home My Account catalog Events

From the Director's Desk

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

February can feel especially long with its cold winds and grey skies. This time of year, I often find myself wishing for warmer days when I can return to my garden and enjoy time outdoors. Until then, the library is here as a warm and welcoming place to connect, learn, and find a little escape from the winter dreariness.

As part of our full lineup of February programs, here are two highlights you’ll find at the library this month.

Sushi with Toko • February 17 at 5:30 PM: We are delighted to welcome Toko back to the library. This time, she will be teaching us how to prepare and roll vegetarian sushi. This hands-on program is fun, creative, and a great opportunity to try something new. Space is limited and registration is required, so be sure to reserve your seat soon. Save a seat here: https://andover-lib.libcal.com/event/15924898

John Brown and Ashtabula County • February 18 at 5:30 PM: Our presenter, Andy Pochatko, is a friend and colleague whose thoughtful approach to local history has shaped many of the conversations I have had about our region’s past. He brings both professional training and years of focused historical research to this work.

Andy will explore Ashtabula County’s connection to the abolitionist John Brown and the anti-slavery group known as the Black Strings. I appreciate the way he grounds these stories in what the record can support and explains how certain details took on a life of their own over time. Andy serves as a docent at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum and works as the reference librarian at Harbor-Topky Memorial Library.

Winter Gardening Classics I Retun to Every Year

The copies I keep on hand are worn in all the right ways and never fail to offer something new.

Growing Under Cover: Niki Jabbour explains how tools such as row covers, cloches, and cold frames can help gardeners in our region protect plants from pests and fluctuating weather. Her guidance focuses on simple methods that keep vegetable beds productive beyond the traditional growing season.

The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener: In this practical guide, Niki Jabbour shows how careful timing, hardy crops, and easy structures like cold frames and tunnels make it possible to enjoy homegrown vegetables throughout the year. Her approach is well suited to gardeners who deal with cold winters like ours.

The Winter Harvest Handbook: Eliot Coleman draws on decades of experience to show how unheated greenhouses, cold frames, and organic techniques can keep winter crops thriving. His work has become a cornerstone of winter vegetable growing, especially for gardeners in colder climates who want fresh harvests long after frost arrives.

With appreciation,

Amy Aiello Thomas

Director, Andover Public Library

New Fiction on the Adult Shelves!

Here's a look at the newest fiction coming to the adult stacks

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/2026/01/30/february-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 to make an appointment and get your tax packet.

Tax prep is by appointment only.

Thursday Crafternoon • Leprechaun Door

Thursday, February 12th at 2:00 PM • Adults and Teens

We are making little Leprechaun Doors! No registration is required. First come first served, while supplies last.

Reading Between the Wines Book Club

at the Stable Winery

Join us on Thursday, February 5th at 6:30 for some lively book chat! We talk about whatever we've been reading lately.

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.

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!

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

February 4: Winter

February 11: Valentine’s Day

February 18: Horses - Lunar New Year

February 25: Birds

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.

Kids Create! St. Patrick’s Day Craft

Saturday, February 28th at 11 AM • Ages 6 – 11

Kiddos will decorate a wooden shamrock. All supplies for this free craft are included. Space is limited, so please register to save a seat.

Anti-Valentine's Day Teen Event

Friday, February 13th at 12 PM • Ages 12 – 18

Get ready for the Anti-Valentine's Day Teen Bash! Unleash your inner mad scientist and whip up a “Frankentoy” using bits and bobs from all kinds of toys and stuffed buddies. Munch on delicious snacks while you craft and enjoy a movie! Don’t forget—registration is a must!

Save a seat here: https://andover-lib.libcal.com/calendar/programs/2026_antivalentines_teen_event

Magic the Gathering Game Playing Group

Saturday, February 21st 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.

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

Unsubscribe or Manage Preferences

Andover Public Library

Newsletter

February 2026 Newsletter