Leslie Conley and son Jacob enjoy a book together at Lapsit Story Time at North Webster Community Public Library.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library, in conjunction with Friends of the Library, have announced an educational event aimed at exploring the richness of Italian culture through its food, music, innovations and people.

Experience A Taste of Italy will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 in the North Webster Community Center banquet hall.

Tickets cost $9 per person and are available at the library, or from any Friends of the Library member with advance ticket sales only. This is the library’s fourth annual event celebrating cultures around the world.

If interested in exploring family ancestry, patrons are encouraged to sign up for the Beginning Genealogy Course that will be held 5 p.m. on Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25. This is a four-class course that will teach participants how to get started researching their family tree. The course is free, but advance registration is required. Sign up at the Circulation Desk or call (574) 834-7122.

Knitters and Crocheters are invited to join Knit 1 Crochet 2 that will meet 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. The first Tuesday each month, the group brings their yarn projects to the library to work on while sharing ideas and visiting with one another. Those who don’t know how to knit or crochet are also welcome. Bring needles and yarn and learn together.

In the Youth Department, the youngest patrons explore books and stories during Lapsit Story Time that is held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 a.m. Babies and toddlers, along with their parents or caregivers, spend time looking at board books, singing songs with hand motions and engaging in meaningful play. Parents also learn about early literacy resources that will help prepare their child for future learning.

Preschool Story Time is held every Wednesday at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.for children ages three to six. Through books, stories and crafts, the children are learning about life on the farm during the winter session that runs through April 10.

School age children are invited every Tuesday after school at 4 p.m. for Crafts and Stories where they listen to stories while making crafts. They can also sign up for a private 15-minute reading session with therapy dog Echo. It is a good way for children to practice their oral reading skills while enjoying the company of a canine friend. The reading sessions must be scheduled in advance by signing up at the youth services desk or call (574) 834-7122 ext. 202.