By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
It’s time to ring in the new year, and the MJB Library has exciting news. Amid all the flurry of New Year Resolutions, I’m going to propose a resolution for you, and I will give you a way to keep it. This year, your new resolution can be to read more books.
In order to keep the resolution, you are officially invited to participate in the newest addition to the programs MJB Library offers — a book club that will meet later in the day. Our second book club will be the fourth Tuesday of each month and will run from 5-6 p.m. This club is open to teens and adults. The library will provide books for you to check out in advance, so there is no cost to participants. Our kick-off meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the library’s Taylor Meeting Room. We look forward to seeing all of you then.
Holiday hours
Patrons are reminded that the MJB Library will be closing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve and will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Festival of Trees
The MJB Library appreciates everyone who participated in our Festival of Trees. The trees were so impressive, and our patrons enjoyed the decorations. We ask that if you have a tree, please come in during our library hours the first week of January to take the tree down.
Card Clubs
Cribbage Players meet every Monday morning from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome. On Wednesday mornings from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Club meets. If you are an experienced bridge player or a novice, you are welcome to stop in and play.
Friends of the Library
Anyone who is interested in supporting the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library is invited to join the Friends of the Library group. The first meeting of the new year will be Monday, Jan. 6 at 6:15 p.m. The $25 yearly dues go toward the group’s fundraising efforts to assist with special projects. The primary topic of discussion will be the upcoming Trivia Night Fundraiser.
Afterschool STEM Workshop
Guthrie County/ISU Extension Office will be sharing a STEM workshop for elementary and middle school age children on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This workshop’s theme is Code Across Iowa.
Between the Covers
Between the Covers Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. The January book, “American Royals”by Katharine McGee, is ready to be checked out, so stop in and pick up your copy.
Preschool Storyhour
MJB Library Preschool Story Hour will meet each Friday beginning at 10 a.m. Preschool children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.

Putting the ornaments on the painted tree requires getting your hands a little dirty.

Some artists have their own ideas of how the tree should look.

Last week’s craft was painting trees using the round edge of a cardboard tube. It’s difficult to tell who is having more fun with this craft.

This project requires a lot of concentration.