Adult Programming

Jigsaw Puzzle in progress on a table at the library

Heart Icon Book Club

Love books and lively discussion? Join our Adult Book Club, meeting the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., September through May. At the start of the season in September, members receive the full year’s reading list. We explore a broad range of genres, so you might discover a new favorite—or find a book that’s not your style—but either way, it always sparks lively and engaging discussion.

Each meeting is a relaxed evening of conversation, insights, and shared appreciation for literature. The library provides a limited number of copies for each book to borrow and return so everyone gets a chance to read, or members are welcome to bring their own copy.

Heart Icon Sand Painters Art Club

The Sand Painters Art Club is a vibrant community of artists from the Valentine, Nebraska area, dedicated to showcasing local talent and celebrating the unique beauty of the Sandhills. They host monthly exhibitions in the Valentine Public Library’s meeting room and hold an artist reception each month, giving visitors a chance to meet the featured artist and learn more about their work.

Though Valentine may be a small, remote community, the Sand Painters bring the world of art right to our doorstep. Their exhibitions feature works in a wide variety of mediums, including photography, watercolor, acrylics, oil, pastels, and textile design. Many pieces are inspired by local landscapes and culture, capturing the beauty and spirit of the Sandhills region, while others reflect broader artistic trends and techniques.

Once a year, the Sand Painters host The Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) show. This is a traveling exhibition featuring the top 25 award-winning artworks from an annual competition, showcasing diverse mediums from artists across the state. This premier exhibition highlights the work of Nebraska’s local art clubs and travels to various locations throughout the year.

To learn more about the Sand Painters and their work, visit them on Facebook or contact the library for details.

Disclaimer: Exhibits displayed in the Valentine Public Library meeting room are organized by the Sand Painters Art Club. The Valentine Public Library does not select the artists or the individual works shown. The views, themes, or subject matter expressed in these works are those of the artists and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Valentine Public Library.

Heart Icon Beyond the Book Series

The Valentine Public Library hosts Beyond the Book, a quarterly series that goes deeper than the pages. Each event highlights a book or author and explores the ideas, history, and creativity behind it. Past programs have included author visits, documentaries about featured authors, and even a presentation from the Nebraska State Poet Laureate.

We love collaborating with the community! If you have an idea for a program or partnership—whether it’s a speaker, workshop, or creative project—please reach out. We’d love to bring your ideas to life and share the joy of learning and literature with everyone.

Watch our Facebook page and event calendar for upcoming Beyond the Book events!