By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

PORTAGE COUNTY – With locations in Stevens Point, Plover, Almond and Rosholt, residents are never far from the literary arts and a community space where creativity is encouraged. Portage County Public Library Director Larry Oathout is excited about the system’s roughly 800 family-friendly events offered each year by county branches. He sees libraries as a place to develop new friendships and ideas.

“The events offer people a way to enjoy the library and get out to do something they may not have done otherwise,” Oathout stated.
With hundreds of events held each year, the library has plenty of free entertainment for county families over the coming weeks. Oathout sat down with Gazette staff to talk about some of the many upcoming Portage County Public Library programs.

Tai Chi Plover, Rosholt Branches 
 
The Plover and Rosholt branches are mounting a large following of Tai Chi enthusiast as beginner classes continue throughout the fall. Oathout noted that the program offers a solid foundation for those looking to enter into Tai Chi. The weekly classes are quickly growing in popularity. Free sessions will take place in Plover on Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m., and in Rosholt on Sept. 4 at 1:15 p.m. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Monthly Manga and Anime Club Meeting Stevens Point Main Branch 

Teens and young adults are invited to discuss anime, manga and Japanese culture during the Stevens Point branch’s monthly Manga and Anime Club meetings. Library staff commented that the group now sees as many as 30 guests come to discuss current trends in the anime-scene. The next monthly meeting will be held on Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Stevens Point branch.

Social Hour Rosholt Branch

A community social hour is held each week at the Rosholt branch, giving locals a communal space to connect and build new friendships. The hour-long gatherings give residents a forum to speak about county happenings and daily life, offering those in attendance a chance to get out of the house and into the community. Social Hour events are held every Wednesday at the Rosholt branch at noon. All are welcome to the free event.

For more info on upcoming events, check online at: https://www.pocolibrary.org.

County library locations: Main Library 1001 Main St., Stevens Point, 715-346-1544; Plover Branch Library 2151 Roosevelt Dr., Plover, 715-341-4007; Rosholt Branch Library 137 N. Main St., Rosholt, 715-677-4512; Almond Branch Library 122 Main St., Almond, 715-366-2151.