Ralls County Library Newsletter
What Makes a Book a Classic at the Ralls County Library?
There is no simple or universally agreed-upon definition of what makes a book a classic and there isn’t a decided upon classics list, however, there are some common factors to consider.
Classic Criteria to Consider:
Timeless relevance to human condition
Enduring popularity across generations
Universal themes such as love, fate, conflict, morality, adversity, etc.
High quality, artistic writing
Cultural significance, influence, contribution
Revelatory insight and clarity to any era
Historical record or influence
Criteria That Doesn’t Just Make a Classic:
A whole series, while it can be a book in a series
Constricted by age of selection
A favorite book of all time with the exception it meets the classic criteria above
An assigned high school/college read that doesn’t fall into the above criteria
A book stamped ‘classic’ by the publisher
Reading the classics can immerse you in different perspectives and broaden your view of the human experience. We have a ‘Classics Corner’ here at the library.
Have you been in to check it out?
Want a book?
Want a book that we don’t have? If we can’t get it from another library, we may order it for you.
Just ask!
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Notes from the Director - Debbie Jameson
Welcome April!
As we begin to see changes during this season of spring, we also have changes at the library.
Dawn Snodgrass, our children’s programmer, is returning to the Ralls County School District as the K-12 Vocal Music Teacher this fall. We will miss her knowledge and enthusiasm toward our library programs. She is a very special friend of the library!
If interested in this position, please submit a resume’ to rallscountylibrary@gmail.com
or bring it to the library before
April 24, 2026. Call the library, check the website or Facebook for additonal information.
This month is full of literacy activities from special presentations, book clubs, adult crafts, Saturday events, Story Hours and Family Nights. Check out the calendar and the website for details. We’d love to see you at the library.
Debbie
"When in doubt, go to the library." — J.K. Rowling (Hermione Granger)
Join Us at The Ralls County Library
Birth to Age 5 Programming
Dawn Snodgrass & Diane Schulte
Easter is early and will be the focus of the first week of April story hour. We will practice our cutting skills on paper easter eggs. We will also watercolor over white crayon. We will put our ears to the test with a guess the sound easter egg game.
Following that we will dive into a theme focused on Earth! We will read about ponds and wildlife that calls pond ecosystems home. Crafting pond animals such as fish, turtles, curly snakes,
and dragonflies will be our focus for a couple of weeks. To celebrate Earth Day we will fingerpaint & craft with nature items. We will also investigate the wind with bubble fun.
Don’t forget to stay up to date with all the extras our library offers. You can do this by connecting with us on Facebook or checking out our monthly event wall and bulletin board just inside the library.
Children/Youth
(Grades Kdg-12) Programming
Dawn Hargraves
here are a variety of great opportunities for school-age kids and teens to connect with friends, enjoy books, play games, and create beautiful art this month:
- Teen Game Day: Sat. April 11, 9–11 AM- Grab some friends and come play games like Hero Quest, Castle Panic, or Ticket to Ride
- Story Hour: Thursdays, 10-11 AM. – This month we will have a step-by-step painting party, make sun catchers, craft adorable bead buddy key rings, read books, and enjoy games with friends.
- Girls Club: Thursdays, 3:45-5:30 PM – We’ll continue growing our skills on the sewing machines, cooking tasty treats, and reading biographies. We’ll celebrate our year with a pizza and park party on our last Girls Club for the year on April 30th.
- Family Night: Monday, April 27, 6-7 PM – Slime Factory
Join Ralls County Library this April for adult programs that inspire reading, creativity, and connection:
- Coffee & Coloring: Sat. April 4, 9–11 a.m. – Enjoy coffee and calming coloring in a relaxing atmosphere.
- Classics & Company Book Club: Mon. April 6, 10:30 a.m. – Discuss Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. All ages welcome.
- Adult Craft Night: Tuesday April 14, 6:00 p.m. – Participate in a creative project; $5 fee, materials provided, registration required.
- Ask a Tech: Mon. April 20, 1–3 p.m. – Get personalized tech help with your devices.
- Adult Book Club: Mon. April 20, 6:00 p.m. – Discuss the first half of Too Old for This by Samantha Downing.
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FAMILY NIGHTS have moved to MONDAYS! We listened, we heard you, and we pivoted. Monday, April 13th 6-7 PM Bingo Who doesn’t love BINGO? Come on out for an evening of Bingo fun and win some new books! A fun night for all ages! Play as a family or individually, one card or two! Let’s BINGO! Monday, April 27th 6-7 PM Slime Factory! Get ready for a gooey good time at our Slime Factory! Join us for an evening of creativity and hands-on fun as families move through different stations to make their very own custom slime creations. Choose your colors, mix in glitter or beads, and experiment with slimy textures—it’s messy fun for everyone! All supplies are provided, and kids of all ages are welcome (with an adult). Come join us, bring your family, a neighbor, a friend and let’s read and explore together!
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Book Review from Dawn S.Muddigush
If you like silly words and sounds, Muddigush, by Kimberley Knutson could be the book for your family. In a sing songy way, it follows children as they head out to play just after a rain! |
