By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Despite last week’s crazy weather, spring is just around the corner. That means adjusting to Daylight Savings Time, tulips and spring cleaning. As you clean your closets, many people think of the library as a place to donate things. We appreciate donations, but we do have some limitations on what we can accept. Unfortunately, we do not have unlimited space, so we have to be judicious with the donations we accept.

We would be thrilled to have donations of Guthrie Center High School and ACGC High School Yearbooks. We are working on a grant to digitize our collection of yearbooks, so the more complete our collection, the better.

We do take books, but only books in good condition with a copyright less than five years old. If the book is one that we already have, we would be glad to add it to our Friends of the Library fundraising book sale.

We can use board games and puzzles in excellent condition with all the pieces. Recent DVDs and audio books that we do not have would also be appreciated.

If you have something that you think the library can use, please feel free to call or stop by to check with us.

Collection Displays

Do you have a collection you would like to show off? If so, please be in touch with the library. We would be happy to schedule your collection for a month in our locked display case.

Story Hour

Our preschool story hour is every Friday at 10 a.m. Preschoolers of all ages and their caretakers are welcome to join us for a fun time of stories and crafts. St. Patrick’s Day is the topic for March 14. On March 21, we will talk about the alphabet, and bugs will be the theme on March 28.

Book Club

Reads Well With Others Book Club will be reading “All the Colors of the Dark” for March book club. The meeting will be March 25 at 5 p.m. Stop by the library if you need a copy of the book.

Cookbook Club

Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” will be the topic of discussion for the March 20 cookbook club at 6:30 p.m. Stop by the library to choose a recipe to share with the group at the meeting.

Card Making Club

Led by Judi Zimmerline, the card making club meets on the third Thursday of each month to create some unique and beautiful greeting cards. This month’s meeting will be from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20. The cost of $5 covers all the supplies and equipment needed. All are welcome to join in and create.

Seed Library

Our seed library is still available for gardeners who would like to get some seedlings started. We have many varieties of herbs, flowers and vegetables. Stop in to see the free seeds we have for you to try out.

The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library is located at 400 Grand St. in Guthrie Center. Contact us at 641-747-8110 or mjblib@guthriecenter.lib.ia.us. Visit us online at www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

It’s been a busy week at MJB Library. Another preschooler has completed reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. The program is a national program that is free for families to participate.  Open to all preschool-age children, the program promotes youth literacy and is designed to promote the skills needed for reading readiness when a child starts kindergarten. If you have a preschool-age child or are a caregiver for a preschooler and would like to enroll your child, contact the library for information. 

Seed Library

With the warmer temperatures and bright sunshine, many people are thinking ahead to gardening season. If you are one of those, please consider stopping by the MJB Library to take a look at our seed library. We have a supply of seeds for many varieties of flowers, vegetables and herbs.  Now is a good time to start your plants, and we have seeds free for the taking. 

The Reads Well With Others book club met on Tuesday, Feb. 25 to discuss “Part of Your World.” The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Join us for a fun and interesting discussion.

Reads Well With Others

The Reads Well With Others evening book club met on Tuesday, Feb. 25 to discuss the February selection “Part of My World” by Abby Jimenez. Seventeen people gathered to share thoughts and insights about the book and how it resonated. Carla Wood and Roberta Gilson brought snacks for the group to enjoy. The March book will be a thriller entitled “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker. Copies are still available for check out for anyone who would like to join next month’s discussion. 

Card Clubs

If you are looking for a chance to play some cards and socialize with others, remember that the library has a group that meets every Monday from 9-11 a.m. to play cribbage. For those of you who want to play bridge, our bridge club meets weekly on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Whether you are an experienced player or you want to learn, players of all skill levels are welcome to come to these groups. 

Preschool Story Hour

Friday mornings at 10 a.m., the library is a magical place where preschoolers and their caretakers gather to read some books and make some craft projects. Preschool children of all ages are welcome to attend. Each week, Miss Cass has a special theme for the stories and crafts. March 7, green is the focus for the week. Saint Patrick’s Day is the topic for March 14, and the alphabet is the theme for March 21. On March 28, our little patrons will get to learn about bugs. If you have a preschooler, stop by the library on Friday morning for playtime, reading and fun with other little people and their caregivers.

Between the Covers

Between the Covers Book Club is reading “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henry. When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed. Come in and get a copy of this engrossing historical novel so you’re ready to join the book club on Tuesday, March 11, at 3 p.m.

Do you collect things?

The library is looking for collections to share in our display case each month. If you have a collection you’d like to share in our locked display case in the library for a month, please contact us, and we will schedule you for a month. 

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Library lovers, while many of you are lovers of fiction, it probably is also good to read up on current events and nonfiction occasionally. For example, you might want to take a few minutes and read a couple of the proposed bills that, if passed, will impact the way our public libraries operate in Iowa. 

These bills are presently at the subcommittee stage. HF284 and SF238 are companion bills in the House and the Senate that are focused on taking away Enrich Iowa funding for libraries that pay dues to organizations that engage in advocacy work — such as the Iowa Library Association. This legislation would impact the ability of libraries across the state to benefit from professional organizations such as the Iowa Library Association, the Association of Small and Rural Libraries, and the American Association of Law Libraries. These professional associations help bring millions of dollars in library aid to Iowa from the federal government. They also offer grant opportunities and professional development to libraries and library workers and improve services provided by libraries. Penalizing libraries or library employees from joining or participating in the activities of a professional organization goes against the values of free thought, inquiry and the collective improvement of our society.

Other proposed bills to pay attention to regarding our libraries are SF235 and HF 274 (which has been renumbered to HF 521). These bills are entitled “A bill for an act relating to obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions.” This bill restricts free speech and access to information and allows the state to ban books and other materials from libraries and schools that have educational and cultural value. This bill strips citizens of their right to a library free from censorship. 

Take the time to research these bills and understand their implications. Reaching out through email or phone calls to your state senators and representatives can significantly impact their decision-making if you feel strongly about these proposed bills; your voice matters. In Guthrie Center, your state representative is Carter Nordman for District 19, and Jesse Green serves as your state senator. We truly value your commitment to advocating for our library and making a difference in our community.

Upcoming events

Our preschool Story Hour meets every Friday morning at 10 a.m. Grandparents will be the theme for Feb. 28. March 10 story hour will explore “green.” Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is the focus of March 14. Preschoolers will learn about the alphabet on March 21 and bugs on March 28.

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, March 3 at 6:15 p.m. The group will be discussing future fundraisers and library grants. Come out and join us to support our library.

Stop by to pick up the March books for our book clubs. Reads Well With Others, (meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m.) the evening book club will be reading a thriller by Chris Whitaker entitled “All the Colors of the Dark.” 1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges — Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story and a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.

Between the Covers, (meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m.) the afternoon book club, will be reading “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henri. In 1939 during WWII, sisters Hazel and Flora are sent from London to the countryside to be safe from bombings, but then the unthinkable happens. Flora disappears. Years later, Hazel discovers a rare book that tells the story of an imaginary world that Hazel had created as a child to entertain her sister, Flora, the only person with whom she shared the stories. As Hazel embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening wounds from her past, her career and future hang in the balance. An astonishing twist ultimately reveals the truth in this transporting and refreshingly original novel about the bond between sisters, the complications of conflicted love and the enduring magic of storytelling.

Both books are available for checkout at the library. Stop in and pick one up.

Cookbook Club, which will be on Thursday, March 20, will be choosing recipes from Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.” If you would like to be at the meeting, be sure to stop in the library to choose a recipe to prepare and bring to the meeting to share with the group.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

February is National Library Lovers’ Month, and we at Mary J. Barnett Library are working hard to give you a reason to celebrate. A huge cause for celebration is that we have had another young patron who finished 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. Blair reached her goal of reading 1,000 books before starting school.

Another reason to love the library is the after-school programs available to our elementary-age patrons. The Guthrie County/ISU Extension office presented a STEM workshop on Feb. 13. The topic of the activities was color connections. 

Upcoming events

Cribbage Players meet weekly at the MJB Library. They play each Monday morning from 9-11 a.m. On Wednesday mornings, Bridge Club meets from 9-11 a.m. each week. New players are encouraged and welcome to join the fun. 

Card-making club meets monthly to work on hand-crafted greeting cards. Led by Judi Zimmerline, this creative group works on the third Thursday of each month. Feb. 20, from 9-11 a.m. will be the next class. All materials are provided for a $5 fee. 

Cookbook club will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. “Does This Taste Funny?” by Stephen Colbert and Evie McGee Colbert will be the source for February’s recipes. Anyone who would like to participate should stop by the library to select a recipe from the book to make for the meeting. 

MJB Library is excited to have two book clubs. Reads Well With Others evening book club will be meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. to discuss “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez. After a wild bet, a gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich and a cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously attractive carpenter who is 10 years younger than her and as casual as they come — the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And, yet, their chemistry is undeniable. This fast-paced romantic comedy will keep readers entertained. Copies are still available for checkout for anyone who would like to join.   

Between the Covers book club which meets at 3 p.m. will be reading “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henri. This historical fiction novel centers around Hazel and her sister, Flora. When Hazel stumbles across a mysterious children’s book, long-held secrets about her missing sister Flora and their childhood spent in the English countryside during WWII are revealed. 

Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join us for Story Hour at the MJB Library each Friday morning beginning at 10 a.m. Parents and caregivers of preschool-age children are also reminded to sign up for the free program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, intended to help children with reading readiness by reading 1,000 books before they start school. 

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

February is National Library Lovers’ Month, and MJB Library is giving you plenty of reasons to love our library. Last Saturday, Guthrie Center Friends of the Library hosted their annual Trivia Night competition. Team Buzz Kill edged out Team Rolling with Mahomies (clearly, it was a rough weekend for all associated with Mahomes).  

Youth Programming

The Guthrie County ISU Extension will be presenting an after school STEM program on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for elementary age youth. Preschool story hour continues each Friday, beginning at 10 a.m.  

Adult Activities

Card making club will meet from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. All supplies are provided for the $5 fee. Cookbook club will be sampling recipes from Stephen Colbert and Evie McGee Colbert’s cookbook “Does This Taste Funny?”Individuals who would like to attend are encouraged to stop by the library to choose a recipe to share at the meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. 

The Evening Book Club got off to a great start with 17 in attendance. The group has chosen the name Reads Well With Others for their book club moniker. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. Stop by the library to check out a copy of “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez, which is our book to discuss. 

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

February isn’t just about Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day; it’s also National Library Lovers’ Month. This month presents countless opportunities to celebrate the invaluable services and resources our library offers to the community.

Why not take time this February to read a book set in or about a library? During National Library Lovers’ Month, immerse yourself in one of our diverse programs designed for patrons of all ages. Set aside a day to explore the library — admire our curated displays, engage with our community jigsaw puzzles, cozy up by the fire with a newspaper, or lose yourself in our extensive book collection. Consider joining the Friends of the Library or find other meaningful ways to support this cherished institution. You might even want to create a bucket list of special libraries you’d love to visit in the future.

In this age of technology, many people mistakenly think the library is obsolete, but to the contrary. The local library is more relevant than ever. In this time of economic stress, the library provides so many free resources. We have families who saved between $5,000 and $6,000 in the last fiscal year by using library resources rather than purchasing everything. For myself, I saved $578 during that last fiscal year, and that does not count the 30-plus audiobooks I borrowed from Libby, which were also free with my library card.

The library has a vast selection of adult, children and young adult fiction and nonfiction. We also have read-along books and children and adult audiobooks. The collection of movies and series on DVD is extensive. If you need something new for a family night, we offer a huge selection of board games for children and families, as well as jigsaw puzzles that may be checked out. We have a telescope, cake pans, DVD projectors and screens available for checkout. iPads and the Nintendo Switch are popular things to check out for in-library use.

The library has a small meeting room if you need a quiet place to work, hold a small meeting or a Zoom call; the small meeting room is open during regular library hours and is free. There is also a large meeting room that can be reserved for events and meetings; the meeting rooms may be reserved online.

We have a lot of activities happening at the library. Preschool story hour, which takes place each Friday morning at 10 a.m., is open to all ages of preschoolers and their caregivers. Feb. 7, the topic will be love.

The Friends of the Library are sponsoring their annual Trivia Night at the Activity Center. Dinner, which begins at 6 p.m., will be catered by Cabbage Rose. The trivia competition will start at 7 p.m. Teams may be up to eight people, and the cost is $35 per person.

Between the Covers Book Club will meet on Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. to discuss “The Phoenix Ballroom” by Ruth Hogan. Copies are still available to check out for those who wish to attend.

After-school STEM activities presented by the Guthrie County ISU Extension will be Thursday, Feb. 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Color Creation will be the theme of the activities.

The first meeting of the evening book club was an exciting group of book lovers who seemed open to reading a lot of new things. The group chose the name Reads Well with Others for our group. The first book, “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez, is available for checkout at the library. If you missed the first meeting, feel free to jump in and join us on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.