Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! We have a few events coming up this week I’m excited to share but first I’d like to remind everyone of the library’s mask policy.

Due to the county-wide mandate, we require everyone entering the library to wear a mask. Staff wear masks for everyone’s safety. The library does not provide masks, so remember to bring yours with you. If you do not wish to wear a mask or are unable to do so because of medical reasons, we offer curbside services to allow you to still get materials. We also have our digital services Libby and Hoopla, which allow you to check out ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more from your smart device. If you have any questions about any of these services, feel free to email or call us and we will be happy to assist you. 

Tuesday will be our first book club meeting of the new year. We will discuss this month’s book, “All Systems Red,” the first book in the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells. It is the story of self-aware SecUnit, who refers to itself as “Murderbot,” and the team of scientists he is charged to protect. Poor Murderbot just wants to be left to his own devices but when a neighboring mission goes dark he and the team of scientists must investigate to find the truth of what happened to them. Be sure to pick up a copy at the front desk and come to the meeting Tuesday the 19th at 7 p.m.

Thursday night will be the Teen Anime and Manga Club’s first in-person meeting in a long time! We are very excited to get to meet in person again. For this meeting, we will be discussing the first volume of the manga and watching the movie “A Silent Voice.” If you would like to pick up a copy of the manga before our meeting they are available at the front desk. This event will be at the library after hours; doors will be open at 6 p.m. and we will close the doors at 6:15, so please arrive on time or you will not be let in. Everyone in attendance will need to wear masks and social distancing measures will be in place. This event is open to teens 13-18. 

Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website, greatbendpl.info, for upcoming programs and updates. You can also message us on Facebook or email us at gbcirc@gmail.com. We can also be reached at 620-792-2409.

Hannah Grippin is the outreach manager at the Great Bend Public Library.