Start the year off with a variety of fun, educational programs at the Library. All events are free to attend, and materials are provided.
For inquiries or requests, contact: Christina Sacco, Library Public Relations coordinator, at 643-7711 or cpsacco@chattanooga.gov.
New Teen & Tween Weekly Series
Monday - Thursday @ Downtown // 5-6 p.m.
Our teen and tween staff Downtown is kicking off the new decade with weekly topics designed to help kids learn life skills, new cultures, art, literature and more. Each week, we’ll be exploring a different topic, so check out the schedule below.
Jan. 6-9: Games Week - This week starts off with multiple game tournaments on Monday, followed by Escape Boxes, Magic the Gathering and Catan.
Jan. 13-16: DIY Week - This week, we’ll be making really cool crafts like floating wood shelves, t-shirt rugs, lanterns and lamps.
Jan. 21-23: Unity Week - Join us this week as we play games and meet new people who will help us create closer connections and more empathy in our community.
Jan. 27-30: Cooking Week - Come with an appetite this week, as we’ll be making some tasty treats with our Flavor Lab.
Sew What Service Project Month
Every Tuesday @ Downtown // 4-5:45 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11 @ Downtown // 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us on the 4th Floor of our Downtown Branch every Tuesday for a fun and exciting sewing workshop. Can’t make it during the week? We also have a Sew What event the 2nd Saturday of every month.
This January, we’re giving back to the library community with the first ever Sew What Service Project. We’ll learn how to make fleece hats, scarves and wrist warmers of all sizes. At the end of the month, all hand-made items will be displayed on the 1st Floor Downtown, free to anyone who needs them. Come help us spread some joy and warmth this winter.
All ages are welcome, but those under 10 need an adult with them. Materials are provided, and no registration is required.
Action Packed Tuesdays: Movie Series
Tuesdays @ Downtown // 2-4 p.m.
Get your adrenaline pumping in 2020 by watching an action adventure movie with us every Tuesday in January. Each week, we’ll screen a different film in our 1st Floor Auditorium.
Jan. 14: Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018)
Jan. 21: True Grit (2010)
Jan. 28: Wonder Woman (2017)
Movies are free and open to adults 18+. Popcorn will be served.
What’s Up Wednesdays
Every Wednesday @ Northgate // 4-4:45 p.m.
What’s up, Kindergarteners through 3rd Graders?
That’s what we’ll be asking each Wednesday at our Northgate Branch. What will be the topic? It could be homemade volcanoes, life-sized portraits, cooking, beekeeping or anything else. One thing you know, it’ll be a fun surprise.
This program is STEAM-based learning and fun for early elementary-aged children. All materials will be provided.
The Northgate Branch is at 278 Northgate Mall Dr #6906, Chattanooga, TN 37415.
Art Therapy
Teens: Wednesdays @ Downtown // 4-5 p.m.
Adults: Fridays @ Downtown // 1-2:30 p.m.
Join us for the therapeutic benefits of art-making, facilitated by master’s level art therapist Hannah Ligon. Reduce stress and anxiety, express yourself, learn new skills and meet new people.
For teens (ages 13-18): Group will meet in the 2nd Floor Alcove, and no reservation needed.
For adults (18+): Group will meet in the 1st Floor Classroom. Due to the size of our classroom, we ask that you reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
This free expression group activity is designed to be therapeutic, so we ask that participants respect each other’s privacy.
Chat N’ Play
Fridays @ South // 10:30-11 a.m.
Our popular Chat N’ Play program is now at the South Branch.
Designed with parents and caregivers in mind, Chat N’ Play is a time when children ages 0- 5 years old can build their social skills and enjoy free play, while you get to chat with friends, both old and new. Chat N’ Play happens at the South Chattanooga Library on Friday mornings, immediately following Baby Bounce.
The South Branch is 925 W 39th St, Chattanooga, TN 37410.
Seniors Ready to Play!
Mondays - Thursdays @ Avondale // 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fridays @ Avondale // 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Avondale Branch welcomes all seniors to join us Monday through Friday for fun morning and afternoon activities.
We’ll be pouring free Shush! Coffee (specially roasted for the Library by Mad Priest), and offering newspapers, magazines, computers, puzzles, board games, coloring and fellowship.
The Avondale Branch, in the new YFD Center, is at 1305 Dodson Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37406.
New Children and Teen Programs @ Avondale
Dates/Times Vary
We’re excited to announce some favorite programs are coming to the new Avondale Branch: Baby Bounce, Preschool Storytime and STEAM Thursdays.
Baby Bounce is an exciting program for parents and caregivers of tiny tots, from newborn to 18 months. With your baby on your lap, we’ll sing and play and begin the fascinating and lifelong journey of joyful learning. Baby Bounce happens at the Avondale Branch every Saturday from 10:30-11 a.m.
Preschool Storytime is designed to nurture your child’s love of books and the Library while having a great time! Have fun with your child by engaging in stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, crafts and so much more. Preschool Storytime takes place every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
STEAM Thursday offers fun, interactive ways for kids in 1st grade through 7th grade to learn collaboration and problem-solving while exploring the world through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. STEAM Thursdays are every Thursday at the Avondale Branch from 5-6 p.m.
Baby Bounce, Preschool Storytime, and STEAM programs are also available at our other branches, so be sure to follow the link at the bottom to visit our event page for more dates and times.
All classes are free, and no registration is required.
The Avondale Branch, in the new YFD Center, is at 1305 Dodson Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37406.
Crafting with Craft Beers
Every 3rd Sunday @ Barley Chattanooga // 5-7 p.m.
If you like making upscale arts and crafts, enjoying cool, local bars and hanging with your friends, then you are in luck.
Crafting with Craft Beers meets every third Sunday of the month at Barley Chattanooga from 5-7 p.m. During this program, you are encouraged to enjoy Barley’s wide selection of craft beers while also partaking in a seasonal “make and take” craft.
This month, we’ll be hand-painting stemless wine glasses. All crafting materials and instructions will be provided by the Library. All that we ask is that you please craft responsibly.
Lego Party
Saturday, January 25 @Eastgate // 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Got the winter blues? Come on down to the Lego Party at Eastgate and build some fun! Lego free play, crafts and activities will be going on throughout the afternoon, so drop in any time.
The Eastgate Branch is at 5705 Marlin Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411.
Weekend Craft Club
Saturday, Jan. 25 @ Downtown // 1-3 p.m.
If you haven't heard the news, crafting isn't just for kids. On the last Saturday of every month, we get together on our 4th Floor to make a useful craft.
Join us for our January project: Wire-wrapped gemstones. This is a quick and fun activity, and would make a perfect handmade Valentine’s Day gift.
No registration is required and materials will be provided.
Symphonic Tales Presents Pete the Cat
Every 3rd Sunday @ Barley Chattanooga // 5-7 p.m.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Department of Performing Arts in partnership with the Chattanooga Public Library’s Children’s Department presents Symphonic Tales, a music and literacy series for young children.
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 25, for Rossini’s comic aria, “Two Cats”, followed by a sing-a-long reading of two Pete the Cat favorites. Games and crafts will follow this comical performance that you don’t want to miss.
There are two chances to catch this special event:
1-2 p.m. at our new Avondale Branch
3-4 p.m. at our Downtown Branch
Symphonic Tales is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Tennessee Arts Commission, the Francis Hall Hill professorship, UTC Department of Performing Arts, the Chattanooga Public Library and the Friends of the Library.
The Studio @ the Downtown Branch
Did you know The Studio features a main control room, vocal booth, drum room and live room? Library card holders have access to the Downtown Branch’s professional studio featuring industry standard equipment, professionally led workshops and learning opportunities.
For inquiries about partnership with The Studio or open studio times, contact our new Studio Engineer Sam Mentzer, spmentzer@chattanooga.gov or 643-7720. You can also learn more at chattlibrary.org/thestudio.
Holiday Hours
Please be aware that all library branches will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.