Children had musical fun over the holiday break and in February musical activities will be part of programming at the Syracuse Library. A variety of programs for children of all ages begins on Feb. 2.

The Syracuse Library is one of 29 venues awarded a grant to bring an award-winning author to speak. Ray Boomhower is coming at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, to talk about his life as a writer and John Bartlow Martin who focused national attention on the Centralia mining disaster. Novel Conversations sponsored by the Indiana Humanities and the Glick Fund enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk.

Boomhower is senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society, writing a quarterly magazine and is the author of twelve books. His book, John Bartlow Martin: a voice for the underdog, like his other books, is about someone from Indiana.

Automatic renewals are a new feature for books checked out at the Syracuse Library. Patrons will want to be informed when an item is renewed and when it can’t be renewed, such as times when a hold or an item has no renewals and can change the anticipated return date. New movies and hotspots have no renewals. Check that an email account connects you to information about your library account or that you have the password to manage your account.

Sign-up sheets are available for upcoming seasonal craft projects. At 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, it’s time to make a Valentine’s card wreath. The March and April crafts are accepting registrations at this time.

Cooking with a slow-cooker is presented by Jackie Franks of the Kosciusko Extension Office at 5 p.m. Feb. 5. Sign –up is requested. Sign-up is required for a lunch-and-learn about low-carb cooking and menu ideas for diabetics. The cooking demonstration and meal is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays, Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 5. The cost is $25 per person or $40 for two.

Children’s programs are beginning again in February and on Saturday, Feb. 2, many treats and activities are available when the Syracuse Library takes part in national, Take Your Child to the Library Day. Families can spend some indoor time at the library while picking up a schedule of programs and information about the children’s opportunity to read away fines.