Branch out at the library

Sussex County’s libraries have something for everyone.

For the aspiring yogi...

- Main Branch: Gentle Yoga is Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. After Saturday yoga, stay for QiGong class led by instructor Kevin Kuo at 11 a.m. This traditional Chinese exercise and meditation uses slow, precise body movements, controlled breathing and mental focus to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and overall health. Starting July 14, a Chair Yoga Class will be held most first and second Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m.

- Dorothy Henry: A beginner-friendly yoga class for ages 16 and up takes place at 10 a.m. most Fridays. Cosmic Kids Yoga is July 8 at 10:30 a.m. This special class for ages three through eight takes kids on a yoga adventure that gets bodies moving and imaginations soaring. Register online to secure your spot.

- Sparta Library: Yoga for Kids is July 20 and Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. for ages three through eight.

For the card sharks and gamers...

- Main Branch: Seniors are welcome to drop in to play cards and board games Mondays at 1 p.m. during the weekly Senior Card Players event.

- Dorothy Henry: Afternoon Scrabble the last Friday of each month, and the fourth Saturday of each month at 3 p.m. Drop in to play a game, sharpen your skills and meet some new friends.

Sparta Library: Chess players of all ages are welcome to join Chess Coach Tom Murray for a fun and educational chess sessions from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in July and August.

For those who want to learn or play Mah Jongg – many branches host “Mah Jongg for Everyone.” The most experienced players in the room facilitate the game and new faces are always welcome. You can drop in to play...

- Main Branch: Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

- E. Louise Childs: Fridays at 10 a.m.

- Sussex-Wantage: Thursdays at 12 p.m.

For young families...

- Main Branch: Tiny Tots Playtime is at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Toys are out for children up to age three to play, while parents have the opportunity to chat.

- Dorothy Henry Memorial: Tiny Tots Playtime is Thursday July 2, 16 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. Bedtime Storytime is Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., inviting families to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite bedtime story. Attendees listen to stories chosen by Miss Alana and have the opportunity to share their favorite bedtime books with the group.

- E. Louise Childs: Tiny Tots playtime is Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

- Sparta Library: Read and Play, a story time hosted by Mrs. C., followed by optional free play, is Mondays at 10 a.m. for children ages 9 months to three years. On Thursdays in July and August, stop by at 10 a.m. for Summer Storytime, which includes a story read by Mrs. C and an optional craft for children ages 18 months to 6 years.

For kids who want to sharpen their public speaking skills, multiple branches host “Read to a Dog” sessions. Children ages five through 10 read aloud to patient therapy dogs, gaining confidence, public speaking skills and love of reading in the process:

- E. Louise Childs: the fourth Friday of each month at 4 p.m.

- Franklin: June 18, July 23 and Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.

- Sussex-Wantage: June 17 and 29 at 5:30 p.m.; June 24 at 6 p.m.

For crafters...

- Main: The Sussex County Library Needlers meet Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers and counted cross stitchers are all welcome.

- Franklin: Franklin has multiple crafty adult classes coming up, including a pottery session on June 23 (Creating with Clay) at 6 p.m., a cupcake decorating class July 6 at 2 p.m., and an Introduction to Origami Class at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10.

- Sussex-Wantage: Cupcake Decorating for Adults will be June 29 at 6 p.m. Adult Crafting with Connie will host a paper-mache American Flag class July 1 at 6 p.m., and a diamond painting class (like paint by numbers, but with gems) Aug. 9 at 5:30 p.m.

For bibliophiles...

- Main: Bookish Book Club meets the last Monday of each month at 6 p.m. starting in July. There’s no required reading, just book lovers gathering to discuss their current and recent reads.

- Franklin: Nerds unite at Thought Bubbles, a graphic novel book club that meets both in-person at the Franklin branch, and virtually on discord. Join to discuss all things comic books, graphic novels, and manga. This book club is for adults, and is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. June 25, July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10.

- Sussex-Wantage: Friends of Sussex-Wantage Library’s book sales will be July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m., featuring books for children and adults, DVDs and CDs ranging from 10 cents to $1 in price.

Check online or call your local branch to register for classes and programs.