Murray City Library invites residents to take their summer reading beyond the backyard hammock or the beach. Marilyn Hurlow, the librarian in charge of adult programming, has curated diverse and engaging events so that kids are not the only ones to have fun at the library.

One of the most popular programs is the library’s two book clubs for adults. The groups read the same books each month but meet at different times to allow different groups of people to attend. One group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m., while the other meets on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining can ask the library for the reading list and schedule.

“Art for Adults” is a creative drop-in program at the Murray City Library designed for adults of all ages and skill levels. This program takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to everyone. In the past, participants have enjoyed a variety of unique and engaging art projects, including book origami, Shrinky-dinks, various painting techniques, Yayoi Kusama pumpkins and many more. These projects are often led by talented local artists or library staff members who are passionate about art and eager to share their knowledge with others.

The library also hosts a “Big Little Art Show” as part of this series every July, allowing participants to showcase their artwork in a public exhibition. Last year, the show had a huge turnout, with 87 4-inch by 4-inch paintings submitted and displayed at the library. The library’s Instagram account features images of some of these past projects to inspire and see participants’ work. Acrylic painting was featured in April, while watercolor painting is May’s focus.

The “My Life Story” group allows those who enjoy writing to share their experiences and memories with others. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the library. During the session, participants are given a prompt to write about and encouraged to write an individual story about their life experiences based on that prompt. Sharing and discussion are also a significant part of this group, although it’s not mandatory. Participants can share their writing with others and discuss their experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment. This group is perfect for individuals who enjoy creative writing and storytelling or want to document their life experiences for future generations.

Know somebody who can’t make it to the library? Murray City Library has the “Homebound Outreach Program,” which allows people to register to receive five books per month via U.S. mail. The books are on the usual 28-day checkout schedule, but there are no late fines for participants. When signing up, participants answer questions about their book preferences, and librarians select books that match them. Participants can then provide feedback to help the library fine-tune their book selections for future mailings. A similar program is also available for residents in the memory care unit of the Abbington, where the library spends 90 minutes each month presenting stories and songs.

For those interested in games, the library has a Chess Club that meets on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. for casual games of chess. The club is open to kids, teens and adults; all skill levels are welcome. The library also keeps an in-progress puzzle on one of the tables near the holds shelf for anyone to drop in and spend a minute or an hour.

Several programs are also planned for later in the year, including an adult summer reading program and a tie-dye party in June 2023. Reservations will be required for the tie-dye party to ensure sufficient staff time to help with participants’ projects.

For more information or to join any of these programs, contact Marilyn Hurlow at the Murray City Library or visit their website at www.murraylibrary.org. λ