By John Maruskin

There’s a bunch happening this week. Let’s jump right in.

Nov. 1 through Dec. 9, the library will take food and clothing items on behalf of Operation Happiness in lieu of fines.

One new or gently-used child or adult coat — it cannot be dirty or torn; all buttons, zippers and fasteners must work — will take $20 off a fine; one new or gently-used winter scarf will take $5 off; one new or gently-used pair of gloves or mittens will take off $5; one new or gently used winter hat will take $5 off ; one can of unexpired food with its label intact will take off $2.

If you don’t have items to donate, Winchester Goodwill has a large selection of winter coats for $7 and like-new winter wear for under $2 each. Spend a little at Goodwill, decrease fines a lot at the library and help Operation Happiness.

If you don’t have fines but want to help, please feel free to drop off donations here and library staff will send them on to Operation Happiness.

This coming Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m., the library’s Writer Series features a program by local author and historian, Harry Enoch. Harry will be talking about how to do research for writing, and he knows and does what he’ll talk about.

Harry has written 18 books and for each of them he’s done meticulous research, scouring courthouse records, newspapers, books, historic documents, and even visiting landmarks and walking trails to understand the terrain early pioneers traversed and the places they inhabited.

This kind of research is not only necessary for writing history. Good writers of both fact and fiction do comprehensive research in order to bring to life the people, places and events they portray. Come learn how to enliven your writing through back story or background research.

Harry’s program is free and open to the public. Register to attend by calling the library or use the Evanced online registration system at www.clarkbooks.org.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m., Sarah Rowe from the Kentucky Alzheimer’s Association will be at the library to present a program called, “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, learn the facts. This program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. It is free and open to the public. Register to attend by calling the Alzheimer’s Association. The toll-free phone number is 1-800-272-3900.

Also on Wednesday, Nov. 8:

—At 2 p.m. Kentucky Picture Show presents a 1953 Doris Day classic. Marjorie Winfield’s engagement to Bill Sherman, who has just arrived home from fighting in World War I, serves as the backdrop for her family’s trials and tribulations. There’s no tribulation Doris can’t defeat with song. Co-stars Gordon MacRae.

—At 7 p.m., reference librarian, Jeff Gurnee, returns to the re-opened Engine House Pizza Pub with Trivia Night. Trivia Turks’ neurons must have become flabby during the competitive hiatus. Get back into Top Trivia condition; get down to the Engine House Wednesday night.

Next Monday, Dec. 13, Pageturner’s Book Group discusses “The Baker’s Secret” by Stephen Kiernan. During WWII, a baker’s apprentice bakes contraband bread for hungry people using surplus ingredients taken from occupying forces after her kind mentor is targeted and arrested for his Jewish heritage. Books are available at the circulation desk.

There are three wonderful new art and craft displays at the library. The watercolors of Rose Swope are in the Codell Brooks Community Room. Needle work art by Joyce Thompson is in the reference section. Baskets by Cora Barrett are in the library lobby. More about all those exhibits next week.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.