All Ages find Inspiration in Library Programs
Grants made to the St. Helena Public Library by Friends and Foundation support enhancements as well as basics at the Library.
This page leads you to information about upcoming programs and activities and looks back at a selection from the past. We love to share the creative, stimulating, and captivating opportunities that make our library so special for patrons of all ages. With the infrequent exception of materials fees, enjoyment of Foundation-funded programs is free of cost to you and all Library patrons. Your support continues to make enriching programs possible.
Thank you for contributions--and be sure enjoy the Library yourself!
Selected Past Programs and Activities
Ongoing: Weekly Story Time & Crafts on Tuesday mornings for all children (especially suited to 0 to 6-year-olds); a monthly rotation of local artists' work; and also monthly, an Artist Reception (usually) on first Thursdays in the late afternoon.
Master Gardners: Resilient Landscaping for Drought & Fire Protection. UC Master Gardners of Napa County teach on preparation for drought and fire risk. Practical and near-term ideas and additional informative resources shared. July 11, 2023
Seasonal Celebration: End of Summer Party to celebrate the magic of reading! Mike the Magician's participatory show gets everyone involved. Outdoor activities and popsicles follow. August 3, 2023
Panel Discussion: Michelle Mandro of Wine Country Women LLC moderates a panel discussion, "Non-Traditional Roles for Women." Panelists Shannon Kuleto, Jennifer Knight, and Kathryn Sculatti talk about their non-traditional careers and living in wine country. September 7, 2023
Master Gardners: Learning when and how to plant and harvest for best results. UC Master Gardners of Napa County. September 12, 2023
Seasonal Celebration: Mexican Independence Day. Live music from Mariachi Jalisco, a representative from the Mexican Consulate in attendance, and Mexican snacks and festivity. September 15, 2023
Seasonal Celebration and Contest: Dia De Los Muertos--the Day of the Dead. Loteria and Catrin@ costume contest with prizes! November 2, 2023
Self Care: Mindfulness Workshop for the Holiday Season. Bringing a mindful approach to the holidays to connect with what we value most about the season. Review and teaching of basic principles and simple practices. November 17, 2023
Panel Discussion: Remembering President Kennedy 60 Years On. St. Helena residents Mayor Alan Galbraith and Jeffrey Earl Warren are descendants of John Kenneth Galbraith and Earl Warren, principal figures in the 1960s. In a conversation moderated by Dr. John Oliver Wilson, the speakers generously shared family stories and private insights into the J. F. Kennedy administration and considered the enduring legacy. November 21, 2023
Performance: Trio Mabrama, North Bay musicians are led by local music teacher Brandon Binder. They play and teach about varied instruments including brass, woodwinds, guitar, and percussion. Full-family fun. December 14, 2023
Performance: Comfort & Joy, a vocal quartet, bring the joy of the season to our town in Victorian attire and manner, with broad seasonal song selection. Listen and sing along, too. December 19, 2023
Public Lecture: Dr. Jason Daniels offers a lecture exploring his new book Jonathan Dickinson's Journal or God's Protecting Providence: An Early American Castaway Narrative. His research on this seventeenth-century shipwreck, its survivors' ensuing odyssey, and a survivor's purportedly truthful journal reveals much about censorship in the period. January 9, 2024
Public Lecture: Gretchen Turner, docent for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, illustrates her talk with images to discuss the drawings of Sandro Botticelli, renowned Italian Renaissance artist. January 18, 2024
Performance: Gravenstein Mandolin Ensemble play mandolins, mandolas, and mandocellos--the gamut of this type of instrument. The group of 14 players launched in Sebastopol and now play for West Coast and national audiences--including in St. Helena. April 16, 2024
Performance: "Life As I Knew It," a new short play set in a library. Written by Frank Shima, performed by UpStage Napa Valley Readers Theater players. April 25, 2024
Contest: Fifth Annual Salsa Competition! Contestants bring their best homemade salsa and vie for titles and prizes. Participants sample and judge. May 15, 2024
Performance: Japanese traditional and contemporary Taiko drumming, demonstrated by Kristy "Aki" Oshiro, a fourth-generation Okinawan-American professional taiko artist. May 22, 2024
Performance: "Chanticleer the Rooster," presented by Magical Moonshine. A rooster is caught by a fox's flattery--many animal friends come to the rooster's aid. Chaucer's medieval Cantebury tale comes to life for young audiences. Music, costume, design date to or evoke the Middle Ages. June 20, 2024
Crafts: Make a Tie Dye Bear! Special Story Time followed by stuff and dye your own bear as Craft. July 18, 2024
