Ohio Valley Promenaders
2026-02-17 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-02-24 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-03-03 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-03-10 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-03-17 16:45 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Bellaire Public Library, 330 32nd Street, Bellaire, OH, 43906, United States
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.

BPL Board of Trustees Meeting
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-17 18:00 - 19:00
MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS:
The Board of Trustees meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the library’s Table Room.
PLEASE NOTE: The June 2025 meeting will be held the fourth Tuesday of the month, June 24.
When a holiday falls on the 3rd Tuesday, the Board will then meet on either the second or fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
All are welcome to attend.

➤ Learn more about BPL’s Board of Trustees

Homeschool Learning Club
2026-02-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-24 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:00
Our Homeschool Learning Club is a welcoming, hands‑on learning program designed for homeschooled children ages 5–10. Each month, young learners dive into engaging literacy and STEAM activities—exploring reading, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in fun and creative ways.
Through interactive projects, experiments, stories, and problem‑solving challenges, kids build skills, confidence, and curiosity in a supportive environment. Whether they’re crafting, investigating, building, or imagining, participants get a chance to learn by doing—and to connect with other homeschool families along the way.
Join us each month for a blend of discovery, creativity, and community!
Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule:
❄️Wednesday, January 21: Eskimos
The Inuit are a unique indigenous group in Canada, mainly residing in the Arctic regions. They possess a rich cultural heritage and a distinct lifestyle. Engage with a Canadian who has lived in the Arctic to experience authentic clothing, traditions, and daily life.
🐔 Wednesday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 24: Chickens
ChickQuest: We’ll be incubating chickens! From monitoring living eggs to observing fluffy chicks, students will learn about animal agriculture and egg production with help from the Ohio State University Extension Office. Ohio is the second-highest state in national egg production, and Ohio’s soybean crop provides food for chickens.
💧 Wednesday, March 18: Capillary Action
The walking water science experiment highlights how liquids can move through materials illustrating fundamental concepts in chemistry and biology.
🎨 Wednesday, April 15: Art
Dive into the world of splatter art and create unique masterpieces reminiscent of famed artists like Jackson Pollock and Shozo Shimamoto.

Winter Lecture Series
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:00
Discover, Learn, and Be Inspired This Winter!

Join us for the Bellaire Public Library’s Winter Lecture Series, where history, culture, and fascinating stories come to life. Each lecture offers an engaging presentation by experts and authors who share insights that will spark your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the Valley and world around you.
As you enjoy these thought-provoking talks, take in the stunning view of the Great Stone Viaduct, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to our region’s rich heritage. It’s the perfect backdrop for an evening of learning and connection. Come for the knowledge, stay for the connection—because history is best experienced together!

Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM in the Library’s Community Room throughout February and March for engaging presentations on fascinating topics that celebrate our region’s rich past and vibrant culture. Best of all, these programs are free and open to the public.
2026 Schedule

Presenters to be announced soon.

Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 11 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 18 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, February 25 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 pm

Lil' Bookworms Story Time & Craft
2026-02-19 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-20 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-26 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-05 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-03-06 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-12 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-03-13 10:30 - 11:00
BPL’s Lil’ Bookworm Story Times and Craft are designed for children ages 3 through Pre-K, though all ages are welcome. These programs typically run about half an hour. Join Miss Bri for a story, a craft, and lots of fun on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm and Friday mornings at 10:30 am.
Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule:
➤ Download a printable brochure schedule

Thurs., Jan. 15 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 16 at 10:30 AM
Let it snow! Through cleverly positioned die-cut windows, little readers can watch Flip the penguin build a snowman—then pull a tab to make it snow so he can start another. Following, we will build our own marshmallow snowmen.
Thurs., Jan. 22 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 23 at 10:30 AM
When you have a pair of warm mittens and a great imagination, a snowy day is an invitation to explore and have fun. So Zoey the daring chicken and Sam the loyal pig are headed to the North Pole! We will then make our own watercolor resist mittens.
Thurs., Jan. 29 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 30 at 10:30 AM
A little groundhog named Tess tries every trick to avoid going to sleep for the winter. . . and almost misses Groundhog Day! Afterwards, at our craft time will make a little groundhog to hibernate.
Thurs., Feb. 5 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 6 at 10:30 AM
After a variety of animals get stuck one by one in bubble gum melting in the road, they must survive encounters with a big blue truck and a burly black bear. Join in the fun by making a craft fingerprint bubble gum machine.
Thurs., Feb. 12 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 13 at 10:30 AM
From frilly hearts and silly hearts to growing hearts and glowing hearts, there’s plenty of love to go around. Will you join the peas in giving away some valentines? Any kind will do… Every hap-pea heart says, “I Love You!” Go home with a heart gnome.
Thurs., Feb. 19 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 20 at 10:30 AM
Eigen’s mom has come to talk to Mrs. Connor’s class about a special holiday called Lunar New Year. She tells them all the fun ways that the holiday is celebrated around the world. After reading the book, we will make Chinese paper lanterns.
Thurs., Feb. 26 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 27 at 10:30 AM
They say a leopard can’t change its spots—but Spot sure can! There will be a special treat at today’s story time: polka-dot cookies (allergy note: sugar cookies with yellow, blue, red, and green frosting).
Thurs., Mar. 5 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 6 at 10:30 AM
The Duckling asks for a cookie—and gets one! It isn’t fair! The Pigeon NEVER gets what he asks for. Do YOU think the Pigeon should get a cookie, too? C is for cookie will be the craft because everyone should get a cookie.
Thurs., Mar. 12 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 13 at 10:30 AM
We’ll be wearing green this week. Will you? Celebrate with us by reading Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons and making your own handprint rainbow.
Thurs., Mar. 19 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 20 at 10:30 AM
Illustrations of puddles, peeping birds, blooming boughs, sunshine, and kites are brought joyously to life in a lyrical and colorful celebration of spring. A rain-themed art project will round out today’s story time.
Thurs., Mar. 26 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 27 at 10:30 AM
Velvet tries to persuade Bamboo not to be afraid of dragonflies. Will it be a successful effort? After we read the story, we will make tissue paper dragonfly friends to take home.
Thurs., Apr. 2 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 3 at 10:30 AM
When Pete wakes up Easter morning, ready to check out his basket of goodies, he discovers the Easter Bunny needs a little extra help. Our favorite groovy blue cat puts on his bunny ears and finds a way to collect, paint, and hide the eggs all in time for Easter. Puffy paint marshmallow bunnies will then be created.
Thurs., Apr. 9 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 10 at 10:30 AM
We will read the hit book about a willful young frog with a serious identity crisis and his heard-it-all-before father. Frog wants to be anything but a frog, but learns that being himself isn’t bad. After we read, we’ll create frog headbands to complement the story.
Thurs., Apr. 16 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 17 at 10:30 AM
A charming ode to a toddler’s love of trains, whether sending toy animals on a journey around a model track or driving a cardboard-box locomotive, this little puppy really likes trains. All aboard! Go home with your own paper train.
Thurs., Apr. 23 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 24 at 10:30 AM
Celebrate National Library Week with Daniel Tiger and Prince Wednesday. They are so excited for story time at the library! But first they have to learn how to be calm and quiet. Can they calm down before story time starts? We’ll make paper bookworms to celebrate.

Cardio Drumming
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-03-16 18:00 - 19:00
Cardio drumming is a high-energy workout that combines rhythmic drumming with full-body movements to upbeat music. Using a stability ball, drumsticks, and a bucket, participants drum, dance, and sweat their way through a heart-pumping routine that’s as fun as it is effective. It’s a great way to burn calories, boost coordination, and relieve stress—all while feeling like a rockstar! No experience needed and great for all fitness levels!
Cardio Drumming classes will be led by Nicole Smolenak on MONDAY nights at 6 pm. Starting in December, the cardio drumming classes will be on Monday nights.
Note: The Library has six cardio drumming kits available for people new to cardio drumming to test out, but regular participants are encouraged to bring their own gear.
What do you need to get started cardio drumming?

A large inflated exercise ball
A large bucket or basket to hold the ball (the opening should be just slightly smaller than the circumference of the ball so that the ball is suspended in the basket/bucket).
Drumsticks
Enthusiasm!

That’s it! Cardio drumming takes minimal supplies and a kit can usually be assembled for around $25-30.
What it’s look like?
How much fun is this? You know you want to try it!

Afterschool Teen Programs
2026-02-24 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-09 15:00 - 16:00
Our Afterschool Teen Library Program offers a fun, safe, and welcoming space where teens in grades 6–12 can explore new interests, build skills, and connect with friends. Together with OSU Extension & 4‑H, we’ve created a lineup of hands‑on, curiosity‑sparked activities that empower teens to learn, create, and discover—all while having a great time.

Whether they’re creating art, raising chicks, engineering indoor gardens, or launching rockets, teens can expect an exciting mix of learning and fun. We invite all teens to join us after school for engaging programs, new friendships, and a place to feel inspired!

Each month features a different themed program:

January 12th at 3:00 pm: ❄️ Snow Art – A creative winter workshop where teens experiment with artistic techniques to make unique snow‑inspired creations.
February 10th & 24th at 3:00 pm: 🐣 ChickQuest – A deep dive into biology and agriculture as teens explore the full lifecycle of chickens and learn the science behind avian development.
March 9th & 23rd at 3:00 pm: 🌿 Indoor Garden Creators – A blend of creativity, sustainability, and plant science as teens build and care for their own indoor gardens.
April 7th & 21st at 3:00 pm: 💧 Hydroponics for Teens – An introduction to soil‑less gardening that teaches sustainable agriculture and hands‑on growing techniques.
May 11th at 3:00 pm: 🦋 Butterfly Conservation – Teens learn about butterflies, their ecosystems, and how to support local conservation efforts.
☀️ 🚀 Summer Day Camps – Two exciting day-long summer experiences:

Solar Energy Day Camp (June 24)
Rocketry Day Camp (July 21)
Each camp offers interactive workshops that ignite a passion for science and technology.

Bright Minds Book Club
2026-02-24 16:00 - 17:00
The Bright Minds Book Club is a little different than your standard book club. Instead of picking a single book that everyone reads together, we will announce a theme, and students in grades 1-8 can select a book related to that theme to read. On the last Tuesday of each month, we will meet for a discussion about that topic and how the books everyone chose relate to it. Each month, we will also engage in a craft or activity at the book club that reflects the theme. Miss Bri will lead the monthly discussion for the younger kids and Mr. Chad will lead the conversation with the older students.
Bright Minds Book Club Winter Schedule:
January 2026:

Theme: Winter
Book Club Date: Tuesday, January 27 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Blizzard in a jar

February 2026:

Theme: Red
Book Club Date: Tuesday, February 24 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Candy Hearts

March 2026:

Theme: Green
Book Club Date: Tuesday, March 31 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Grow a Rainbow

April 2026:

Theme: Spring
Book Club Date: Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Save Fred the Worm
