STRONG — The Strong Public Library will open early on Feb. 21 and March 28. The library is offering several ways to chase the winter blahs away. The library will open at 11:30 on two Thursdays, Feb. 21 and March 28, for people to check out books or other items or for those who want use a computer or get help with their computer skills.

Help will be available for those who want to know more about Facebook or email or for those who want learn how to use the Download Library with their Nook or Kindle.

In December the library received 100 new children’s picture books from the Brownstone Fund, a private foundation in New York City that is interested in “fostering early reading and a lifelong love of books.” Each year one state is selected to receive these books, and when Maine was chosen in 2012, Cheryl McCleery, library director, applied for the grant through the Maine State Library.

All the books have now been added to the library collection and will be put on display during a Fun February Week beginning Feb. 18. Patrons, young and old, are invited to stop by the library to view the new books and check some out.

Special activities will be offered for children each day that week that the library is open. On Tuesday there will be a story at 12:30 p.m. and each child attending will receive a gift. On Thursday a story and craft activity will be offered at 10:30 a.m., and then on Saturday children can come to the library at 1 p.m. for a teddy bear/stuffed animal picnic. A snack will be provided and an assortment of new books will be on display.