Special to the Times Vedette

With summer over, the Casey Public Library reminds patrons to take advantage of the free passes available through the Adventure Pass program.

From the website: “The Iowa Adventure Pass is thrilled to partner with DMPA and the Wellmark Family Series to expand access to performing arts in Des Moines. This partnership is part of our shared commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all families.” Events include “Tales of the Sun and Moon” and “What Do You Do with a Problem?”

The dance series includes Ailey II and Ballet Hispanico.

There are also three National Geographic LIVE Speakers: Wild Wolves of Yellowstone, The Ghosts of Pompeii and Chasing Monarchs.

Other free attractions are the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum and Home in Clarinda and the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn. Memberships are only good through March of 2027, so don’t procrastinate. Visit www.iowaadventurepass.org.

Special to the Times Vedette

Art on State in Guthrie Center sponsored a Lego Art Contest to inspire entries to the Guthrie County Fair.

Casey’s Zander Nolte won first place in the 18-plus category with his unique sword. This sparked a resurgence in other Lego enthusiasts to construct more cute pieces.

On Sept. 30, the Casey Public Library is hosting its monthly pArtsy with Nancy Antisdel. She will bring wooden scarecrows to paint and decorate for fall. RSVP to sign up by calling 746-2670 or emailing caseylib@netins.net.

The library is planning its annual Halloween costume giveaway beginning in early October. If you have any gently used costumes to donate, please drop off at the library anytime.

New books are “National Geographic Kids Almanac 2027” and “Greenwood: A Novel” by Michael Christie. New DVDs are “Project Hail Mary” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Special to the Times Vedette

April 19-25 is National Library Week. We have several things planned, so stay tuned.

The Casey Public Library has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private nonprofit, to host a presentation called “Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or ‘Who Do You Think We Are’ ” by John Liepa at 2 p.m., April 11, at 604 McPherson St., Casey. This event is free to anyone, and refreshments will be served.

Liepa is professor emeritus of history and political science at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC.) He taught courses in political science, U.S., and Iowa history from 1972-2010. He has a B.S in history and an M.A. in political science from Iowa State University. He received an “Excellence in Education” award in 2001 and was honored as DMACC’s “Educator of the Year” in 2004. He served five terms on the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Board of Trustees from 1998-2113, having served both as chair and vice-chair; and, on the Iowa Historical Foundation, the fundraising arm of the State Historical Society of Iowa. Since retiring, he has taught courses for the Senior College of Greater Des Moines, OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Drake University and as an independent presenter on “Iowa’s Role in the Civil War,” Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or “Who Do You Think You Are?,” and the “Early History of Baseball in Iowa.” Liepa has been a 24-year member and program chair of the Des Moines Civil War Roundtable.

Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage, or “Who Do You Think We Are?”

Enjoy the unfolding and changing adventure of Iowa’s immigration history. Beginning with the Ioway, one of 17 distinctive indigenous tribal groups, we will trace chronologically who we are as Iowans. From Spanish explorers and French trappers, traders and priests; to the dominant English, Germans and Irish; to Scandinavians, Dutch and Czechs, we will explore why these group chose to leave their homelands and how they eventually ended up in Iowa. African-Americans, Eastern Europeans and Hispanics have different stories to share along with other “newer” Iowans. This course is personal and interactive, and we will work together to discover who we are and who we are becoming as Iowans.

A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities. 

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-746-2670 in advance.

The Casey Public Library is located at 604 McPherson St. in Casey. Phone number is 641-746-2670 and website is www.casey.lib.ia.us.