The library has two digital libraries that are available with the use of your library card. Libby, powered by Overdrive, is available in digital app stores as well as by visiting the library’s webpage: https://niobraracountylibrary.org. Your library card and PIN will give you access to ebooks, digital audio and thousands of magazines with back issues. You can also access ArtistWorks, which provides musicians world-class instruction from master musicians. The video lessons contain everything you need to meet your musical goals. The other digital library, Hoopla, has ebooks, digital audio, digital music, streaming television and movies, graphic novels, and also BingePasses. BingePasses include everything from Hallmark+, the Great Courses, the Ken Burns collection, Dove Channel, Puzzles, Children’s books and so much more. Use your library card and PIN to set up an email account and you are ready to go! Please stop by the library if you have questions or need help in getting set up.
A new holiday novel is “The Christmas Stranger” by Richard Paul Evans. Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grieving Paul Wanless has not only given up on Christmas – he has given up on life. When a stranger named Gabriel knocks on his door, with this advice “I wouldn’t do it, if I were you, it’s not what you think,” Paul brushes the episode aside. Then he crosses paths with a young widow and her son who have also had a visit from Grabriel. Before Paul knows it, his life is filled with chaos, commotion and excitement. Who was this Christmas stranger that brought these new people into his life? “The Christmas Stranger” is also available digitally in Libby.
Other new holiday books are “And to All a Good Bite” by David Rosenfelt, “The Secret Christmas Library” by Jenny Colgan, “The Christmas Ring” by Karen Kingsbury, “A Christmas Witness” by Charles Todd, “A Ferry, Merry Christmas” by Debbie Macomber along with “Fallen Star” by Lee Goldberg, “The Widow” by John Grisham and “Gunpowder Mountain” by Jarret Keene. James Dashner’s “Crank Palace” is among new young adult books.
Check out these new non-fiction titles “The Avatar: the Return of the Ancients & the Future of America” by Jonathan Cahn and “Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life” by Max Lucado.
The Lenna Lewis Slagle Children’s Library has these new books “The Snow Show” by Cam Higgins, “Pepper” by Ellen Miles, and “Magic of the Wizard Dragon” by Tracey West. Among easier books you’ll find “If Mice Pulled the Sleigh” by Bill Barnsley, “The Sled Race: Wally Mammoth” by Corey R. Tabor, “The Humble Pie” by Jory John and “The Ice Heist” by Brave Books.
“Merry Christmas” is the theme for Storyhour on December 16, 2025. Storyhour is held from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday throughout the year for preschool-aged children. The Friends of the Library sponsor the 24/7 storyline, Dial-A-Story. Call 307-334-3274 anytime to hear a recorded story!
Visit the library’s website at https://niobraracountylibrary.org to browse local history as well as business history. In the genealogy section you’ll find obituaries, birth records and cemetery records. Check it out today!
Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.