Updates from the Library
Winter 2025

See the Library's full calendar of events.

Winter Programs For Children

The Town of Porter's Story Hour is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers! Every week, we read together, make crafts, and practice socialization skills while having fun! No registration required.
• Tuesday, January 7 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, January 7 from 11-12 PM
• Tuesday, January 14 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, January 14 from 11-12 PM
• Tuesday, January 21 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, January 21 from 11-12 PM
• Tuesday, January 28 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, January 28 from 11-12 PM
• Tuesday, February 4 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, February 4 from 11-12 PM
• Tuesday, February 11 from 9:30-10:30 AM
• Tuesday, February 11 from 11-12 PM

Explore our newest Scavenger Hunt in the Children's Room!
• Foxes bundle up in the Library (winter weather theme)

Winter Programs for Teens & Adults

Drones 101 will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 11 AM. Here's your chance to ask the experts at K & D Action Photo & Aerial Imaging and Brian Collett of the Sheriff's Department all your questions about drones! Learn about:
• what different kinds of drones are used for
• what kinds of training and licenses one needs to fly a drone
• where can drones be flown around here
• etiquette of drone flying
If the weather is conducive, we may even get to see a drone in action!
No registration is needed, but we request that children under 11 be accompanied by an adult.


The 4th Annual Stone Jug 5K will be held on Saturday, February 1. This beautiful and scenic run travels right through the Village, and this year you have three ways to join the fun while supporting the Youngstown Free Library.

The 5K race starts at 11 AM on Main Street in front of the Ontario House and finishes inside the back parking lot of the Jug. In past years, over 100 runners have competed in this race!
• 5K Registration: $35

NEW FOR 2025!
Not up for 3.1 miles but would still like to support the Library and join the fun? The 1-Mile Fun Walk starts at 10 AM in front of the Stone Jug and finishes inside the back parking lot of the Jug.
• 1 Mile WALK Registration: $35

NEW FOR 2025!
Kids 12 and under are invited to the Youngstown Free Library on race day for a 1/2 mile Kids’ Fun Run! The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 10:30 AM at the Library and finishes at the Library as well. All participants receive a finisher medal and post-race snacks at the Library.
• Kids’ 1/2 Mile Fun Run Registration: $15

The Library is thankful to the Stone Jug and Race Management Solutions for this fundraiser. You could be a sponsor too! All sponsorships directly benefit the Library; what a great way to showcase your small business to over 100 runners and their families from all over western New York! Sponsorship levels are available at:
• $50 – Short Story Level
• $100 – Novel Level
• $250 – Bestseller Level
• $500 – Classic Level

Learn more and register for your race now!


Tabletop Gaming is held on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM. Teens and adults, join us for good gaming and great company! No registration is required.


Evening Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 PM at the Youngstown Free Library.
• Wednesday, January 8 from 7-8:15 PM: How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
• Wednesday, February 12 from 7-8:15 PM: The Women by Kristin Hannah
• Wednesday, March 12 from 7-8:15 PM: Heft by Liz Moore
Here is the list of all the titles we'll be reading and discussing until next spring, as well as the dates of upcoming Evening Book Club get-togethers.


Afternoon Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 1:30 PM at the Lewiston Senior Center.
• Tuesday, January 21 from 1:30-3 PM: The Book Woman's Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
Here is the list of all the titles we'll be reading and discussing until the end of this year, as well as the dates of upcoming Afternoon Book Club get-togethers.


Non-Fiction Book Club meets virtually every other month. If you'd like to receive the Zoom link, please contact Sonora at 745-3555 or smiller@nioga.org.
• Monday, February 10 from 1:30-3 PM: Of boys and men: why the modern male is struggling, why it matters, and what to do about it by Richard V. Reeves

All are welcome to any of the book clubs! To receive a copy of the book, you can order it here. If you have questions about how to attend, please contact Sonora at 745-3555 or smiller@nioga.org.


Library Board of Trustees is next meeting on Monday, January 27 at the Youngstown Free Library. The 2024 Annual Meeting will begin at 6:30 PM, and the January meeting will begin at 7 PM. Meeting reports are available online the weekend before the meeting.

Any last-minute updates to programs will be posted to the Library's Facebook page and updated on the Library's calendar.