The Friends of the Northampton Area Public Library group is having a strudel fundraiser just in time for the Easter/spring season.

Orders are being taken Feb. 1-March 7.

Pickup will be 1 p.m. March 25 for the strudel, from Mattie’s Strudel Haus.

Flavors include apple, blueberry-lemon-cheese, bacon-egg-cheese, cherry cheese, cheesesteak, chicken-bacon-ranch and spinach artichoke.

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When I think of February, I think of Mardi Gras! While we won’t be having a Mardi Gras party at the library, we hope to keep your calendar full of exciting activities and events this month, including preparation for our chili contest.

As they say in New Orleans, laissez le bon temps rouler, or let the good times roll!

The library will be hosting a chili cook-off contest 1-3 p.m. March 2. To enter your spectacular chili recipe, register as a contestant by 4 p.m. Feb. 17.

We must have at least five contestants for the contest to take place. The grand prize includes a first-place medal and 20% of all entry fees in cash.

Flights of chili are now on sale. With your purchase of a flight of chili, you get a guaranteed taste of each entry and the chance to help our judges vote for the winners.

Starting 2 p.m., the general public is welcome to join us for $3 to sample the rest of the chili. Should any chili be left over in the last 15 minutes of the event, portions will be for sale.

All sales are cash or check only before Feb. 17.

We’re also looking for contest judges. Calling all EMTs, firefighters, police and local government officials - we need you to eat chili and cast your vote!

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Take Your Child to the Library Day is Feb. 3, and we have a treat for you! Local author Nick Takacs will be at the library 11 a.m. to read his new book, “There’s a Monster in My Bed,” and answer your questions.

We even have a monster craft to accompany his visit.

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New kids craft bags will be available for pickup starting Feb. 5 and Feb. 20.

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Pickup starts 9 a.m. Feb. 5 for the herbal shower steamer kits for teens.

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The teen Chocolate Olympics will be held Feb. 6, starting 6 p.m.

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The Teen Advisory Board is meeting 5 p.m. Feb. 6.

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The game club for grades 3-5 meets 6 p.m. Feb. 8.

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The library’s board of trustees meets 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

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Pickup starts 9 a.m. Feb. 12 for the adult do-it-yourself winter amaryllis kits.

Register now.

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The game club for teens will meet 5 p.m. Feb. 13.

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The anime club for teens is scheduled to meet 6 p.m. Feb. 13.

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The Stitch and Chat group for all ages will be meeting 6 p.m. Feb. 13.

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Pick up your orders from the soup and sandwich fundraiser, starting 11 a.m. Feb. 15.

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The STEAM craft club for grades 3-5 meets 6 p.m. Feb. 15.

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The library will be closed Feb. 19 in observance of Presidents Day.

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Storycraft for kids in kindergarten to second grade will be 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22.

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Kids ages 5-10 can sign up to read to Sunshine the therapy dog Feb. 22, starting 6 p.m.

Call to reserve your 15-minute time slot.

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Once Upon a Crime will meet 6 p.m. Feb. 26 to discuss couples who kill.

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The Friends of NAPL will hold its next meeting 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

All are welcome!

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Storytimes are scheduled for February.

Lapsit storytimes are 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, toddler storytimes will be 10 a.m. Wednesdays, and preschool storytimes are 10 a.m. Thursdays.

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The Laid Back book club is reading “Once Upon a Wardrobe” by Patti Callahan.