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River Rat Tales

History on the Ohio River from an Old River Rat
2025-05-31 15:00:00 2025-05-31 16:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis River Rat Tales Join Old River Rat Dan as he brings the 1800s Ohio River to life with fascinating tales of steamboats, river towns, and adventures from a bygone era in this lively historical storytelling event. Hope - Hope Branch Library

Saturday, May 31
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-05-31 15:00:00 2025-05-31 16:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis River Rat Tales Join Old River Rat Dan as he brings the 1800s Ohio River to life with fascinating tales of steamboats, river towns, and adventures from a bygone era in this lively historical storytelling event. Hope - Hope Branch Library

Hope

Hope Branch Library

Join Old River Rat Dan as he brings the 1800s Ohio River to life with fascinating tales of steamboats, river towns, and adventures from a bygone era in this lively historical storytelling event.

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors and Book Discussions |

Hope
Phone: 812-546-5310
Hours
Mon, Apr 28 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Apr 29 10:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Apr 30 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Thu, May 01 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, May 02 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 03 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 04 Closed
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About the branch

The Hope Branch Library is located on the Hope town square at 635 Harrison St.  Completed in 1998 and designed by architect Deborah Berke, it is the information hub for the town of Hope.

Upcoming events

Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 01, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Registration is now closed
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, May 01, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-5 are invited to dance with local dance teacher, Megan! Caregivers will stay in the room with their dancers. Registration is requested.
Registration is now closed
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 01, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Registration is now closed
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 01, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Registration is now closed
Teen Game Day
Thu, May 01, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
Registration is now closed
Teen Game Day: Mario Kart Tournament
Thu, May 01, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Compete with your friends to be the fastest and the furiousest! The winner will receive a prestigious trophy.
Registration is now closed
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, May 02, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Teen Taste Test: Naan
Fri, May 02, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with naan, a bread variety popular in many Asian countries. We will get naan in many different flavors from a local Indian restaurant.
Flow Yoga
Mon, May 05, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, May 05, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 06, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 06, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 06, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Drama Club - Grades 1-4
Tue, May 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Drama Club for grades 1-4. Registration required, attending all six sessions highly recommended!
Registration is now closed
NAMI Peer-to- Peer
Tue, May 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.
Skill Builders: Mother's Day Craft
Wed, May 07, 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a gift for someone special.
Skill Builders: Mother's Day Craft
Wed, May 07, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a gift for someone special.
Hope Family Craft
Wed, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Create and take home a fun craft at Hope Family Craft Night! All supplies provided. Bring your creativity and enjoy an afternoon of hands-on fun for the whole family.
Sierra Club - Winding Waters Group - Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape
Wed, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join the us for our monthly meeting! Open to the public, each gathering features guest speakers presenting on key environmental topics. Connect, learn, and take action for a greener future.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group copy
Wed, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus
We're a collection of local writers of all ages and all genres, gathered to learn from and inspire each other. Together, we can improve our craft and continue down the road to success.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
We're a collection of local writers of all ages and all genres, gathered to learn from and inspire each other. Together, we can improve our craft and continue down the road to success.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 08, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 08, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 08, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Open Mic Poetry & Prose hosted by Skye Nicholson - Brought to You by the Columbus Area Arts Council
Thu, May 08, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Hear and be heard at this open mic night. Enjoy original poetry and readings from local artists, or present your own writing in a relaxed and nonjudgmental space.
Cancelled
Photography 101 - with Viewfinders Photography Club
Mon, May 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus
Join members of the Viewfinders Photography club to learn the basics of photography. All skill levels welcome.
Juntos con Family School Partners - Spanish Language Storytime
Fri, May 16, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
¡Los niños están invitados a una hora de cuentos y cantos! Children and their caregivers are invited to a storytime in Spanish!
South Central Indiana Master Gardener Association Plant Sale
Sat, May 17, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
SCIMGA's 8th annual plant sale offers locally grown plants, including natives, perennials, annuals, vegetables, and more. Master Gardeners will assist, and proceeds support local programs.
Hooks and Needles
Sat, May 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, May 19, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Teen Puppy Petting Party
Mon, May 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
De-stress from finals by meeting and petting some dogs from the Bartholomew County Humane Society. Resources provided by Vachel from Mental Health Matters Bartholomew County.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
BCPL Board of Trustees
Mon, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Monthly meeting of the Library Board of Trustees. All are welcome.
Adults Reading YA Book Club: AAPI Heritage Month
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
In celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, choose a teen book written by an AAPI author. We will meet at Pho Shiki, located at 2991 25th St.
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Learn about different photography topics and share what you know. Minimal annual dues involved after one to two meetings.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, May 19, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 20, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Crochet Camp: Flower Bookmarks
Tue, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Crochet your own bookmark for all of your summer reading! All supplies provided and beginners are welcome.
Pokemon Club
Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Adults on the Spectrum
Tue, May 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 3
Support group for individuals 18 and up on the autism spectrum. Provided by Inclusive Options.
Sing & Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-5
Wed, May 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Hooks and Needles
Wed, May 21, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hope - Hope Branch Library
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Teen End of Year Ice Cream Party + Wicked
Wed, May 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate the last day of school with green and pink ice cream while watching Wicked. Ice cream available while supplies last.
Civil War Book Club
Wed, May 21, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join this engaging book discussion group where we explore captivating non-fiction about the Civil War, uncovering its history and lasting impact.
Adult Storytime
Wed, May 21, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come and relax while a short story is read to you. There will be Adult coloring sheets, and journals provided for you while you listen. This program is only for Adults due to the content.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 22, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Mobile Made Easy
Thu, May 22, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
This workshop is for those who have a new Android mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, May 22, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Create a level 5, fifth edition character prior to the game or use a pre-created character to explore the world of D&D. This game is beginner-friendly. All materials provided.
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Game Day
Thu, May 22, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
The Secret Lives of Buldings - McEwen-Samuels-Marr Home
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Explore the history of the McEwen-Samues-Marr Home, The Current site of the Bartholomew County Historical Society, with its curator and collections manager, Jared Anderson.
NAMI Peer Support
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
NAMI support groups are peer-led and offer participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
3D Printing 101
Thu, May 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
"Step into the world of 3D printing. This introductory class is perfect for anyone curious about this exciting technology.
Versiti Blood Center of Indiana - Blood Drive
Fri, May 23, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Columbus
Help us meet our goal lifesaving donations for Indiana patients in need! *Each donation saves up to 3 Hoosier lives* APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED Schedule your donation using the registration link below.
Register
Teen Art Studio: Q-Tip Cherry Blossoms
Fri, May 23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate spring weather and blooming flowers by learning to paint cherry or plum blossom trees.
Tween Stitch Camp: Foundations of Crochet - Grades 4-6
Fri, May 23, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Join children's library staff to learn the basics and foundations of crochet.
Saturday Storytime: Ready for Summer!
Sat, May 24, 11:00am - 11:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Stories, lemonade, and a summertime craft!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 27, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, May 27, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, May 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, May 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, May 27, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, May 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Red Room,Zoom 2
Join library staff members Shelly and Maria for a book discussion.
Girls Who Code
Tue, May 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where girls can join our sisterhood of supportive peers and use Computer Science to change the world.
Reading with Friends
Wed, May 28, 9:30am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This book group is designed for readers and non-readers. Participants can enjoy stories and be guided through discussion and activities related to the reading.
Teen Film Series: Mental Health Awareness Month Marathon
Wed, May 28, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
10 - Gaslight 12 - Inside Out 1:30 - Inside Out 2 3 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Sing & Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-8
Wed, May 28, 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Kids' Ukulele Class - Grades K-6
Wed, May 28, 4:35pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Kids in grades K-6 are invited to the children's department to learn how to play the ukulele with local musician, teacher, and mom- Allie Jean!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, May 29, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Disc Golf
Thu, May 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Learn to play Disc Golf on the new course at the Lex (850 Tipton Lane)! Discs provided and beginners welcome!
Tween Game Time
Thu, May 29, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Game Day
Thu, May 29, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Games include Disney Sorcerer?s Arena: Epic Alliance, numerous unicorn-themed games, and play games on our arcade machine.
Family Exercise and Movement with Ruth Bayardo - Ages 4-10 and Caregivers
Thu, May 29, 4:45pm - 5:15pm
Columbus - Library Patio,Red Room
Bring your friends and family members for a kid-friendly exercise and wellness program!
Food, Insecure
Thu, May 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a powerful screening and conversation on hunger in Indiana. Food, Insecure is a compelling 30-minute film that explores the urgent issue of food insecurity across Indiana.
Age My Way: Stay Informed, Stay Involved
Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room,Red Room
Join us for a day dedicated to your health, safety, and connection! This free conference is designed especially for older adults looking to live well, stay safe, and stay connected.
Northbound Hounds on the Plaza - BCPL Concert Series
Fri, May 30, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Enjoy free summer concerts on the Library Plaza! Local bands, great vibes?bring a chair, your favorite snacks, and drinks. Relax, listen, and enjoy live music under the open sky!
River Rat Tales - History on the Ohio River from an Old River Rat
Sat, May 31, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join Old River Rat Dan as he brings the 1800s Ohio River to life with fascinating tales of steamboats, river towns, and adventures from a bygone era in this lively historical storytelling event.
See all events