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From the Director's Desk

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Serving the Andover Public Library and the communities it supports is a responsibility I value deeply. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work as the new Director, alongside a dedicated team of staff, friends, board members, and volunteers who are committed to keeping the library welcoming, useful, and connected to community life.

Before sharing a bit about myself, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Nancy Logan’s outstanding leadership and years of service. Nancy’s passion and dedication have shaped the library into the vibrant and trusted resource it is today. I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement and thank her for building such a strong foundation for the future.

Even in the short time I have been here, I have seen how central the Andover Public Library is to the community. Whether it is helping with job applications or technology questions, preserving local history, finding a good book, or simply offering a comfortable place to gather, the library is where neighbors connect and ideas grow. From children’s story times and holiday celebrations to book discussions, programs, and workshops for all ages, the library is here to support, inspire, and bring people together.

My journey in libraries spans more than a decade, including many years as Library Director at Kent State University at Ashtabula. I hold a Master of Library and Information Science, and throughout my career I have worked with students, families, educators, and community members to ensure libraries remain welcoming and responsive to local needs. I am committed to continuing that work here in Andover and throughout the surrounding townships by listening, learning, and helping the library grow alongside the communities it serves.

I invite you to share your ideas for events, programs, or partnerships, or simply stop by to say hello. On January 7 from noon to 3 pm, I will host an informal meet-and-greet at the library with coffee and cookies. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect and talk about how the library can continue to support, inspire, and bring our community together. I look forward to meeting you!

With appreciation,

Amy Aiello Thomas

Director, Andover Public Library

You are invited!

Join us on Wednesday, January 7th from 12 - 3 PM for a casual meet and greet event at the library. The event is an opportunity to meet our new director Amy Thomas. Stop in to meet Amy and chat about our community and our library. Oh, and there will be beverages and cookies! Yum!

New Fiction on the Adult Shelves!

New Year, New Books. Take a peek at the newest titles on our adult fiction shelves.

Keep in mind that we place a "no holds" setting on the most recent books. You can place a hold on titles from other libraries, or stop in or call us to have us hold one of our Andover copies.

https://www.andover.lib.oh.us/live/2025/12/18/january-new-adult-fiction/

It's Tax Season once again.

Volunteers trained through AARP will be available to assist with tax preparation for Ohio residents.

Stop in the library beginning January 2nd to make an appointment and get your tax packet.

Tax prep is by appointment only.

Thursday Crafternoon • Valentine Mini Pallet

Thursday, January 8th at 2:30 PM • Adults and Teens

Create a sweet Valentine’s Day Themed decoration using a mini pallet. No registration is required. First come first served, while supplies last.

Staying Motivated for Lasting Change

Tuesday, January 13 at 2 PM • Adult Program

How are your New Year’s resolutions going?

Having problems getting started? Staying motivated to make change happen? Is it always hard for you to stay motivated to break old habits and start new ones? You start out with great intentions and then well, nothing happens. Welcome to the club! Stop beating yourself up. Join Joan Steidl,MA,LPCC-S who will talk about why it’s hard to stay motivated to change, the different stages of change, and then discuss different ways to get started to make the changes or develop the habits so you can live the life you imagine.

Reading Between the Wines Book Club

at the Stable Winery

The Stable Winery is closed during the first two weeks in January. We'll be meeting on the 3rd Thursday instead this month.

Join us on Thursday, January 15th at 6:30 for some lively book chat! We talk about whatever we've been reading lately.

America 250 Community Reads Discussion •

A Girl Called Samson

Saturday, January 17th at 11 AM • Adults

Join us to discuss the historical fiction novel A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon as part of the Ashtabula County libraries America 250 Community Read events.

Copies of the book can be picked up inside the library.

Enjoy refreshments, a short video on the real life of Deborah Samson, and some book chat!

We will be giving away a Don Eyring Apple Pie at our event. Participants will be entered to win the $150 Reading Challenge prize.

No registration is required.

Snowman and Heart Wall Hanging

Wednesday, January 21st at 5:30 PM • Adult Craft

Create a cute snowman with hearts wall hanging that’s perfect for winter or Valentine’s Day decor. Registration is required. Save a seat here https://andover-lib.libcal.com/event/15857522

Blind Date with a Book

January 21 – February 28 • Adults

It's back! This event was crazy popular last year. The wrapped books include a bookish sticker and sweets.

Pick a blind date book from the library display, read it, and return it to enter to win the prize. You may read as many blind date books as you can.

John Brown and Ashtabula County

Wednesday, February 18th at 5:30 PM • All Ages

Learn about Ashtabula County’s connection to Abolitionist John Brown and the story behind the anti-slavery group nicknamed the “Black Strings”.

This local history program is presented by Andy Pochatko. Pochatko has spent two years researching and writing about the “Black Strings”. His research has helped to dispel much of the folklore surrounding John Brown’s connections to our area and the “Black Strings”.

Pochatko is a docent for the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, where he oversees their annual pilgrimage, and the reference librarian for Harbor-Topky Memorial Library.

No registration is needed.

Winter Storytime Begins on Wednesday, January 14th at 11 AM

January 14 • Polar Bears with Miss Maria

January 21 • Penguins with Miss Betsy

January 28 • Ducks with Miss Jessie

No registration is needed!

Little Bookworms Storytime

Thursday, January 15 at 5:30 PM • Activities for ages 3 – 5 (older and younger siblings welcome)

Bring your preschoolers to a Winter themed event with stories, songs, movement, and a Winter Tree Craft! No registration is needed. While supplies last.

Are You Yeti for Take Your Child to the Library Day?

Saturday, February 7th from 11 – 1 PM • All Ages

Yeti and Winter themed fun!

Stem themed craft for 5+ “Shivering Yeti”

Indoor “Snow” Shovel Race

Outdoor Snow Painting (weather permitting)

Create a Yeti Headband

Yeti Valentine Craft

Stem Yeti Igloo craft

Indoor “Ice” Fishing

Giveaway four tickets to the Erie Children’s Museum

No registration needed!

Anime Club

Tuesday, January 20th at 5:30 PM • Teens and Adults

Join us for a Winter Themed Movie!

Magic the Gathering Game Playing Group

Saturday, January 17th at 10:30 AM • Adults & Teens 12+

Beginners and veteran players are welcome. Starter decks and dice are available to borrow for library card holders for game play.

Sushi with Toko

Tuesday, February 17th at 5:30 PM • All Ages (under 12 with adult)

Toko joins us again! This time she’ll be showing us how to make and roll vegetarian sushi. Space is limited, so registration is required. Be sure to save a seat! https://andover-lib.libcal.com/event/15924898

Teen Junk Journals

Friday, January 2nd at 1 PM •

Ages 11 – 18

Make a useful journal for the New Year using a variety of ephemera and other materials. Registration is required. Save a seat here!

Teen Dungeons & Dragons

Wednesday, December 10th from 3 – 5 PM • Ages 12 – 18

Jessie will be your Dungeon Master. Get ready to go on fun role-playing adventures. No experience is needed. No registration is required, but the group will be limited to 6 players per session. (New players should speak with Jessie)

More Upcoming Events

https://www.andover.lib.oh.us/live/ | 440-293-6792 | Contact Us

PO Box 1210, 142 West Main Street, Andover, OH 44003

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January 2026 Newsletter