By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Hey there! We made it through an awesome Summer Reading Month with 14 fun events in June, and we had an average of 36 attendees at each event. We had a total of 507 attendees at our summer reading events. Our amazing presenters included Anne Riodian (Iowa DNR Educator), Skie Shull (GC ISU Ext. Outreach), Bif Ridgway (Bike World), Ken (Absolute Science) and Misty (Blank Park Zoo Educator). Huge thanks to everyone who helped make our programs and events such a great success, Cafe on the Hill, and a special shoutout to Casey’s General Store for donating delicious single one-topping pizzas for our Pizza Prize Party.

Library Closure/Extended Hours

Remember that the library will be closed on Thursday, July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. The library hours will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 to welcome visitors to the All School Reunion. 

All School Reunion 

The library will be hosting class displays for the all-school reunion. Displays are set up throughout the library. The Taylor Meeting Room will display class composite photos. Additionally, the Taylor Meeting Room will be playing Al Bell Videos during the day on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, July 6 at 11 a.m., Donald Todd, Jr. will be presenting his program “A Tale of Two Soldiers,” which chronicles the history of his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff who ran a medical practice here for decades. 

StoryHour

Our summer StoryHour schedule is in full swing. Please note that there will be no story hour on July 5 due to the All School Reunion activities. On July 12, we’ll be exploring the fascinating world of bugs, and on July 19, our theme will be all about summer. Finally, on July 26, we’ll be celebrating with a theme of food and fun.

Between the Covers

Between the Covers Book Club will meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 to discuss David McCullough’s biography of Teddy Roosevelt entitled “Mornings on Horseback.” Stop by the library to check out a copy if you’d like to join the book discussion. 

Card Making Club

Card Making Club will meet on Thursday, July 18, from 9-11 a.m. to create beautiful, handmade cards. Judy Zimmerline will lead the class. All materials are provided. There is a $5 fee to cover supplies. 

Cookbook Club

The July Cookbook Club will be using recipes from the Taste of Home Magazines from this year. To participate, stop by the library to select a recipe to prepare for the meeting. On the night of the meeting, bring your dish to share with the group. You will be able to enjoy some delicious food, share recipes and discuss the magazines.  

Friends of the Library

The next Friends of the Library is Tuesday, July 2 at 6:15 p.m. We welcome new members. 

Cribbage and Bridge

Cribbage players meet every Monday from 9-11 a.m. to play. Bridge Club meets each Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels and all ages are welcome to participate. 

Adventure Pass

The Friends of the Library again are sponsoring the Adventure Pass for local library patrons. Currently, we have adventure passes for Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines Children’s Museum. Library patrons 18 and older may use their library card to check out a pass to participating locations through the library’s website.  

Patrons may check out one pass per venue per 365 days. The pass is valid for two adults and two children. The printed pass and a valid photo ID must be presented at the gates to be admitted to the venue. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance. The adventure pass is a great way to have an affordable family outing. Check it out.   

Linden Library Director position open

The City of Linden is seeking a library director who will be responsible for supervising all facets of library operations, such as strategic planning, budget, staff management, collection development, and community outreach. Working closely with the library board or administrative authority. The director ensures the library’s mission is fulfilled and the community’s information, educational, and recreational needs are met. Three years of experience in library management or administration, preferable in a public library setting is preferred. Certificate of Public Library Certificate Director Endorsement or be able to obtain within the first year of employment. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff and volunteers. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences. Proficiency in library technologies and integrated library systems. Knowledge of current issues and best practices in library services, including intellectual freedom, privacy, and access to information. Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

See job posting at https://gctimesnews.com/job/library-director-at-linden-public-library.

Email resume to lindenlibraryboard@gmail.com by Friday, July 12.

The City of Linden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Blank Park Zoo did a presentation about animals for the summer reading program. The kids were able to get an up close look at a lizard.

A few of the prize winners from our Summer Reading Program happily show the great prizes they won. Pictured are Rylee Irlbeck, Kane Knobbe, Jaxen Knobbe and Hadley Knobbe.

Summer Reading Program participants and parents enjoy a pizza party to celebrate their hard work with summer reading. A big thank you to the Guthrie Center Casey’s for providing pizza for the youth participants.

Library Directory Jerri Hawkins congratulates the Summer Reading Participants for their hard work before doing the prize drawings.