By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

After a couple of weeks disrupted by holiday breaks and winter weather, the library is back to normal hours and bringing some exciting programs to serve you in the new year. In the event that your New Year resolutions require some resources, the library is here to help you. We have books on topics related to better health, weight loss, time management, organization and hobbies. Did you get a new device for Christmas that you can’t figure out? We offer tech assistance by appointment. We have cribbage and bridge groups, a card-making club, and a cookbook club. Starting this month, we will offer both an afternoon and an evening book club. If your resolution is to spend time relaxing, the library offers a peaceful refuge to read new magazines, work on the community puzzle, or find some new authors.

The new year is a fun time to reflect, so here is some interesting library data. In 2024, the library checked out 12,619 materials, which included books, audiobooks, computers, a telescope, DVDs, CDs, hotspots, CD and DVD players and a portable screen. We had 1,495 patrons — 145 of those were new patrons and 138 were renewed patrons. In 2024, the library saved its patrons $580,495.

Our top five adult fiction books for the year were: 1. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah; 2. “The Teacher” by Frieda McFadden; 3. “Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score and “The Coworker” by Frieda McFadden; and 5. “Twisted Love” by Ana Huang.

The library’s top five non-fiction titles were 1. “Fast Like a Girl: A Woman’s  Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones” by Dr. Mindy Pelz; 2. “The Situation Room: the Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis” by George Stephanopoulos; 3. “Lillian’s Legacy – Marriage and Murder in Rural Iowa a true story” by Guthrie Center native Carroll McKibbin; 4. “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning” by Liz Cheney; and 5. “What Really Happens in Vegas: True Stories of the People Who Make Vegas, Vegas” by James Patterson.

The top five juvenile fiction books include the following titles: 1. “Love from Bluey”; 2. “On the Job, Rumble & Crew (Step into Reading)”; 3. “Pop-Up Peekaboo! Disney Princesses”; 4.  “The Smart Cookie”; and 5. “I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871.”

Favorite young adult titles included 1. “If Only I Had Told Her” by Laura Nolin; 2. “American Royals” by Katharine McGee; 3. “A Thousand Boy Kisses: a novel” by Tillie Cole; 4. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling; and 5. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas.

Our most checked-out DVDs are 1. “Yellowstone seasons 1-4”; 2. “Barbie; 3. Sound of Freedom”; 4. “Oppenheimer”; 5. “Yellowstone Season 5.” So if you find yourself wondering what to read or watch next, you might consider an option from these lists; 1,495 patrons can’t be wrong.

Trivia Night Details

Save the date and round up your teams. Friends of the MJB Library are sponsoring their annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Guthrie Center Activity Center. The cost will be $35 per person. Teams may be up to eight persons. Dinner, which is catered by The Cabbage Rose, will begin at 6 p.m. with a trivia competition commencing at 7 p.m. Adult beverages will be available at a free will donation price. Teams can sign up and pay at the MJB Library.

Friends of the Library

January is the perfect time to join Friends of the Library. This group’s purpose is to support the library. Throughout the year, they run some fundraisers including the trivia night and the golf tournament to be able to financially support projects that the library is doing. Currently, Friends is helping to sponsor the Donor Tree Mural in the children’s area that Kelly Nielsen is painting. The cost of membership is $25 per year. The group meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:15 p.m. Call the library to join or come to the next Friends meeting on Monday, Feb. 3.

After School Programs

The Guthrie County/ ISU Extension will be presenting a STEM after-school workshop on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 3:30-4 p.m. in the library’s Taylor Meeting Room. The topic will be Code Across Iowa. The February STEM workshop will be on Feb. 13, and the theme will be Color Creation.

Cookbook Club

Cookbook Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 to share food from “Half Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy” by Teighan Gerard. If you want to participate in the Cookbook Club, stop by the library to select a recipe from this month’s cookbook. Prepare it and bring it to share with the group.

Book Clubs

The afternoon book club, Between the Covers, will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 14,  at 3 p.m. They will be discussing Katharine McGee’s “American Royals.” Copies are available to check out if you want to participate.

By popular demand, we are adding an evening book club in 2025. This group will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Our inaugural meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. at the library. This meeting will be a planning meeting to determine organizational details such as a name for the group, the meeting format, and books to be read. We will also check out copies of the February book which will be “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez. If you would like to join us, please contact the library to sign up so we are sure to have enough copies of the book for everyone.

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. 

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

If you are a Facebook user, chances are you have seen the meme that goes around each year at Christmas time regarding the tradition of Jolabokaflod among the people of Finland.  Jolabokaflod, which translates to “the Christmas book flood,” is the tradition of the people of Finland gifting each other books on Christmas Eve. According to Facebook, they then put on pajamas and crawl into bed to spend the evening reading their new books and drinking hot cocoa. This sounds like the most glorious Christmas Eve tradition of all time. So I began to explore this idea.

In researching, I discovered an online forum in which several people from Finland said that first, some people might do this, but it isn’t as if every citizen of Finland grabs their books and cocoa and jumps into bed on Christmas Eve. In fact, Dec. 24 is the day Fins celebrate Christmas, so it isn’t even Christmas Eve. Furthermore, according to Finnish people who responded to the online discussion, people give books because it’s a safe gift, especially if one isn’t well-acquainted with the recipient. Additionally, book publishing houses in Finland release most new books between September and December, another reason books are popular gifts. Allegedly, according to Martha Stewart, the tradition of giving books for Christmas became common during World War II since paper was one of the few commodities that was readily available during the war. 

Here’s what I have decided. I don’t care if this is truly the way all the people of Finland spend Christmas Eve; I think it’s brilliant. I very likely will start this tradition in my home, but I might do it the night after Christmas when nothing pressing is left to do.  

So, if you care to join me in adopting this idea, I suggest you stop by the library to gather up a pile of new releases to check out. Save your Christmas money. 

Holiday Hours 

The MJB Library will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas. We will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, and will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. 

Children’s Activities During Winter Break

On Monday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 30, the library will provide a craft for children to do. Thursday, Dec. 26, will be movie day. These activities will be on a come-and-go basis, so these will be available during regular library hours of noon to 6 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 27, the preschool story hour will feature the theme of snowmen. Storyhour is at 10 a.m. for preschoolers and their caregivers. 

Adventure Pass on Pause

Due to issues with the ticket software company used to make reservations, the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass will be put on pause starting Dec. 31. The calendar is still open for new reservations through Dec. 31. Reservations that were previously made for dates past Dec. 31 will still be honored. However, new reservations are not being taken for dates after Dec. 31. (Please print or save your email for any reservations that are made after Dec. 31.) We know you all love the Adventure Pass, and we are working on finding a new reservation software to get it back up and running as soon as we can.   

This will affect all libraries that participate in the Adventure Pass program. If you have reserved an Adventure Pass, remember to print out all the materials you will need to use the Adventure Pass prior to Dec. 31. 

Festival of Trees

Be sure to stop in the Library before Dec. 31 to see the creative trees that have been shared with us this season. Take time to look at the intricate quilt on loan from Cindy Steensen and the collection of Hallmark village pieces that are on loan from Judy Hilgenberg as well.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Adventure Pass

Due to issues with the software used to make reservations, the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass will be put on pause starting Dec. 31. The calendar is still open for the new reservations through Dec. 31.  Reservations that were previously made for dates past Dec. 31 will still be honored. However, new reservations are not being taken for dates after Dec. 31. 

We know you all love the Adventure Pass, and we are working on finding a new reservation software to get it back up and running as soon as we can. 

This will affect all libraries that participate in the Adventure Pass program. If you have reserved an adventure pass, please be sure to print out all necessary materials that are required for admission prior to Dec. 31.

After School STEM Events

The Guthrie County ISU Extension will be presenting a series of after school STEM events at the Taylor Meeting Room of the MJB Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Thursday, Feb. 13. These fun and educational events are geared toward students of all ages. 

December Storyhours

Preschool children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to our weekly storyhour at 10 a.m. each Friday. This Friday’s theme is Christmas while Dec. 27 will center around snowmen. 

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library will meet at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6. Discussion will center around the upcoming fundraising events. All are welcome to join. 

So much to see at the Library

The Festival of Trees will be displayed throughout the holiday season, so stop in and look at the Christmas stories these trees are telling. As you’re strolling through the library, stop at the display case and look at the Hallmark village on loan from Judy Hilgenberg and don’t miss the intricate quilt created by Cindy Steensen.  

Holiday Hours

Because of the holidays, the library hours will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.  The library will close at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 and will be closed on New Year’s Day on Jan. 1. 

Winter Break Activities

During winter break, MJB Library will be providing come and go activities. On Monday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 30, a come-and-go craft will be available for kids to create. Thursday, Dec. 26, there will be a movie playing throughout the day.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Children’s Events

• Preschool Storyhour is scheduled each Friday at 10 a.m. for preschool children of all ages and their caregivers. Each session includes listening to stories and making an age-appropriate craft. It’s a great chance for littles to learn to love books and mingle with other littles. It’s also a great opportunity for caregivers to interact with other caregivers. Dec. 13 will be a lucky day for our storyhour attendees because they will be focusing on trees. The theme for Dec. 20 will be Christmas. Dec. 27’s topic will be snowmen.
• After school STEM activities for elementary aged children are scheduled for 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12; Thursday, Jan. 9; and Thursday, Feb. 13. These events will be presented by the Guthrie County ISU Extension Service in the library’s Taylor Meeting Room.
• During winter break, MJB Library will be having Winter Break Afternoons at the MJB Library. These will be come-and-go events during regular library hours for school-aged children. On Monday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 30, the library will have an exciting craft project available. Thursday, Dec. 26 will be movie afternoon.

Adult Events

• Card Making Class will meet from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. The cost of $5 covers all the needed materials to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind greeting cards.
• Cookbook Club will meet for their annual cookie exchange on Thursday, Dec. 19. The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. To participate, bring a dozen cookies along with the recipe to share with the group.
• Cribbage players meet each Monday from 9-11 a.m. and welcome all who would like to play. Each Wednesday, from 9-11 a.m., the Bridge Club meets and would love to have new faces at their card tables.

Computers for Sale

The library has two Dell all-in-one computers available for sale for $50 each or a free will offering. Contact the library with questions or to purchase.

Festival of Trees

Be sure to stop in the library during December to look at the gorgeous trees decorated by various businesses and  groups from around the county. The trees will be on display through the holidays during regular library hours.

Holiday Hours

The MJB Library will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas. The library will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 and will be closed all day on Wednesday, Jan. 1 to celebrate the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Thanks to the annual Festival of Trees, the library is looking quite merry. Stop in during December to enjoy the beautiful decorations, check out some of our new Christmas books, or spend some time just hanging out here to enjoy the creative trees. This year’s theme is “Christmas Stories,” and these trees will not disappoint.

Upcoming events

Cribbage players, be sure to join the group at the library on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. All players, regardless of skill level, are welcome to participate.  Bridge Class/Club meets every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. 

December Story Hours 

Preschool Story Hour is each Friday at 10 a.m.  Children from birth to first grade and their caregivers are welcome to attend. Friday, Dec. 6 will focus on winter. On Dec. 13, the topic will be trees. Christmas is the theme of the Dec. 20 story hour while Dec. 27 will feature snowmen. 

Iowa Author Presentation

Iowa author Michelle Cowan will be doing an author talk followed by a meet and greet on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Cowan’s book “Better, not Bitter,” chronicles her story following the sudden death of her husband in a car accident. Her powerful message is sure to leave a lasting impression on audience members and will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief. 

Between the Covers

Between the Covers Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. The group will share their favorite books of 2024. All are welcome to attend. 

Afterschool STEM Program

The Guthrie County Extension will be presenting after-school youth programs from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13 for elementary-age children. 

Adventure Passes

Due to issues with the company used to make reservations, the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass will be put on pause starting Dec. 31. The calendar is still open for new reservations through Dec. 31. Reservations that were previously made for dates past Dec. 31 will still be honored. However, new reservations are not being taken for dates after Dec. 31. 

We know that you all love the Adventure Pass, and we are working on finding a new reservation software to get it back up and running as soon as we can. If you have reservations for an adventure pass, be sure to print them out prior to Dec. 31.