Explore, survive and escape @ The Warren County Public Library 

WCPL invites you to explore, survive, and escape! We’ve invited experts, authors, and even dinosaurs (for the younger set) to engage and entertain throughout the month of November. 

EXPLORE. Mid-month, renowned Nat Geo explorer Terry Garcia will return to Bowling Green for a lecture and book signing Wednesday, November 15, at 6pm. The event, sponsored by WCPL, takes place at at SKyPAC. Garcia’s list of credentials is impressive, having served as Executive Vice President and Chief Science and Exploration Officer for the National Geographic Society for 17 years. He is currently the President of Exploration Ventures, a company providing strategic advice and counsel to global clients in a range of sectors.

He collaborated with expert photographer Chris Rainier on the recently released book entitled The Future of Exploration, in which 35 of the world’s leading explorers, scientists, conservationists, and thinkers gather to address the next frontiers of exploration. “To the backdrop of remarkable photographs that take us to the bottom of the ocean, to the highest mountains on earth, far out into space and everywhere in between, these passionate voices reveal the wonder of human exploration and ingenuity and share their vision and hope for the future.” Garcia is a modern-day pioneer, and his book would make the perfect addition to any adventurer’s library! Free tickets are available at warrenpl.org/event/garcia.

SURVIVE. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat when survival expert and naturalist Craig Caudill visits the Bob Kirby Branch Wednesday, November 8, at 6pm. Whether you are a beginning or experienced hiker, camper, or hunter, you’ll walk away with invaluable skills, as Caudill’s training events are among the country’s most respected. 

His book titles share a glimpse into his expertise:

Extreme Wilderness Survival: Essential Knowledge to Survive Any Outdoor Situation Short-Term or Long-Term, With or Without Gear and Alone or With Others (2017)

Ultimate Wilderness Gear: Everything You Need to Know to Choose and Use the Best Outdoor Equipment (2018)

Essential Wilderness Navigation: A Real-World Guide to Finding Your Way Safely in the Woods With or Without A Map, Compass or GPS (2019)

So, if you’re interested in exploring more of the great outdoors, find out how to be safer and more wilderness-savvy by attending this free event; tickets are available at warrenpl.org/event/craig-caudill

ESCAPE: If you’re a reader and want to escape into the pages of a great story, join WCPL’s Executive Director, aka author Court Stevens, at the Bob Kirby Branch Sunday, November 12, at 3pm. Stevens will be in conversation with Laura Vincent to discuss her newest young adult novel, Last Girl Breathing. It’s described by NYTimes bestselling author Sharon Cameron as “a breakneck thriller… a sweet-talking, hard-hitting, heart-wrenching whodunnit that keeps a reader guessing until its very last breath.” 

Stevens’ career in publishing began several years before she began working at the public library, which means her down-time is often spent writing. She currently has seven published novels (and one online short story) for teen readers, and several in process. Free tickets to her event can be found at warrenpl.org/event/author-court-stevens.

Kids are also invited to escape into a world of imagination at these free DINO-vember events:

Jurassic Fun: Thursday, November 2, 6pm, Bob Kirby Branch: Enjoy prehistoric play and dinosaur delights at this fun, family event.

Tea-Rex Party: Thursday, November 9, 5pm, Lisa Rice Library: Wear your favorite tea party attire and dino-stomp your way into this special family storytime with games, activities, and more.

SnowBall Fight With a T-Rex: Monday, November 13, 5:30pm, Smiths Grove Branch: Imagine if T-Rex survived the Ice Age and invited you to a snowball fight and craft-making party! (Disclaimer: Real snow will not be used.) 

Dinosaur Encounter @ SOKY Ice Rink: Saturday, November 18, 6pm: Join us for a rawr-ing good time when larger-than-life dinosaurs visit the ice rink opening night. 

Dino-MITE FACT Shop: Monday, November 27, 6pm, Lisa Rice Library: Explore a dinosaur-themed, social, emotional workshop for families with children aged 0-5 years old. Free dinosaur toys will be given away to participants while supplies last. 

Hatch Dinosaur Eggs: Tuesday, November 28, 5pm, Buchanon Park Branch: Catch a rare sighting of the library’s pet dinosaur, Boris, add color to his figure, and hatch dinosaur eggs! 

Storytime in the Snow Dome with Buddy the Dinosaur @ SOKY Ice Rink: Thursday, November 30, 4:30pm & 5pm: Enjoy a storytime and character meet and greet! 

If you plan to come to anything listed above, register at warrenpl.org/events. The programs at the SOKY Ice Rink are free, but tickets must be purchased to skate. For prices, visit www.warrencountyky.gov/soky-ice-rink.

Finally, escape the mall crowds at the Small Business Saturday Holiday Market at the Bob Kirby Branch the weekend following Thanksgiving (11/25). From 10am to 4pm you can shop local craft vendors at the Bob Kirby Branch Library. Hope to see you there!

-submitted by Ashley Fowlkes