Columbia Heights Library Adult Programs

Columbia Heights Library, 3939 Central Ave. NE. For more information, call 763-706-3690 or visit chplmn.org. Registration required for most programs and opens 4 weeks in advance. 

Conversation Circle: Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm; Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm; Thursdays, 2-3 pm in December. Conversation Circle is a casual gathering of English-language adult learners who meet at the library to practice their speaking skills in a group setting with help from an English-speaking volunteer. No need to register; just come when you can.

Winter Reads:– Cozy up with a book and win, Monay, Jan. 6-Friday, Feb. 28. Read and rate books for the chance to win prizes. Adults (18+) can submit mini book reviews in January and February to be eligible for weekly prizes and one of two grand prizes: a gift card to the Heights movie theater. Book review forms will be available at the library or on the library website. Book reviews may be shared in the library or on social media.

Wooden Stencil Painting: Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30 am-12 pm. Join fellow painters for a morning of painting inspired by traditional and folk art from around the world. Paints, wooden canvases, and stencils will be provided. Registration required.

Winter Reads Tote Bag DIY: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 5:30-7 pm. Kick off Winter Reads 2025 with your very own personalized library tote bag. While creating your tote bag, socialize with other readers and crafters in the community and learn about the Winter Reads program. Registration required.

Getting Started with Libby: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 11 am-12 pm; Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5-6 pm. Have you been wanting to try reading eBooks or eAudiobooks on your smartphone, tablet, or Kindle, but aren’t sure how to get started? Meet Libby, the library app for reading e-books and listening to audiobooks. Bring your smartphone or other device if you’d like help downloading. Get daily updates on Columbia Heights happenings by following the library on Facebook @Columbiaheightsmn, Twitter @heightsmn or Instagram @columbiaheightsmn. Library Book Club: Third Wednesday of the month, 10:30 am the app. No registration is required. Recommended: arrive early and stop by the “ask me” desk to check that your library card is up to date, and that your PIN is current. You will need your barcode and PIN to start using Libby.

Ancestral Connections: Thursdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, & Feb. 13, 5:30-7 pm.  Nyttu Chongo will create a reflective, meditative space for exploration of self and identity in connection to those who came before. Participants will be guided with sounds from traditional African instruments native to Sub-Saharan Africa – Mbira Nyunga Nyunga, Mbira Dzava Dzimu, Xitende, and the Chopi Timbila. Feel welcome to join for one, two or all three sessions of this unique program. Nyttu Chongo is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Pet Beds for Animal Shelters: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 am-2 pm. In partnership with HeightsNEXT, the library will host a pet bed workshop. This popular citywide service project draws people of all ages. HeightsNEXT will provide all of the fabric supplies and tools and guide you through the easy, no-sew pet bed instructions. Completed beds will be donated to a local rescue organization. For more information go to https://heightsnext. org/events/pet-bed-workshop/

Adult Book Club: Dec. 18: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt Jan. 15: “The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man” by David Von Drehle. Feb. 19: “Flygirl: A Memoir” by Ann Hood. Mar. 19: “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley.

Mystery Book Club:  Third Wednesday of the month, 5:30 pm. Join library staff and fellow mystery lovers for a bi-monthly mystery book discussion. No registration required. Dec. 18: “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley. Feb. 19: “All the Missing Girls” by Megan Miranda. April 16: “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides.

Consult with the Law Librarian: Fourth Thursday of the Month: Dec. 26, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, 5-7 pm. The Anoka County Law Library Director will be at the Columbia Heights Public Library each month to answer legal reference questions, help locate legal forms and provide referral services where possible. Please note that law library staff are not attorneys and cannot provide legal opinions, interpretations, or advice. No registration required.