Ohio Valley Promenaders
2026-09-01 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-09-08 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-09-15 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-09-22 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-09-29 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-10-06 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-10-13 16:45 - 21:00, 2026-10-20 16:45 - 21:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates | 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.

Cardio Drumming
2026-09-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-26 18:00 - 19:00 and 4 more dates
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!

BPL Board of Trustees Meeting
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-17 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

Authors Festival
2026-09-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-11-14 10:00 - 16:00
Join us for the Bellaire Public Library’s Authors Festival, a full‑day celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. This special series brings together readers, writers, and anyone with a love of books for an inspiring day packed with workshops, conversations, and opportunities to connect. Whether you’re a dedicated reader, an aspiring author, or simply curious about the world of writing, the festival offers something enriching for everyone. Featured presenters share hands‑on learning experiences and personalized sessions, making the festival shine as a space to discover new ideas and fuel your creative spark.

Authors: Visit the Authors Festival page to fill out a form to reserve a table at any one of our upcoming 2026 Authors Festival programs (Limited space available).
Interested authors with questions should reach out to Chad Webb, cwebb@bellairepubliclibrary.org.

For the Public

Have Inspiring Conversations & Meet-the-Author Moments
Get the chance to hear directly from seasoned authors about their creative journeys, writing processes, and the stories behind their books. These conversations bring literature to life and offer a unique look into how great stories are shaped.
Gain a Deeper Appreciation for the Craft of Writing
Through interactive sessions, festival‑goers can explore how writers build setting, develop characters, and craft compelling narratives. Even non-writers will walk away with a richer understanding of how the books they love come together.
A Community Experience
The festival brings readers together in a welcoming, lively environment. It’s an opportunity to meet neighbors, share stories, and celebrate the literary talents connected to our region.

For Authors and Inspiring Writers
High‑Value Guidance from an Experienced Author
Authors Festival workshops provides practical insights into writing and publishing—from story development to navigating the modern publishing world. Workshops, discussions, and audience questions often spark new story ideas or help writers see their current projects from new angles. Writers at any stage can pick up tools to strengthen their craft and will hopefully leave energized and ready to dive back into their work.
One‑on‑One Critique or Consultation Time
A limited number of private sessions with our presenters allow writers to seek personalized feedback, ask questions about their projects, or discuss next steps in their writing journey—an invaluable opportunity rarely available at local events.
Networking with Other Writers
The festival creates a supportive environment for authors to connect, share ideas, and find encouragement. These interactions can lead to critique partnerships, idea exchanges, or simply renewed motivation.
2026 Authors Festival Schedule

Saturday, February 7th, from 10 am to 4 pm

Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
Edgar-nominated author Robin Yocum, renowned for his fiction set in the Ohio River Valley, will provide valuable writing and publishing insights during a one-hour workshop at 11:00.
Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
Robin Yocum will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.

Featured speaker: Robin Yocum
Robin Yocum’s latest novel, The Last Hitman, was released December 2, 2025 by Crooked Lane Books. His book The Sacrifice of Lester Yates, was released in 2021 by Arcade CrimeWise and was a finalist for the Dashiell Hammett Award for excellence in crime writing. Favorite Sons was named the 2011 Book of the Year for Mystery/Suspense by USA Book News. A Brilliant Death was a Barnes & Noble No. 1 bestseller and a finalist for both the 2017 Edgar Award and the Silver Falchion Award for best adult mystery. Yocum grew up in the Ohio River village of Brilliant, Ohio, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.
➤ Visit Robin Yocum’s website

Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 4 pm

Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
Nationally acclaimed children’s book author, storyteller, and current Poet Laureate for the state of West Virginia, Marc Harshman, will lead a creative writing workshop and share publishing insights during a one-hour workshop at 11:00.
Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
Marc Harshman will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.

Featured speaker: Marc Harshman
Harshman’s fourteenth children’s book, FALLINGWATER, co-written with Anna Smucker, was published by Roaring Brook/Macmillan in 2017 and has been an Amazon Book of the Month choice, as well as a Junior Library Guild selection. A previous title, THE STORM, was a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children. Children’s books have been translated into Danish, Korean, Swedish, Spanish, and Japanese. He holds degrees from Bethany College, Yale Divinity School, and the University of Pittsburgh.
➤ Visit Marc Harshman’s website

Saturday, September 19th, from 10 am to 4 pm

Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
Workshop to be announced
Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.

Saturday, November 14th, from 10 am to 4 pm

Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
Workshop to be announced
Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.

Saturday, December 12th, from 10 am to 4 pm

Tables featuring 18 authors from various genres
Workshop to be announced
Lunch break at 12:00 pm – Lunches from Gulla’s Hot Dog will be available to purchase.
Workshop leader will offer a limited number of one-on-one sessions for authors and the public in the afternoon.

Library Closes at 4 PM on the Last Friday of the Month
2026-10-30 16:00 - 17:00
The Library closes one hour early once a month, generally on the last Friday of each month, for a staff meeting/training.
2025 – 4:00 PM Friday Closings:

Jan. 3
Feb. 7
Mar. 7
Apr. 4
May 30
June – no meeting, library will remain open until 5:00 on June 27
July 25
Aug. 29
Sept. 26
Oct. 31
Nov. 28
Dec. 26
