)

Feb 1: “Thanks for the Memories – Bob Hope in Bellaire” presented by Attorney Daniel L. Frizzi, Jr.
Feb. 8: “The Moonlight Mill Murders of Steubenville, OH” presented by Susan Guy
Feb. 15: “Belmont County, A Bedrock of Historic Preservation,” presented by Building Preservation Trades educators Jon Smith, Sarel Venter, and Jeffrey Forster
Feb. 22: “The Inception of the New Industrial Training Center” presented by Training Director Jason Dean and Architect Wendy Scatterday
Mar. 1: “Belmont County’s Dangerfield Newbie: his involvement in John Brown’s Raid, and how his family continued his fight for freedom following his death” presented by Jon-Erik Gilot
Mar. 8: “The Steamboat Scioto” presented by Taylor Abbott
Mar. 15: “It All Started in a Janitor’s Closet – A history of the Bellaire High School Archives” presented by Tom Raticzak
Mar. 22: “Wheeling Secessionists – Recollections of two local women from the Civil War” presented by Judi Hendrickson and Jeanne Finstein

Since 2012, the library has partnered with the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society on a Winter Lecture Series. These programs, featuring presentations of local historical and community topics, are held on Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Community Room on the lower level of the Library throughout the months of February and March. All Winter Lecture Series programs are free for the public to attend.

Lil' Bookworm Story Times
2023-02-16 17:00 - 17:30
BPL’s Lil’ Bookworm Story Times are designed for children ages 3-5 years old, though all ages are welcome. The programs typically run about a half an hour. Join Miss Bri this winter and spring on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm and Friday mornings at 10:30 am for some reading, crafts, and fun!
Download a printable pdf schedule for the 2023 January through April programs

Library Closed on Presidents' Day
2023-02-20
The Library will be closed Monday, February 20th, 2023, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Normal Library hours will resume Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
While the Library will be closed for the holiday, access to the Library’s digital services are also available remotely. Check out e-books, streaming audio or video, digital magazines, and more through Ohio Digital Library. Or visit the Ohio Web Library to start working on you genealogy with access to databases like HeritageQuest and Fold3, download a Chilton Repair manual to work on your car, or update your career skills with course taught through LinkedIn Learning.

Ohio Valley Promenaders
2023-06-06 16:45 - 21:00
The Ohio Valley Promenaders offer line dance and square dance lessons on Tuesdays in the Community Room on the lower level of the Bellaire Public Library. The lessons are open to all ages. While many of the Promenaders are seasoned pros, the group is always accepting new members and the first lesson is free! Newcomers can jump in quickly, as square dancing is based on walking to eight counts, and the caller leads dancers on what to do in a “learn as you go” fashion.
Promenaders Schedule:

Line Dance: Improvers — Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:00 pm
Line Dance: Beginners — Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Square Dancers — Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

The cost per program is $5 to help cover expenses.
The OV Promenaders have been dancing since 1970!
➤ For questions about square dancing, call Nancy Campbell at 740-676-2136.
➤ For questions about line dancing, call Jenny Roupe at 304-280-5211.
*NOTE: This is not a library-affiliated program. The Ohio Valley Promenaders group solely arranges the line dancing and square dancing lessons.

Summer Reading Program
2023-06-07 13:00 - 14:00
Weekly Summer Reading Programs will be held for kids ages 6-12 on Wednesdays at 1 pm throughout June and July. Kids are invited to stay for open play in the Library’s Community Room for open play with board games and a craft station following the program. Open play closes at 3 pm.
All Together Now!
Between the weeks of July 17-29, we’ll be collecting donations for the Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department. Needed supplies include paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.
WEEKLY PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, June 7 at 1 pm: “Meet Our Neighbors” with local law enforcers — Deputy Sheriff Joshua Haught & Police Chief JJ Watson will tell us about their role in the community, read the book Our Police by Jack E. Levin, and show us their police cars!
All Together Now!
Between the weeks of June 4-17, we will be collecting donations for the food pantries at the Salvation Army and The Living Bread Kitchen at First United Methodist Church.
Wednesday, June 14 at 1 pm: Open to all ages — Magician Rory Rennick presenting a historic portrayal as Henry “Box” Brown — For the week of Juneteenth, we’ll learn about the iconic escaped slave-turned-magician who mailed himself to freedom in a small wooden box.
Wednesday, June 21 at 1 pm: “Meet Our Neighbors” with Jersey the K9 Therapy Dog with Handler Jennifer Yuhase — What does a Therapy Dog do? Handler Jennifer will explain and read a book K9 Duke the Comfort Dog, then you’ll have the chance to hang out with Jersey the K9 Therapy Dog.
All Together Now!
Between the weeks of June 18-30, we’ll be collecting donations for the Belmont County Animal Shelter. Please see a list of suggested donation items by clicking this link.
Wednesday, June 28 at 1 pm: Make Some Magical Music — We may not have 76 trombones for a big parade, but we will have a great time! Bridgeport Schools music teacher Miss Ashley Krieger will bring instruments for kids to play to lead us in some music basics and teach us some fun songs.
Wednesday, July 5 at 1 pm: Free Play Day with Ice Cream Floats — In honor of the 4th of July, we’ll enjoy red and blue ice cream floats. An “Arts & Crafts” station where kids can make their own crafts and several games will be available for kids to play in the Library’s Community Room.
Wednesday, July 12 at 1 pm: “Zoo to You” Program — Zoo educators from Oglebay’s Good Zoo will teach us about some unlikely beneficial and social animals. Come and meet an armadillo, an opossum, and some very social cockroaches!
Wednesday, July 19 at 1 pm: “Meet Our Neighbors” with the Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department — Lieutenant Zach Coffield will tell us what volunteer firefighters do, read the book Fire Trucks Jim Keppeler, and give a tour of a fire truck!
All Together Now!
Between the weeks of July 17-29, we’ll be collecting donations for the Bellaire Volunteer Fire Department. Needed supplies include paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.
Wednesday, July 26 at 1 pm: Free Play Day — For our last program of Summer Reading, we’ll let the kids play “All Together Now.” The “Arts & Crafts” station where kids can make their own crafts will be available as well as several games for the kids to play together.

➤ Download a printable schedule for our Summer Reading Programs for kids ages 6-12
➤ For kids 3-6, see our Summer Reading Story Times

Little Bookworms Story Time and Craft
2023-06-08 10:30 - 11:00
BPL’s Lil’ Bookworm Story Times are designed for children ages 3-6 years old, though all ages are welcome. The programs typically run about a half an hour. Join Miss Bri this summer Thursday morning at 10:30 am for some reading, crafts, and fun!
Summer Reading Schedule:

Free Line Dancing Lessons
2023-06-13 16:30 - 18:45
C’mon down and learn how to dance, “All Together Now,” in a line! Jenny Roupe will be providing free line dancing lessons for our Summer Reading program.
Lessons are given n the Library’s Community Room from 4:30 pm to 6:45 pm on the following dates:

June 13
June 20
July 18
August 8
August 22

Belmont Co. WIC: Mama-Palooza
2023-08-02 13:00 - 15:00
Celebrating all Moms and Moms-to-be! Join Belmont County WIC for some fun, prizes, information and food!!! All Moms and Moms-to-be from Belmont County and all who are on the Belmont County WIC Program. First come, first served until they run out. The WIC staff will be available to sign up anyone wanting to join WIC or have questions about Breastfeeding.
For questions, call the Belmont County WIC office at 740-676-2232.

NOTE: This is not a Library-sponsored event.

Library Closed Over Labor Day Weekend
2023-09-01 12:00 - 2023-09-04 23:59
Library will be closed Friday, September 1 starting at noon through Monday, September 4 to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers. We will reopen Tuesday, September 5 and will be open from 9 am to noon on Friday, September 1. Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Library Closed on Columbus Day
2023-10-03 08:00 - 17:00
The Bellaire Public Library will be closed from Monday, October 9th, for Columbus Day. Regular library hours will resume Tuesday, October 10th.
Remember that while the Library closes for holidays, access to the our digital services are always available 24/7 with your library card. Don’t have a BPL card? If you’re a Belmont County resident, you can get a digital library card at https://ohio.ent.sirsi.net/custom/web/registration/index.html?profile=bel — with your digital card, you can check out books through the Ohio Digital Library (https://ohdbks.overdrive.com/) and access databases through the Ohio Web Library (https://www.ohioweblibrary.org/).

BHS Thespians Fall Play
2023-10-12 09:30 - 11:00
The Bellaire High School Thespians invite you to a performance of their Fall 2023 play.

Thursday, October 12: 9:30 am and 7 pm
Friday, October 13: 9:30 am
Saturday, October 14: 7 pm

Library Closed Nov. 10 & 11
2023-11-10 - 2023-11-11
The Library will be closed Friday, Nov. 10 due to a scheduled water main closure and Saturday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Thank you veterans for your service!

Library Closed on Thanksgiving Day
2023-11-23
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Bellaire Public Library will be closed Thursday, November 23rd. We are grateful for our patrons and our community who make it a pleasure to serve. We wish you all a bountiful and happy Thanksgiving! Normal Library hours will resume Friday, November 24th.
While the Library will be closed for the holiday, access to the Library’s digital services are also available remotely. Check out e-books, streaming audio or video, digital magazines, and more through Ohio Digital Library. You can even check out digital cookbooks with your library card (see below)!

Library Closing Early Friday Dec. 1
2023-12-01 16:00 - 23:59
The Library will be closing one hour early at 4 pm on Friday, Dec. 1, for a staff training.

BHS Thespians Christmas Play
2023-12-04 18:00 - 19:30
Join the Bellaire High School Thespians for their annual Christmas play performance at our Library, “Snow Wars,” Monday, Dec. 4 at 6 pm. Festivities will include music, children’s games, face painting, the Christmas play, a holiday sing-a-long, and light refreshments. Admission is free and a canned goods donation is requested for charity.

5 Legal Documents Every Adult Needs
2023-12-11 17:30 - 18:30
Join Jarvis Law Office for this free informational event: 5 Legal Documents Every Adult Needs.*
Aging can bring many challenges and risks, some of the biggest being probate fees, taxes, illness, nursing home costs, and financial scams. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.
Getting Your Affairs in Order: Documents to Prepare for the Future
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, planning for the future can make all the difference in an emergency and at the end-of-life. Being prepared and having important documents in a single place can give you peace of mind, help ensure your wishes are honored, and ease the burden on your loved ones.
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Healthcare Power of Attorney
• Living Will
• HIPAA
• Will

*NOTE: This is not a Library-sponsored event. This program is sponsored by Jarvis Law Office.

Cookies With Kris Kringle
2023-12-13 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for a visit from old St. Nick, Wednesday, Dec 13 at 5 p.m. There will be cookies, crafts, cocoa, and – of course, Kris Kringle. That’s right, Santa is coming to town so head on over to the Bellaire Public Library, Wednesday, Dec. 13 for a night of holly, jolly fun!

"The Great Christmas Heist" Story Time and Craft
2023-12-15 10:30 - 11:00
Join us for a special Christmas-themed Lil’ Bookworms, Friday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 am when local author Joe Woodley will read his recently published children’s book, “The Great Christmas Heist!” Learn more about this book and its author at https://agreatchristmasbook.com/.

Library Closes at 4 PM on the First Friday of the Month
2024-01-05 16:00 - 17:00
The Library closes one hour early once a month, generally on the first Friday of each month, for a staff meeting/training.
NOTE: The June meeting will be held on Friday, May 31, to allow staff to prepare for the opening week of Summer Reading.
2025 – 4:00 PM Friday Closings:

Jan. 3
Feb. 7
Mar. 7
Apr. 4
May 2
May 30 (June meeting happens last week in May to prepare for Summer Reading launch)
July – no meeting (July 4 is the first Friday of the month and the Library will be closed)
Aug. 1
Sept. 5
Oct. 3
Nov. 7
Dec. 5

Library Closing Early Friday Jan. 5
2024-01-05 16:00 - 23:59
The Library will be closing one hour early at 4 pm on Friday, January 5, for a staff training.

Library Closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2024-01-15
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Bellaire Public Library will be closed Monday, January 15th. Normal Library hours will resume Tuesday, January 16th.

Lil' Bookworms Story Time and Craft
2024-01-18 17:00 - 17:30, 2024-01-26 10:30 - 11:00
BPL’s Lil’ Bookworm Story Time and Craft programs are designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills through story telling and fine motor skills with crafts for children ages 3 to Pre-k, though all ages are welcome. The programs typically run about a half an hour. Join Miss Bri on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm and Friday mornings at 10:30 am and for some reading, crafts, and fun!
WINTER/SPRING 2024 SCHEDULE:

Download .pdf file for printing

Great Stone Viaduct Winter Lecture Series
2024-02-07 18:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 6 PM – FEB. & MAR.
All of the programs in this year’s series will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Following the live broadcast, recordings of the programs will be available to watch at anytime on the Library’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube Channel.

Since 2012, the library has partnered with the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society on a Winter Lecture Series. These programs, featuring presentations of local historical and community topics, are held on Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Community Room on the lower level of the Library throughout the months of February and March. All Winter Lecture Series programs are free for the public to attend.

Library Closed on Presidents' Day
2024-02-19
The Library will be closed Monday, February 19th, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal hours will resume Tuesday, February 20th.
Osbourne Coinage die and coin from Lincoln presidential campaigns
FUN PRESIDENTIAL FACT: Did you know when Illinois Senator Abraham Lincoln decided to run for president, Ohio’s own Osbourne Coinage Company provided him with inexpensive campaign coins to give away during his campaigns in both 1860 and 1864? Both sets of dies are still in the Osbourne die vault today. Osborne made political coins for eight other presidential campaigns including Ulysses Grant and Franklin Roosevelt. You can learn more about Osbourne Coinage, Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 pm, when Patrick Hipple, Account Executive at Osborne Coinage will be giving a presentation about the coin company at the Great Stone Viaduct Winter Lecture Series here at the Library.

Closed Over Memorial Day Weekend
2024-05-25 - 2024-05-27
The Bellaire Public Library will be closed over the Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27th. Normal hours resume Tuesday, May 28th.

Summer Reading Program
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:00
Summer Reading Programs for kids grades 1-6 will be held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. from June 5th to July 24th.
Program Schedule:
June 5th – Vic the Ranger (magician)
June 12th – Oglebay’s Zoo to You
June 19th – CLOSED (no programming)
June 26th – Bird House Painting Day
July 3rd – S’mores Ice Cream Sundaes and bring your own campfire stories to tell
July 10th – Daniel Caron: Backyard Adventures
July 17th – Create your own Cryptid with colored air dry clay
July 24th – Scouts Visit and demonstration

Cryptid Lecture Series
2024-06-05 18:00 - 19:00
The Ohio Valley is rich with sightings of cryptids. Anecdotes describe animals or humanoids, often monstrous or frightening, that don’t conform to species recognized by science. Investigator Fred Saluga, director of the WV Center for Unexplained Events and the Fayette County, PA Bigfoot Research Project will lead us on a five-week journey exploring the history and local sightings of these mysterious creatures. These programs are designed for teens and adults and are free and open to the public.
Class schedule:
June 5: Bigfoot/Grassman
June 12: Mothman
June 26: Other Ohio Cryptids – Part 1
July 10: Other Ohio Cryptids – Part II
July 17: Researching Cryptids and Making Plaster Castings
