By John Maruskin

Clark County Public Library

In this column, I write about programs offered by the Clark County Public Library’s Adult Services Department for the coming week. When the library’s youth services department wants an event publicized, I include it. One of the most amazing things about the library’s youth services department is its monthly calendar (available online or in print) and word of mouth publicity by attendees has approximately the attractive power for area youth that the sun has for the planets of the solar system.

However, adult and youth service programs are not the only events that occur at the library every month. Every month, loads of civic groups, community organizations, businesses, churches, athletic boosters, scout troops, political organizations and clubs meet in the library’s Rose Mary Codell Brooks Community Room and Alice P. Tucker Board Room. So, in any given month the library hosts between 50 and 100 separate events to anywhere from about 900 to 2,000 people. That’s only for events; daily patron visits are not factored into that number.

You’d have to visit a commercial rabbit farm to find a place that hops more.

Why, besides my penchant for bad jokes, do I bring this up? Two reasons.

First, we often get requests for event information that is only available from the group holding the event. So, if you’re seeking information about a class that will be presented by a representative from the Extension Service or a meeting with an officer from Veterans Affairs or a teacher for Community Education or a speaker for the Winchester Black History Committee, the source for that information will be those organizations.

In instances like that, the library is only providing the meeting space.

The second reason I am mentioning this is if your organization, business or group is looking for a place to meet, give the library a call. There are a few meeting room restrictions: no parties, showers or wedding receptions and no sales. First-time users of library meeting rooms must fill out a short room use form to be reviewed by the director to make sure the use conforms to board set library policy.

The Clark County Public Library is a community center and it is here not only to inform and entertain, but to help community groups and organizations reach their goals and objectives. If you have any questions about meeting rooms, please contact me at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com, or call 744-5661, ext. 110.

What are some of the many events this week?

— Tuesday, 10 a.m., Internet 1, Basic Internet searching.

— Tuesday, 6:30 p..m., Novels at Night. The group discusses “Redemption Road” by John Hart. Books available at the circulation desk.

— Wednesday, 2 p.m., Kentucky Picture Show Presents a fabulous 1941 screwball comedy. A trio of classy card sharps targets the socially awkward heir to brewery millions for his money, until one of them falls in love with him.

— Wednesday, 7 p.m., Trivia Night at the Engine House Deli. The only things crisper and tastier than the Deli’s hand-cut homemade chips are the jokes and quips of M. Gurnee.

— Friday, 10 a.m., Write Local. A lot more fun than Scrabble because you can use all the letters as many times as you like.

— Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Outside the Lines Coloring Group. The weather may be gray, but at Outside the Lines, you can create all the rainbows you like. Color any way you wish.

As I finish this column on Groundhog Day, I see we’re in for six more weeks of winter. Better come in to replenish your supplies of books and videos.