Happenings at the Library

BY STEPH STEVENS
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
We’ve had a couple busy months at the library, so here’s a quick recap: a Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Lego Challenges, Story Times, Bingo, Adult Craft Night, Santa and Mrs. Clause, and the Holiday Festival.  We’ve had such wonderful crowds and welcome you to join us for our upcoming events. As always all of our events are free, open to the public, and don’t require registration.
Miss Betty’s Library Lambs Story Times are in full swing. In the coming weeks story time will feature holidays from many cultures including Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Christmas. She also has lots of fun winter themes coming up in the new year. Library Lambs is held every Wednesday morning at 10:15 and includes stories, activities, crafts, songs, and a snack. If you are able, make sure to check one out as Miss Betty does a wonderful job and I just love to see all kids learning and having fun. There will be no story time held Wednesday, Dec. 26.
Tis the season for giving and the library is thrilled to be bringing back our Winter Food and Fun program. The program features free lunches for children and teens at the library followed by an hour long activity.  Lunches will be served at the library from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. followed by an activity from 12:30-1:30 p.m.. Check below for the menu which is subject to change but is guaranteed to include a main dish, vegetable/fruit, snack, and milk.
Wednesday, Dec. 26—Hotdogs followed by Breakout Box and STEM activities
Thursday, Dec. 27—White Chicken Chili followed by Slime
Friday, Dec. 28—Tacos in a Bag followed by Lego Challenges
Sack lunches will also be available Monday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 2, so make sure to bring the kids in. All children and teens are welcome to join us and no registration is required.
If you would like to donate time or money to this program or have questions please contact the library at 641-592-0092 or by email at librarydirector@wctatel.net.
School’s out early Friday, Jan. 11, so we will be showing “Smallfoot.”  Popcorn and drinks will be provided, so join us for some movie fun.
The library can’t wait to celebrate National Puzzle Day, Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 3:30-6 p.m. with a special event. We will have crafts made with puzzle pieces, puzzle races, brain teasers, riddles, and more (oh my). Join us for a mind-bending afternoon of FUN.
Plus starting in January we are excited to have back ISU Extension to host STEM programs once a month through May. STEM programs will be held Wednesdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March 27, April 24, and finally May 22. Last summer, we made roller coasters, learned all about Morse code, made oceans in a bottle, and had lots of fun. I can’t wait to see what they come up with this time around.
We didn’t forget about the adults-in January our Adult Winter Reading Program will be back. The program will run from Jan. 2-March 30. The details are being finalized, but I can promise prizes, special events, and even a few surprises throughout the program.
Did you know that the library introduced VOX™ Books this month? A VOX™ book is a picture book with a full audio recording attached right to the book. Children simply need to push a button to start, turn the pages when prompted, and listen while the story is read to them. Plus they come with a headphone jack. A VOX™ book is a perfect choice for early mornings or bed times or anytime in-between including those long car rides for the youngest readers in your life. We have 15 titles, ranging from the classic “Goodnight Moon” to the new “Bulldozer’s Big Day” so make sure to stop in today to check one out all you need is a library card.
Lastly a note about our holiday hours:
Monday, Dec 24—Closed
Tuesday, Dec 25—Closed
Monday, Dec 31—Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 1—Closed
Please mark them on your calendar and make sure to stock up on all kinds of library materials.