What does it mean to be American? Join us for a hybrid community book club that brings readers together to explore that very question through the lens of the American Revolution. We'll kick off with a preview screening from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt's PBS documentary The American Revolution, followed by an informal group discussion.

This month, we're reading Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence by Joseph Ellis. The summer of 1776 was unlike any other — the thirteen colonies boldly declared independence from Britain while facing the largest naval force ever to cross the Atlantic. Ellis brings this electrifying moment to life, following Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and the Howe brothers as the Continental Congress and Army made history-defining decisions on the fly. It's a story of courage, chaos, and the unlikely birth of a nation — and we'd love to discuss it with you.

This free public program runs approximately 45 minutes and is available both in-person at the Granville Branch and virtually via Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/D9uwH. Copies of the book are available at the Granville Branch.

Nurture is a mixed media art exhibit that focuses on artists' perspective of the concept of Nurture. Join us to experience the inspiration and expressive interpretation of Nurture though art.

Take Root: A Farm Business Class Farmers Rising - The Land Connection - Food Works

January 13 – June 6, 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays
6-8pm
Four quarters · Four weeks each · One-week break between sections
Final presentations on June 6
(Last official class day: May 21, followed by a two-week break)

Mentorships to follow (optional)

About the Program

Take Root is a comprehensive virtual training program designed for people exploring farm business ownership and farmers in their first 1–5 years. This guided, step-by-step course helps participants build the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to launch or strengthen a farm enterprise.

The course follows a structured 4-section curriculum, each lasting four weeks. Between each section, participants take a one-week pause to reflect, catch up, and prepare for the next phase. After the final session on May 21, students will have two weeks to finalize their plans before returning on June 6 for peer presentations. Once presentations are complete, students will have the opportunity to join a mentorship program specialized to each person.

What are the benefits of Take Root?

✔ Build a complete farm business plan

✔ Join a supportive community

✔ Learn from experienced farmers

✔ Strengthen your business knowledge

Course Sections:

Quarter 1: The Dream: Foundations of Farm Life

Quarter 2: Enterprise: The Business of Farming

Quarter 3: Operations: Building it Out

Quarter 4: Finance: Keeping and Maintaining the Farm

Tuition & Accessibility

Total cost: $500 (not including mentorship)
Enrollment fee: $25 (applied toward tuition)

To ensure the program is accessible to all, we offer:

Payment plan

Need-based scholarships (based on current grant-supported scholarship fund availability)

Mentorships to follow

We can not wait for a great year with Take Root!

Jillae- Farmer Training Program Facilitator at Farmers Rising

Step into the mid-1700s with Cathy Grafton, Quilter and Needlework Artist, as she brings to life a seamstress fresh from her travels — from Scotland to France and, at last, to the New World. Born from more than four decades of participation in historic fairs and festivals, this trunk show is part costume drama, part textile history, and entirely delightful.

Dressed in period costume, Cathy shares an engaging look at the fashions, clothing construction, and needlework of 18th century society, including the stories, and occasional hardships, of her "travels." Antique sewing tools, quilts, fabrics, and needlework pieces are on hand to bring the era vividly to life, alongside Cathy's own work, offering a beautiful through-line between centuries of craft tradition.
This free program is open to the public and will be presented both in-person at the Granville Branch and virtually via Zoom. To register for Zoom, visit: t.ly/vNf_l.

Almost two dozen original paintings of flowers and trees by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. This exhibit is in cooperation with Klehm Arboretums event - Garden Fair.

Lowden Gallery: Oregon High School Seniors Art Exhibit

​May 1 - June 30

Reception, May 8, 5pm – 7pm

This exhibit features artwork by Oregon High School graduating seniors, including Delila S, Sam S, Marin S, Sophia O, Merit N, Daleana K, Cristen M, Abbie L, Evelyn M, Daeshiap, and Ahren H.