The Hughes Springs' Area Public Library is a community-funded resource, which is located on the west side of the busy First Street in downtown Hughes Springs.
It is supported by the Hughes Springs Area Foundation and led by volunteer librarian Jean Austin who sees to it that the library has numerous and varied programs for the public.
The library has been recognized as a Star Library in Texas by the Library Journal's Index of Public Library Service six years in a row, according to Austin.
Here is a summary of programs being offered in this coming year.
Genealogy Club
This group meets 3 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. Liz Pedigo Avis is the leader and the entire learning experience is free.
Learn about Medicare
An easy and convenient way to learn and share knowledge about Medicare is with this appropriately named club. The group calls itself "Coffee, Cupcakes and Conversations."
The meeting time is 2 p.m. each second Wednesday of the month.
Gardening Class
A very popular learning opportunity is the gardening class led by Master Gardener Tony Cates. The group meets 2 p.m. each third Thursday of the month.
Preschool Story Time
Parents and caregivers of children have a marvelous opportunity to visit the Hughes Springs Library for stories, crafts and activities. Shannon Perez leads the Preschool Story Time Tuesday morning of each week at 10:30 a.m.
Book Club for Adults
The library has an active book club which meets 10:30 a.m. each second and fourth Thursday. The activity is free and refreshments are served.
The next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 23. The book being discussed is "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti.
A year's schedule of readings is available. Call the library at 903-639-1332 for more information.
Book Club for Home-School Elementary
A chance for home-school elementary students to share their enjoyment of reading happens 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday. The activity is led by Katie Luebbert.
"Very popular.We have about 20 parents and youth who come each time," said librarian Jean Austin.
The group is currently reading "Chronicles of Narnia."
Craft Time
A monthly opportunity to be creative with crafts is offered 1 p.m. each second Tuesday of the month.
Brown Bag Lunch
A fundraiser, the library has a brown-bag lunch every third Wednesday of each month. Contact the library for details. The library also has a major clothing resale every August.
"I don't think we could make it without the brown-bag lunch fundraiser," Jean Austin said.
STEM Classes
STEM classes are a way of applying real world lessons involving science, technology, engineering and math. One approach is that of using predictions and then testing them out.
The next STEM class will be 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28.
TOPS weight loss
Each Monday morning participants meet at the library with weigh-in time being 9:30 a.m. The friendly and enjoyable group meeting begins at 10 a.m. There is a small charge for this activity payable to TOPS.
Game Time for Teens
Here's a sure winner for teens. Games and free refreshments each Wednesday afternoon after school and lasting until 5:30 p.m.
Special note for teen games.
A new emphasis for attracting teens to the library is underway, and so the library will accept any used game for Nintendo, X-Box, Wii or other platforms. Any game not being used around your house will certainly be appreciated by the library.
Movie Discussion
The library is in the planning stages for a movie discussion group. Be alert for coming information.
Library hours are 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The library's telephone number is 903-639-1332.