Altoona library announces programs, activities for April
Altoona Area Public Library, 1600 Fifth Ave., has announced its April programming. For more information, call 814-946-0417 or visit www.altoona
library.org.
n The Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library will hold its Spring Used Book Sale April 24-27.
n The Women’s Community Art Group will be held at 6 p.m. April 2. It is an Open Art Studio where women can create art of their choice. There will be a variety of art materials available for use, and participants may also bring a project they are currently working on. This is a time for relaxation, creative expression and connection. This program is for women ages 18 and older and will instructed by Elaine Baney, an art therapist and educator with more than 20 years of experience instructing art. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 125, to register.
n The Great Hatch — Candling will be held at 5 p.m. April 6 and 20. Step into the world of tiny beginnings as participants explore what’s happening inside a chicken egg. Children ages 3-12 will learn how candling works, using a special light to safely peek through the shell and observe how a chick grows day by day. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Calling all teen gamers! In partnership with the Video Game Clubs of America, the library will host a gaming club from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. From tabletop board games, card games, Nintendo Switch and more, each week will be something different for you to enjoy with your friends. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 125, to register.
n “Sample Food through the Ages” will be held at
6 p.m. April 7 in the library. Experience a historical presentation on the food topic for the month. Samples and recipes will be given out at the end of the program. This month’s topic is the history of Imperial China and Immortal Peach Rice. Registration, a library card and a $3 fee is required. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 125, to register.
n Ahhh Brain Freeze! Space Station Split for Teens will be held at 3 p.m. April 8. Join the library after school to solve Space Station Split from Breakout EDU while enjoying slushies. Students will try to solve the puzzles, riddles or questions before their brains freeze. Slushie will contain pineapple juice, lemonade concentrate, lemon/lime flavoring, blue food coloring and Sprite. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 125, to register.
n Homeschool Hub: 3rd Annual Egg Drop will be held at 1 p.m. April 9. The egg drop returns to the AAPL, but this year, with a twist. Instead of dropping the eggs themselves, the library will be dropping things on to the eggs. Can you build a container to protect your egg from being smashed by increasingly heavy objects? Or will your egg end up resembling a pancake? Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n LEGO Club will meet at 6 p.m. April 9 and 13. All you need is your imagination. This program is geared toward children ages 4 and older. Monthly registration and a library card is required. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to sign up.
n “Folded Book Art Flower Vases” will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 10. Fold old books into adorable spring flower vases in this hands-on crafting workshop. This is a cheerful, creative way for children ages 6-12 to welcome spring and make eco-friendly art. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Intro to Spanish will be held April 10 with ages 2-6 at 10:30 a.m. and ages 6-12 at 1:30 p.m. Join the library for a lively ongoing program introducing children to Spanish language and culture through songs, stories and playful activities. Young learners will explore basic vocabulary and cultural traditions in a fun, age-appropriate setting. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Children ages 4-12 are invited to join Ms. Clarissa and Ms. Evelyn for a whimsical, nonsensical Unbirthday Tea Party at 10 a.m. April 11, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” featuring themed treats and playful Wonderland-themed activities. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Drop in to chat with Ms. Clarissa about all things chickens during “Flock Talk” (2 p.m. April 11, 11:30 a.m. April 16 and 4 p.m. April 21 and 28). Bring your questions, your excitement, and your love for fluffy friends. Each session features a fun mini‒topic. No registration needed.
n “See You @ the Symphony” will take place at 10:30 a.m. April 13 for children ages 3-6. Members of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra will present a hands-on program to incorporate music exploration using multimedia and hands-on presentations. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n “Paws 2 Read” will take place at 5 p.m. April 13. This program partners the library’s youth room with the local humane society where kids practice reading aloud to furry friends, boosting their confidence and literacy skills while giving adoptable pets some much-needed love and attention. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Breastfeeding Storytime will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 14. The library is partnering with the Blair County Breastfeeding Coalition to provide a special storytime for families with children 6 years old and younger. The program will highlight the resources included in a new Breastfeeding Backpack which is available to borrow at the library. Registration is required by calling 814-946-0417, ext. 123.
n All ages are welcome to the Friends of the AAPL Puzzle Swap at 5 p.m. April 14. Bring a gently used puzzle with all the pieces and swap it with someone else. Please bring only puzzles you are willing to part with for good. No registration necessary.
n Preschoolers (3 years and older) and caregivers are invited to enjoy some “Super Silly Stories” at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. April 16 at the library. This program is free, but registration is required by calling 814-946-0417, ext. 123.
n The Friends of the Library will hold Game Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 in the library board room. No registration is required. It is for ages 12 and older.
n Celebrate Bat Month at 10:30 a.m. April 17 with a special children’s program presented in partnership with Lincoln Caverns. Kids ages 12 and younger will explore the fascinating world of bats through hands‒on activities, fun demonstrations and lively storytelling. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Cow Check-In Storytime & Craft will be held at 3 p.m. April 17. The library’s virtually-adopted calf is growing. Join others for an update on her progress, as well as a fun storytime and craft. Registration is not required.
n The Friends of the Library will host its monthly book club at 10 a.m. April 18 in the library theater. The book for the month is “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. RSVP by email to SarahAAPL
@yahoo.com. If you are not yet a Friends member, forms can be found on the library website. Memberships are $10 per year.
n “Crafternoon: Dream Catchers” will be held at
2 p.m. April 18. All supplies will be provided. This is an adult program. Registration and a Blair County Library Card is required. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 125, to register.
n AAPL Shelf Indulgence Adult Book Club will be held at 10 a.m. April 18 in the library board room. This is a BYOM (bring your own mug) with a choice of coffee or tea. This month’s book is “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” by Benjamin Stevenson. Register by calling 814-946-0417, ext. 125.
n “Marvelous Machines: Soaring through the Skies” will be held at 3:30 p.m. April 21. Participants will explore the principles behind planes and gliders and then create their own glider models. This is for grades one through five. Call 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.
n Pokemon TCG Day for Teens will be held at 3 p.m. April 22. Join others at the library and start your own pokemon tcg journey. Learn strategy, game sense and deck building all while taking yourself to victory. Starter decks will be available to borrow, and instruction will be provided to jump right into the action. No registration is required; just show up and play.
n “Brain Games at the Library: Where Fun Meets Logic — Lunar Landing Logic Game” will be held at 6 p.m. April 27. This is a fun, hands‒on program for school‒age kids. Children explore logic puzzles, memory challenges and strategy games that build critical thinking, problem‒solving and teamwork skills through playful learning. Register by calling 814-946-0417, ext. 123.
n Adopt A Calf: Chat with Farmer Nikki and Daisy Live at 1:30 p.m. April 27. Join the library’s host farm Lone Oak Farms for a live meet-and-greet on YouTube LIVE. During the 30-minute chat, participants will talk with Farmer Nikki and spend some time with the library’s adopted calf and her herdmates. Registration is not required.
n The Great Hatch: Brooder Set Up will take place at 3:30 p.m. April 29. Children ages 3-12 are invited to help transfer the chicks from the incubator to their brooder and will learn all about gentle handling to feeding giving them a up‒close look at what baby chicks need to grow strong and healthy. Register by calling 814-946-0417, ext. 123.
n Mahjong Club meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays in the library. All adult patrons are welcome to play. No registration is required.
n Chess Club meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. All are welcome to meet at the front tables on the first floor. No registration is necessary. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by their legal guardian.
n Story Times: Families of young children are invited to check out the library’s free educational story time programs for caregiver and child to enjoy together. Developmentally appropriate and enjoyable programs for children ages 1-6 are offered weekly. Call the library at 814-946-0417, ext. 123, to register.




