By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

“The Wild Robot” movie is out and filling up theaters, but did you know that before it was a movie, it was a book? The Mary J. Barnett Library has a three-book series written by Peter Brown that follows Roz, a robot who finds herself on a remote island with no idea of how she got there. After surviving a storm and a bear attack, she realizes that she must adapt if she is to survive. Before long, the island begins to feel like home, until one day, she begins to recall her past. 

This No. 1 New York Times bestselling illustrated middle-grade novel from a Caldecott Honor winner tells an extraordinary story full of action and thought-provoking questions as a robot learns to survive — and live — in the wilderness. Not only do we have the series in print, but we also have it on Playaway audiobooks. Come in and check the books out because you know the book is always better than the movie.

We have other new books that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students including the 12th “Spy School” book and “The New Girl” graphic novel by Cassandra Calin. 

For young patrons who love non-fiction, we have a new book from National Geographic Kids entitled “Weird But True, World 2024.” Discover Earth’s strangest natural wonders, animals, festivals, ancient architecture, news and more in this annual compendium of everything “Weird But True!” fans love… and then some. Readers will journey across the seven continents, dive into the ocean, and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird. From volcano-surfing in Nicaragua to a beach in Japan where the “sand” is shaped like stars to extreme ironing competitions in the United Kingdom, “Weird But True! World” offers an unparalleled adventure-filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness.

And speaking of kids, we are working to update our children’s section of the library. Above is the before and after plan for the donor tree in the juvenile section of MJB Library. If you would like to support this project, you can pay for a square foot of the mural for $18. The old donor tree leaves will be repurposed to create the beautiful butterflies pictured in the new design. Please make checks payable to the Guthrie Center Friends of the Library to contribute. Donations of a foot or more are greatly appreciated. Checks or cash may be dropped off at the library during library hours.

Story Hour

Our preschool Story Hour is every Friday at 10 a.m.; the theme will be pumpkins on Friday, Oct. 9. On Oct. 18, story hour will feature spooky books and crafts. Halloween will be the focus of Oct. 25.

Programs

Donald Todd, Jr. will present his program entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. The encore performance of this program will chronicle the story of how his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff came to start a medical practice in Guthrie Center that thrived for decades.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, Michelle Cowan, an Iowa author, will present a book talk at 10 a.m. Cowan will discuss her book “Better, Not Bitter.” 

Cookbook Club

Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. will be the regular Cookbook Club meeting. This month’s featured cookbook is “Good Lookin’ Cookin’ ” by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. Stop by the library to choose a recipe

Boo Bash

The fifth annual Li-BOO-ary Bash, a not-so-scary Halloween celebration at the MJB Library, will be on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:15 p.m. Stop by our family-friendly event featuring games, a photo booth, a “spooky walk,” and a treat at the end.

Our toddler corner is becoming a popular place for little people and their caregivers.

In this fun Needle Felting class, participants got to craft their very own adorable pumpkin and acorn.

The 14 participants in the Needle Felting class proudly display their completed projects.

On Oct. 2, the MJB Library and Art on the Fly hosted an enjoyable Needle Felting class that everyone loved.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

So what can you buy for $20 these days? Let me make a suggestion. How about a square foot of the mural for which we are fundraising? The Friends of the Guthrie Center Public Library are spearheading a project to revamp the painting and design of the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library Donor Tree. We are seeking donations to cover the cost to turn this tree into a stunning focal point of our children’s area. While we plan to create a new mural, the original donor names will still be prominently featured.  

The price is $18 per square foot with a total area of 154 square feet. Donations of a foot or more are greatly appreciated. Cash or check donations made out to Friends of the GC Library are accepted at the library. Your generous support is crucial for the success of this project. For the cost of your monthly morning coffee expenditure, you could make a huge difference in our children’s area. Thank you for being so supportive. 

Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will have their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 7 at 6:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Story Hour

Our preschool Story Hour is every Friday at 10 a.m. The theme for Oct. 4 will be monsters; pumpkins will be the topic of Oct. 11. On Oct. 18, story hour will feature spooky books and crafts. Halloween will be the focus of Oct. 25.  

Book Club

Between the Covers book club will meet Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. to discuss Ana Reye’s novel “The House in the Pines.” Stop by the library to check out a copy. 

Programs

Donald Todd, Jr. will be presenting his program entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.  The encore performance of this program will chronicle the story of how his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff came to start a medical practice in Guthrie Center that thrived for decades.  

On Saturday, November 9, Michelle Cowan, an Iowa author, will present a book talk at 10 a.m. Cowan will discuss her book “Better, Not Bitter.” 

The scheduled after school programs by the Guthrie County ISU Extension office scheduled for Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 are going to be postponed to a later date. 

Boo Bash

Mark your calendar for a not so scary Halloween celebration at the MJB Library on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:15 p.m. Stop by our family-friendly event featuring  games, a photo booth, a “spooky walk,” and a treat at the end. 

Cookbook Club

Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. will be the regular Cookbook Club meeting. This month’s featured cookbook is “Good Lookin’ Cookin’ ” by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. Stop by the library to choose a recipe. 

Stephanie Hafner from Lake Lumber was the special guest reader for MJB Library StoryHour on Sept. 20.

Special to the Times Vedette

The MJB Library has preschool StoryHour each Friday at 10 a.m.  The audience on Friday, Sept. 20 was in for a treat because we had a special guest reader. Stephanie Hafner from Lake Lumber read “The House that She Built” to the young patrons and their caregivers. The book is based on a true story, inspired by a team of women who came together from around the country to build a one-of-a-kind home.

Hafner commented, “I am new to the building industry, but I was surprised to learn less than 3% of the onsite workforce in housing are women. I hope to bring awareness to all of the opportunities for females and males in the building industry. We will always need homes. It is important to educate our future generations on careers in the building industry, as they will continue to be in demand and not something that can be built by a computer or robot.”

Following the story, the participants completed activity sheets and building projects; Lake Lumber gave each child a measuring tape and a carpenter’s pencil to use for the activity sheets. House construction using the mag shapes was also an activity for the young readers. At the end of StoryHour, Hafner handed out special “House that She Built” cookies to everyone.

If you’re interested in being a guest reader for one of our Friday morning StoryHours, contact the MJB Library. Our next StoryHour will be at 10 a.m.  Friday, Sept. 27 and  will be about fall.

Library Card Sign Up Month

Just a reminder, September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Sign-up is quick and easy and requires only a form of identification to verify your address. Stop in and get your card during library hours.

Upcoming Adult Programs

Cribbage  meets each Monday from 9-11 a.m. On Wednesdays, from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Club will meet. Players of all abilities are invited to join.

On Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m., Art on the Fly will be presenting a class on how to do needle felting. Participants must pre-register for this class through the Facebook link; if you don’t have Facebook, stop in the library for help to register. For $25, each participant will create a pumpkin and an acorn.

Between the Covers book club will meet to discuss “The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8. Anyone interested in book club may stop in to check out a copy of this month’s selection.

Early Out Day Program for Kids

The library will be hosting an early out day program to be presented by the Guthrie County Extension Office on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 13. Both programs will begin at 2 p.m. since school is dismissed early on those days. The October program theme is agriculture. The November program topic will be announced later.

Do Todd, Jr.

Don Todd, Jr. will be sharing an encore performance of his presentation entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.  This talk will highlight the career of his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr. and his medical partner, Dr. Herbert Neff, and how these two World War II Soldiers found their way to set up a medical practice in Guthrie Center that treated Guthrie County families for decades.

Movie Night in The Park

As part of the Guthrie Center Fall Festival, Main Street will be hosting a movie in Mitchell Park at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. “Casper” will be shown. MJB Library is pleased to partner with Main Street to help secure the movie license for this fun event. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. There will be food trucks. MJB Library Director Jerri Hawkins will be reading a Halloween story before the movie begins. Don’t miss out on this fun night.

Card Making Club

Card Making Club will be meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9-11 a.m. to create unique greeting cards. Judi Zimmerline leads the group and provides all needed materials for a $5 fee to cover the cost of supplies.

Michelle Cowan

Iowa native author Michelle Cowan will be at the library Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. for an author talk and meet and greet. Cowan will speak about her book entitled “Better, Not Bitter, A Journey from Heartache to Healing.”

Displays

Stop in during September to enjoy the library displays. Felipe Castillo has loaned us his collection of vintage model cars. Karen Benton has loaned a lovely quilt created by her mother, Audrey Stetzel.

Holiday Fun

Mark your calendar to attend our annual Li-BOO-ary Bash on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:15 p.m. Trick or Treaters can stop in for a not so scary Halloween experience and leave with a treat from the MJB Library.

It’s time to think about a tree for the library’s annual Festival of Trees. The theme this year is Christmas Stories, so think how your favorite holiday story, Bible story or family story might provide the decorations for your tree. Please complete your registration by Nov. 20. Remember to bring your tree and decorations before Thanksgiving. Tree pick up should be done within the first week of January. Visit the library website to complete the registration process.

We are always getting new books at MJB Library. Stop in and check something out today.

Stephanie Hafner, our guest reader, shared special cookie treats with the StoryHour participants.

Lake Lumber’s Stephanie Hafner helps one of the preschoolers measure with the new tape measurer he was given by Lake Lumber.

This little patron peeks up from reading in the “reading tank” in the children’s area of the library.

StoryHour participants had a great time with the building activity sheets after hearing a story about building a house.

The newly renovated toddler’s corner is a popular gathering spot on Friday mornings.

Stephanie Hafner works with our young readers to help construct a house using the magnet tiles.

By Karen Kelly | Special to Guthrie Center Times

Chase Betts

We had an exciting week at the MJB Library. Chase Betts, pictured here proudly showing off the T-shirt he earned, reached his goal of reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. Chase and his parents have been reading for some time to achieve his goal of completing the challenge. Chase has discovered some great books and has enjoyed weekly trips to the library with his family. Another big moment for Chase was that he recently got his own library card.

The MJB Library is proud to partner with Partnerships 4 Families to promote this program, which encourages early childhood literacy. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free nationwide program that encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before he/she enters kindergarten.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “Reading is the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading.” Sharing books, conversation and songs with young children builds language skill, helps their brains develop and encourages social and emotional development. Reading to children also improves their vocabulary, listening skills and increases attention spans.

Reading together is a fun way to bond with your child and create lifelong memories as well as fostering a lifelong love of reading. Children who are read to at home during early childhood are more likely to succeed in school.

This program is open to infants through 5-year-olds. Sign-up is free and simple. Stop by the library desk to sign up your child; you will get a new book to start your child’s personal library and a log sheet to keep track of the first 100 books you read together. As you fill up the log sheet, return it to the library desk for a small prize and a new log sheet. When your child completes 1,000 books, he or she will get a very cool T-shirt so everyone knows the goal has been reached.

Library Card Sign Up Month

September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Do you have your own card to the MJB Library? If not, you can stop by the library or go online at the library website to sign up for a card today. Remember this is for all ages, not just adults. We have recently purchased some great books for children and young adults. Why spend money on new books when you can borrow ours?

“The Chicken Sisters”

Hallmark movie lovers, we have “The Chicken Sisters” by K.J. Dell’Antonia, which is the basis for the Hallmark + channel’s big movie launch. Set in a tiny Kansas town, three generations who own and run two chicken shacks have one big feud that culminates in a reality TV show food war. Read the book before you watch it on Hallmark.

StoryHour 

Remember that preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join us for story hour each Friday at 10 a.m. On Sept. 20, Stephanie Hafner from Lake Lumber will be our guest reader. She will be sharing books about building, craft and snack. Fall will be the theme for the Sept. 27 StoryHour.

Upcoming Adult Programs

Cribbage  meets each Monday from 9-11 a.m.  On Wednesdays, from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Club will meet. Players of all abilities are invited to join.

Card Making Club will be meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 9-11 a.m. to create unique greeting cards. Judi Zimmerline leads the group and provides all needed materials for a $5 fee to cover the cost of supplies.

On Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m., Art on the Fly will be presenting a class on how to do needle felting. Participants must pre-register for this class. For $25, each participant will create a pumpkin and an acorn.

Between the Covers book club will meet to discuss “The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8. Anyone interested in book club may stop in to check out a copy of this month’s selection.

Don Todd, Jr. will be sharing an encore performance of his presentation entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.  This talk will highlight the career of his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and his medical partner, Dr. Herbert Neff, and how these two World War II soldiers found their way to set up a medical practice in Guthrie Center that treated Guthrie County families for decades.

Holiday Fun

Mark your calendar to attend our annual Li-BOO-ary Bash on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:15 p.m. Trick or Treaters can stop in for a not so scary Halloween experience and leave with a treat from the MJB Library.

It’s time to think about a tree for the library’s annual Festival of Trees. The theme this year is Christmas Stories, so think how your favorite holiday story, Bible story or family story might provide the decorations for your tree. Please complete your registration by Nov. 20. Remember to bring your tree and decorations before Thanksgiving. Tree pick up should be done within the first week of January. Visit the library website to complete the registration process. 

Felipe Castillo poses next to the display of his model cars. The car display will be at the MJB Library during the month of September, so be sure to stop in and take a look.

During the September, this beautiful quilt is on display on loan from Karen Benton. Karen’s mother, Audrey Stetzel, created this lovely patchwork piece of art.

These photos are from the telescope viewing on Sept. 11. Patrons of all ages stopped by the library to try out the library’s new telescope. The atmospheric conditions made viewing a little challenging, but participants’ patience was rewarded with views of the moon’s craters and rings of Saturn. The telescope is available for patrons to check out and enjoy.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Former First Lady and librarian Laura Bush famously said, “I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” Nothing could be more accurate from my perspective. Visit your library, get your library card, and so many resources are available to you at no charge.

September is Library Card Month. During the month of September, the American Library Association urges everyone to get their own library card from their local library.

You may be wondering why bother to get a library card. First the library houses hundreds of books that are free for you to use. In addition to print books, we also have audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. The library has free wi-fi, tablets, computers and hot spots available to check out. We have DVDs, cake pans, and board games to borrow.

In addition to the materials in our library, your library card allows you to access the Adventure Pass to get free admission to the Blank Park Zoo, the Des Moines Children’s Museum, and the Science Center of Iowa. With your library card, you can use the Libby app, which allows you to check out electronic books and magazines as well as online audiobooks.

A library card not only allows you access to the materials at the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, but it also allows you to borrow materials from other libraries across the state.

How do you get a library card? Adults need to bring in their driver’s license or other proof of residence. Children need to bring in a parent or guardian with a driver’s license or proof of residence. It takes less than five minutes to fill out an application. After you finish, you have your own library card and all the benefits that go with it.

Celebrate Library Card Month by getting a card of your own. As Andrew Carnegie said, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.”

Telescope Viewing

In celebration of International Telescope Observing Week, the library will host a viewing with our new telescope from 7:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Weather permitting, we will be able to see the moon craters, the Galilean Moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and more. The telescope is also available for check out. In case of bad weather, the alternate date is Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Meet the Author

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. to listen to author Linda McCann. McCann has written a book entitled “Rosie the Riveters of Iowa” in which she shares stories of Iowa women who worked in factories during WWII.  Following the presentation, McCann will also sell signed copies of her book.

Needle Felting Workshop

MJB will be hosting a workshop presented by Art on the Fly. The workshop will be from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. The cost of the workshop will be $25, and attendees will make two projects. Call the library to register.

StoryHour

September StoryHour will take place each Friday morning at 10 a.m. On Sept. 13, the topic will be construction. Stephanie from Lake Lumber will be our guest reader on Sept. 20, and she will share books about building. The theme of Sept. 27 will be fall.

Regular Adult Programs

Cribbage will be each Monday morning from 9-11 a.m. On Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Club meets. Card making club meets on the third Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome to join these activities. Cribbage and Bridge are free. Card making cost $5 to cover the cost of materials used to make greeting cards.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

 Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September with Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library and the American Library Association. We’re inviting everyone to discover the incredible resources and opportunities available at your local library by signing up for a library card.

This year, we’re thrilled to have Optimus Prime from the TRANSFORMERS as our special ambassador, highlighting that there’s more than meets the eye at MJB Library. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, find valuable information or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities.

Today’s libraries are vibrant community centers offering much more than just books. At MJB Library, you’ll find diverse programs, job search assistance, homework help, book clubs, author talks, story times and more.

Curious about exploring a new hobby or learning a new skill? MJB Library has the resources you need. Interested in changing careers? We provide online interest inventories, job coaching and interview coaching through JobsNow.

Did you know that MJB Library offers a telescope for checkout? There’s truly something for everyone at MJB Library. Getting a library card is easy and is an essential step toward academic success and lifelong learning for students. Everyone should have one.

The library director and staff have a goal to have our number of active library cards equal to our town’s population. There are 1,574 residents in Guthrie Center. Our current number of patrons with active library cards is 1,453. We need 121 new patrons to sign up for a card to meet our goal.  

Don’t miss out. Go online or visit Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library this September to sign up for a library card and discover all that your library has to offer.

StoryHour

Our preschool StoryHour resumes on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. with the topic of school. Sept. 13, preschoolers will be reading and doing crafts related to construction. On Sept. 20, Lake Lumber will be sharing books and activities with a building theme. Fall is the motif for Sept. 27. 

Upcoming events

Book club will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett.  Stop by the library to check out a copy so you’re ready for the book club. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the library will be hosting a telescope observation for International Library Telescope Observing Week from 7:30-9 p.m. Craters of the moon, Galilean moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn and more will be visible. In case of bad weather, the alternate day will be Saturday, Sept. 14.  

Linda McCann, author of “Rosie the Riveters,” will be speaking at the MJB Library on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. McCann will share her research about the Iowa women who worked in factories during WWII. Following the presentations, autographed copies of her book will be available for purchase. MJB Library also has a copy available for checkout.