Special to the Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Extension held a STEM workshop about creating seed bombs on Monday, April 15 at the Mary J Barnett Memorial Library.
Mud pies? No, these STEM workshop participants are mixing water into the seed bomb.
STEM workshop participants measure out flower seeds to create seed bombs.
These finished seed bombs are drying and waiting to be planted.
By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Jim Calvert presents library director Jerri Hawkins with a copy of the book entitled “Farm” by Elisha Cooper on behalf of the Guthrie County Farm Bureau. “Farm” is available for checkout and is located in the children’s section of the library.
Additionally, Round 1 of the ALA Grant also funded the purchase of 18 new Playaway titles in the juvenile section. Playaways are audiobooks that are downloaded on a battery-operated device that requires no internet. Guests just connect their headphones to the universal jack, and they are ready to listen. These are also great for car trips; just plug in with your car’s aux cord, and you’re set.
Be sure to register for the charcuterie class being offered on May 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. The class is also offered at the Linden on May 4 from 9-10:30 a.m. Presented by Charcuterie to Go, participants will learn not only pairings of meats, cheeses and crackers but also tips for creating beautiful charcuterie boards. Everyone who participates will take home a board that they made. The cost of the boards is $25 for a 6-inch by 6-inch size and $45 for an 8-inch by 8-inch size board.
Friends of the Library will be meeting at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7. Anyone interested in supporting the library is invited to attend. The Friends will be discussing the golf fundraiser, which is scheduled for June 15.
Plan to attend the May Lunch and Learn which will be on Wednesday, May 8, from noon to 1 p.m. Nutritionist Carol Laughery, owner of Ignite Nutrition, will be the featured speaker, and a light lunch donated by Cafe on the Hill will be served. Pre-registration is required.
Between the Covers book club will meet May 14 at 3 p.m. to discuss “The Widows of Braxton County” by Jess McKonkey. In this novel, Kate, a city woman, is ready to settle down and marry. She moves to her new husband’s Iowa farm where she finds country life filled with chores, judgmental neighbors, and the surprise of discovering that her mother-in-law will be living in her new home, which is more difficult than she anticipated. Soon, Kate begins to hear from the town gossip that her new family has secrets that include a mysterious death, and then unexplainable events start happening. Copies are available for those who want to attend the book club to check out.
Card-making club will meet from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. All materials are provided for a $5 fee.
“Not That Fancy” by Reba McEntire is May’s featured cookbook for Cookbook Club. Cookbook Club will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. Stop in the library to choose a recipe to make and share with the group at the meeting.
The April 10 Lunch and Learn presented by Dementia Friends Iowa was well attended. The next Lunch and Learn will be Wednesday, May 8, from noon to 1 p.m. and will feature Carol Laughery, owner of Ignite Nutrition and Health. We are taking online registrations now.
By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
For the past few weeks, I have been reading darker books than usual. I have been sucked into the vortex of Freida McFadden’s psychological thrillers. My husband, who rarely comments on my eclectic reading tastes, pointed out that I had been reading “a lot of murdery stuff lately.” He also wondered if this should concern him. So, to allow my husband to sleep with both eyes closed and because spring often feels like a time to read lighter subject matter, I have put aside the “murdery” books filled with protagonists of questionable ethical and moral fiber. I will suggest, however, if you’re a fan of a dark, twisty, suspenseful, psychological thriller, you can’t go wrong with “The Housemaid” and “The Housemaid’s Secret” by Freida McFadden.
Lately, I have been enjoying some of the new romance novels that we have at the MJB Library. “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren was an entertaining romp. Olive Torres seems to be the jinxed twin while her sister Ami seems to have the Midas touch. Winning a series of contests, Ami managed to finance an elaborate wedding for next to no money; she even won a free honeymoon in Maui. Due to Olive’s extreme seafood allergy and the best man’s phobia of buffets, Olive and Ethan Thomas are the only guests who didn’t immediately become ill from food poisoning from the reception’s seafood buffet. With the bride and groom too sick to travel, and the dream vacation that couldn’t be rescheduled, Olive and Ethan find themselves both vying for the trip. Refusing to let her nemesis nab the free trip for himself, the pair agree to a truce to enjoy 10 days of all-inclusive paradise. Will this trip lead to a change of luck for Olive? Check out the book and see.
Additionally, we have added several titles by bestselling author Lucy Score, including “The Worst Best Man,” another romantic comedy novel. For those who love a love story but also enjoy a mystery, check out Score’s novel “The Dead Guy Next Door” (the best of both worlds).
There are some new displays to peruse to look for book ideas. Check out the “Read It Before You Watch It” display which features many novels that have recently been adapted for the screen, including “A Gentleman in Moscow”written by Amor Towles. Set in 1922 Russia, this historical novel tells the story of an unrepentant aristocrat who is confined to house arrest for life in a luxury hotel across the square from the Kremlin after being convicted by a Bolshevik tribunal. Readers will be captivated by the cast of unique characters, the brilliant writing style and the Count’s resilience and ability to find purpose and community as he adapts to his new life in the Metropol Hotel. This book is, in my opinion, a fantastic read. Ewan McGregor and the cast of this miniseries airing on Paramount Plus have their work cut out to capture the humor and delight of this novel. Come in and get this book before you watch the miniseries. You know the book is always better.
For our preschool through middle school patrons, Summer Reading Program registration is open now. Go to the webpage to sign up. Read, Renew, Repeat is the theme for this summer.
Remember that story hour for preschoolers and their caregivers is every Friday starting at 10 a.m. April 19 will focus on Pets, and the theme for April 26 is Seasons.
MJB Library is hosting a charcuterie class on Saturday, May 4 from noon-1:30 p.m. The class will be presented by Charcuterie To Go. Participants will take their charcuterie skills to the next level by learning perfect meat, cheese and cracker combinations. Everyone who participates will take home a board that they made. The cost of the boards is $25 for a 6-inch by 6-inch size and $45 for an 8-inch by 8-inch size board. Pre-registration is required by April 30. If you want to attend but can’t make the noon workshop, the same class is available at the Linden Library on May 4 from 9-10:30 a.m.
The April display at MJB Library is courtesy of Becky Wahl. The display features Becky’s collection of cups and saucers.
Check out our display of “Read It Before You Watch It!” which features books that have been or are being adapted for the screen. Stop in and check one out; you know the book is always better than the movie.
This month’s featured author is Lucy Score. Stop in and see why her books are so popular.
Joan Wells and Kris Simon presented their program “Up the Cattle Trails and Songs of the West” for the audience at the MJB Library on April 2. The pair shared the history of cattle drives and performed many bluegrass and country songs for the group.
Special to the Times Vedette
Spring Fever is starting to kick in, so it’s the perfect time to stop in the library to check out some of our gardening books. We have resources to help with vegetable gardens, herbs, flowers, perennials and container gardens, to name just a few. Stop in and take a look.
For our preschool through middle school patrons, Summer Reading Program registration is open now. Go to the webpage to sign up. Read, Renew, Repeat is the theme for this summer, and we have exciting things in the works for the month of June when our events are scheduled.
Be sure to pre-register for our April Lunch and Learn, which will be presented by Dementia Friends of Iowa. It will be Wednesday, April 10 from noon to 1 p.m. Dementia Friends, a global movement started in the U.K., is spreading to the U.S. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects families, each of us can make a difference to families touched by dementia. Information and a light lunch will be shared during the hour.
Plan to attend the May Lunch and Learn, which will be on Wednesday, May 8 from noon to 1 p.m. Nutritionist Carol Laughery will be the featured speaker. Pre-registration is required.
New Opportunities will be presenting a workshop about Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which is used to treat opioid overdoses. The informational event will be held in the library’s Taylor Meeting Room beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. Not only will the workshop explain how to recognize signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone, Narcan will be available for distribution.
Preschool Story Hour is every Friday beginning at 10 a.m. This week, “Family” will be the theme. On April 12, the topic is going to be “ME!” Pets will be the subject of story hour on April 19. Story Hour participants will learn about seasons on April 26.
Cookbook Club participants are reminded that they can stop in the library to select a recipe to share at the meeting on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. This month’s featured cookbook is published by Taste of Home and is entitled “Make It! Take It 2023.”
Card Making Club will meet from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18. The cost is $5 to cover the cost of materials.
The Guthrie County ISU Extension will be presenting a STEM workshop from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 15. There will be reading and STEM activities. Students of all ages are welcome.
MJB Library is hosting a charcuterie class on Saturday, May 4 from noon – 1:30 p.m. The class will be presented by Charcuterie To Go. Participants will take their charcuterie skills to the next level by learning perfect meat, cheese and cracker combinations. Everyone who participates will take home a board that they made. The cost of the boards is $25 for 6-inch by 6-inch size and $45 for an 8-inch by 8-inch size board. Pre-registration is required by April 30. If you want to attend but can’t make the noon workshop, the same class is available at the Linden Library on May 4 from 9-10:30 a.m.
Jean Densmore shared a quilt for our April display. This intricate pattern is called Grandma’s Victory and was made as a graduation gift for Jean’s granddaughter, Hannah. Featuring fabric in shades of green and blue, this lovely quilt will be on loan to the library for the month of April.
“Grandma’s Victory,” this month’s featured quilt at the MJB Library, is on loan from Jean Densmore for April. Stop in and take a look.
Special to the Times Vedette
April is finally here, and so is National Library Week, which is April 7-13 this year. Sponsored by the American Library Association, the theme for National Library Week 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library!”
“Ready, Set, Library” promotes the idea that in our digital world, the library still offers something special to its patrons. The library also offers a gathering place, a place to connect with others, to learn new skills, and to focus on what matters most. Check our community calendar on the website to see what events are scheduled and to sign up. No matter what stage of life you are in, the library can provide something for you.
Our library offers you a place to access free Wi-Fi. We have computers, tablets and game systems that can be used. Mobile hotspots are available to check out for those who need internet at home.
For those who are looking to begin a new career or look for a job, remember that the library offers extensive career resources online. To access, go to https://www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us/ and click Online Resources. Then choose Brainfuse. Under Brainfuse, select JobNow from the pulldown menu. In JobNow, patrons can access live resume coaching and live interview coaching. Additionally, there is assistance with unemployment, including how to complete paperwork to access benefits. SkillsFirst is award-winning software to help with resume creation, job interview prep and more. Resume templates are also available for patrons’ use. For those who are considering a career change, eParachute helps users discover college majors and careers that match skills and interests. The best part of this program is that it is free. All that is required is a library card, and those are free, too.
To celebrate National Library Week, consider using one of the many services the library has to offer.
Every Monday from 9-11 a.m., cribbage players compete in the Taylor Meeting Room. Bridge class meets every Wednesday morning at the same time and place. Players are welcome to join, regardless of skill level. Card Making Club meets the third Thursday of each month to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards. The group is led by Judi Zimmerline. There is a $5 fee, which covers the cost of all needed supplies.
On Tuesday, April 9, Between the Covers will meet to discuss this month’s book club selection “How Beautiful We Were” by Imbolo Mbue. Copies are available for check out by anyone who would like to participate. Book club meets at 3 p.m.
Be sure to pre-register for the April Lunch and Learn, which will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Dementia Friends of Iowa will be presenting a workshop to help people who want to help someone living with dementia. The program explain the basics of dementia such as what dementia is, what it’s like to live with the disease, and some tips for communicating with people who have dementia. A light lunch will be served. Pre-register by calling or emailing the library or signing up online.
New Opportunities will be presenting a workshop on Thursday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. An overview of opioids and Naloxone distribution training will be the topic of this program. Issues addressed in the program will explain what opioids are and how they impact physical functioning, the consequences of opioid misuse, what Narcan is, what Narcan is used for, and how to obtain and administer NARCAN properly. Naloxone (NARCAN) will be onsite and available for distribution provided by New Opportunities. If you have questions, call New Opportunities at 712-792-9266.
Students of all ages are invited to attend the after-school STEM program presented by the Guthrie County ISU Extension Office. Participants will be working on spring-related STEM activities. The workshop is from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 15.
On Monday, March 18, these enthusiastic students participated in the afterschool STEM program. They used Play-Doh and Easter eggs to create towers.
Special to the Times Vedette
Story Hour is at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 29. The theme will be Easter.
Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:15 p.m. The group will be working on planning the June golf fundraiser.
Bluegrass music fans and history buffs, plan to attend a fun and informative program at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Joan Wells and Kris Simon will present “Up the Nebraska Cattle Trail and Songs of the West” as part of the Speakers Bureau Living History Program. Wells and Simon will share the story of cattle drives on the Western Trail from Texas to Nebraska while sharing the origin of Western music and singing the songs of the early-day cowboys. Be ready to learn some history and enjoy some bluegrass music.
April 10 from noon to 1 p.m. will be the next lunch and learn. Dementia Friends of Iowa will be sharing about this movement, living with dementia, and the simple things you can do to support someone living with this disease. Pre-register by calling or emailing the library or by going to the library website and registering online. A light lunch is provided.
New Opportunities will be presenting a workshop on Thursday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. An overview of opioids and Naloxone distribution training will be the topic of this program. Issues addressed in the program will explain what opioids are and how they impact physical functioning, the consequences of opioid misuse, what Narcan is, what Narcan is used for, and how to obtain and administer NARCAN properly.
Participants will also be informed of common prescription and illegal opioids, strategies for preventing opioid misuse, overdose risk factors, and signs of an opioid overdose. Naloxone (NARCAN) will be onsite and available for distribution provided by New Opportunities.
If someone you know takes opioids or prescription opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone, be prepared for a possible life-threatening opioid overdose emergency. NARCAN is a potentially life-saving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.
Since most opioid overdoses occur in the home and are most often witnessed, having a NARCAN rescue kit nearby can make all the difference. If you have questions, call New Opportunities at (712) 792-9266.
The Guthrie County ISU Extension Office is planning after-school STEM workshops for Monday, April 15, and Monday, May 20 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The sessions will entail a book and then working through a STEM problem-solving activity. Students of all ages are welcome.
Thursday, April 18 from 9-11:00 a.m. Judi Zimmerline will lead the class. All materials are provided for a $5 fee.
Cookbook Club will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. This month’s recipes will come from “Taste of Home Make It! Take it! 2023.” Stop by the library to sign up for a recipe to bring to the meeting.
A speaker from Living History Farms was at the MJB Library on Tuesday, March 18 with a program entitled “The History of Iowa Farming.”