By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Occasionally, I hear people complaining of the inconvenience of small-town life, but I love living and working in a small town. In case I needed a reason, this week someone drew my attention to a Facebook Post that reminded me of the best part of being in a little town.

Grant Sheeder and Brett Rowley, owners of Guthrie County Quality Meats, saw a need and brainstormed a way to help. In discussing the value of our public libraries and the needs that they have, the pair decided 15% of bratwurst sales sold in store or online will be donated equally to the seven Guthrie County libraries, launching “Bratwursts for Books.” The pair even has an option for people to make a Venmo donation if they don’t like bratwurst.

When Gary Fox, owner of Fox Countertops, saw this, he generously agreed to match the Guthrie County Quality Meat’s donation. Apparently, kindness and generosity are contagious because, according to the Guthrie County Quality Facebook page, they are seeing lots of positive comments on Facebook and receiving a lot of donations via Venmo.

When the folks at Local Liquor in Panora saw this on Facebook, this was their response, “Love what you guys are doing at Guthrie County Quality Meats for the libraries!! We want in on this too and will donate $4 for every case of Busch Light we sell in the month of May!  Cheers to the Guthrie County Libraries.” Wow! Kindness really does create a snowball effect!

On behalf of Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, I would just like to say thank you. What an amazingly helpful and generous fundraiser by these businesses. A shout out to all of you who are enjoying brats, brews or new countertops to support the libraries in the area.

We are so blessed to have such excellent community support. The MJB Library recognizes how fortunate we are to be in a community that values the library enough to make sure we are well-funded and well-utilized. Our Friends of the Library and Library Board are so generous with their time and resources. We appreciate the supervisors and city council who look out for our financial needs, as well as the many civic organizations who have donated grant money. Truly, without all this support, our library wouldn’t be able to offer nearly as many programs and services.

Please know that when the library director and board are making decisions about how to best allocate the money and resources given to us, they are deliberate and thoughtful about what they are doing. Librarians, it seems, know how to pinch a penny so hard that Mr. Lincoln screams, but in doing so, they are using the money and resources they have to provide the most services to the greatest number of patrons.

We have a summer of great events and programs for patrons of all ages in the works. Watch our Facebook page and this column for details.

As we work on programs for our youth, we are in need of more LEGOs, Hot Wheel cars, and Hot Wheel tracks. As you are spring cleaning, the library would happily accept gently used Hot Wheels or LEGOs.

On Wednesday, May 7, the library is hosting a program by author Ann Hanigan Kotz, author of “Moonshine by Moonlight.” Kotz will  be speaking about her research on Iowa’s history of prohibition and bootlegging. Be sure to join us at 4 p.m. for this interesting glimpse into Iowa History that wasn’t really taught in school.

Between the Covers, the afternoon book club will meet on Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. to discuss “Frozen River.” This gripping historical mystery inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system, will have readers on the edge of their seats as this murder mystery unravels.  Be sure to stop by the library to pick up a copy if you haven’t read it yet.

Judi Zimmerline will be facilitating a card making class from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15. The $5 fee covers all supplies and materials required to create unique greeting cards.

Also on Thursday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m., Cookbook Club will meet sample recipes and discuss the cookbook “Super Italian” by Giada DeLaurentiis. Members are encouraged to stop by the library to select a recipe which they will prepare and bring to share with the group.

Pulitzer Prize nominated author Enfys McMurry will be speaking at the library on Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. Join us as McMurry chronicles the plane crash and its aftermath detailed in her book entitled “Disaster at 39,000 Feet: How Small Town America Came Together at a Time of Crisis.”

Members  of Reads Well With Others evening book club are encouraged to stop by the library to check out a copy of this month’s selection, “My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy” by Clint Hill, who was the Secret Service agent who guarded Jackie Kennedy Onassis during her time in the White House and many years following. Hill describes memories of being Kennedy Onassis’s security detail who traveled extensively with the former first lady. The book club will discuss this book on Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m.

Golfers are reminded to sign up for the Friends of the Library annual golf tournament, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at the Guthrie Center Golf Course. Online registration is open at the library’s web page.

The library has several STEM/STEAM activities on the calendar for May starting with LEGO Mania Day at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Guthrie STEM Lab takes place on Wednesday, May 14 at 2 p.m., while Creation Corner will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. Pre-registration is preferred to ensure adequate supplies for activities.

Story Hour is scheduled every Friday morning at 10 a.m. for preschoolers or all ages and their caretakers. This month, youngsters will learn about a variety of topics including Moms on May 10, cars on May 16, princesses on May 23, and dinosaurs on May 30.

Check the MJB Library website to see our calendar of events for our Summer Reading Program, scheduled throughout the month of June. Registration is open to sign up children of all ages who want to participate.  Level Up at Your Library is the theme for this year’s events. We offer diverse activities for all ages to participate. Sign up today.

Barrett loves to build with LEGOs on the library’s big LEGO table.

On April 30, our after school program, Creation Corner, was led by Judi Zimmerline. The youth in attendance made May baskets to take home and share with others.

Creation Corner participants were able to fill completed May baskets with candy and treats.

Following story hour, the STEM table is a popular place for the preschool crowd to hang out and play.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

 Why did the book join the gym? Because it wanted to work on its spine before all the new spring events! 

Youth Programs

LEGO Mania Day is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The next Guthrie STEM Lab will occur at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14.  Participants interested in these events should pre-register by visiting the library’s website, calling, or emailing the library.

Preschool Story Hour is every Friday at 10 a.m. and is open to all preschoolers and their caregivers. Next Friday’s theme is construction.

Parents and caregivers of preschool-age children are encouraged to sign up for our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. This free program is designed to help caregivers and parents prepare their preschoolers for school through reading. Inquire at the MJB Library to sign children up for this fun and valuable program. 

Summer Reading Program: “Level Up at Your Library”

 Join us for our Summer Reading Program! We have an exciting lineup of events planned. 

• June 3 at noon:  Summer Reading Kick-Off Event is a Magic Class
• June 4-7 during Open Hours: IOWA PBS STEAM Trailer
• The trailer is here and Full of STEAM/STEM activities. We will have tables in the library with different activities each day while the trailer is parked here.
• June 5 at 4 p.m.:  LEGO Mania – Library STEM Summer
• June 9 at 4 p.m.:   Guthrie STEM Lab – Library STEM Summer
• June 11 at 2 p.m.:  Game of Best
• Guthrie County ISU Extension Outreach Program will host “Game of Best.” 
• June 13 at 1 p.m.: Prehistoric Pep Rally
• Dino Anthony will present a fascinating program on a prehistoric pep rally about Prehistoric Antarctica.
• June 17 at 1 p.m.:  Absolute Science is BACK this time with a Trick Bubble Show.  
• June 19 at 2 p.m.:  Ann Riordan – Springbrook State Park – SRP Program
• June 23 at 4 p.m.: :  Creation Corner- SRP Creation Stations
• June 25 at 2 p.m.: :  Tricky Towers
• Guthrie County ISU Extension Outreach Program will host “Tricky Towers.” Participants will explore teamwork and individual skills, then work in teams to build a 2-foot (or taller) tower modeled after ISU’s Campanile using spaghetti and marshmallows.
• June 27 at noon: Incentive/Prize PARTY End of Summer Reading Event

 Stay tuned for updates here and on our library website about the summer reading program, which will run throughout June. This year’s theme is “Level Up at the Library.” Registration is now open, and you can find the online registration form on our website.

Adult Programs

Card sharks, please consider joining our Cribbage Group, which meets on Monday mornings from 9-11 a.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. If bridge is more your style, join the Bridge Club, which meets weekly on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels are invited and encouraged to participate. 

Friends of the Guthrie Center Public Library

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. to plan their Golf Tournament Fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, June 14, at the Guthrie Center Golf Course. All interested people are invited to join the Friends of the Library. Registration for the golf tournament is open on the library website. Businesses interested in sponsoring a hole at this event may contact the library. 

Attention Book Club Participants!

Make sure you stop by the library to check out next month’s book selection. The Between the Covers afternoon book club will be diving into the gripping historical novel “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon, meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m.

The Reads Well with Others evening book club will read “My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy,” a compelling nonfiction account by Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who protected Jackie Kennedy Onassis. This book offers valuable insights into his experiences with Mrs. Kennedy after her time in the White House. Don’t miss the chance to join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.

We expect to see all of you there!

Author Talks/Programs

The library is hosting two programs with Iowa authors in May.  

On Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m., “Iowa Prohibition and Bootlegging,” presented by author Ann Hanigan Kotz, will feature the history of bootlegging in Iowa during prohibition. Kotz will also discuss her book entitled “Moonshine by Moonlight.” You won’t want to miss this fascinating look at a part of history you didn’t learn in school.

On Saturday, May 17, Enfys McMurry will be speaking about her book entitled “Disaster at 39,000 Feet: How Small-Town America Came Together at a Time of Crisis.” McMurry spent countless hours researching this accident, which disrupted the peaceful towns of Centerville, Iowa, and Unionville, Missouri, in May of 1961. McMurry’s book has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. 

Alice and library aide Lynda Menefee work on preparing dowels for the sail car Alice is building.

Calvin carefully measures parts for his sail car during the library STEM Fest.

The fort was so big, they could go inside.

Using the Build a Fort STEM kit loaned from the State of Iowa Library, these young people are constructing a giant fort.

Hadley screws together the plates that will make the body of her sail car.

Della prepares to launch her sail car to see how far it will go.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Spring is on the horizon, and the MJB Library is bursting with events for patrons of all ages. We have some exciting programs and events scheduled.

Youth Programs

On Wednesday, April 30, the MJB Library will host a Creation Corner activity for youth of all ages. Facilitated by Judi Zimmerline, participants will have the opportunity to construct and decorate May baskets. In addition, another LEGO Mania Day is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The next Guthrie STEM Lab will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14. Participants interested in these events should pre-register by visiting the library’s website, calling, or emailing the library.

Preschool Story Hour is every Friday at 10 a.m. and is open to all preschoolers and their caregivers. Next Friday will feature the theme of rainbows. 

Parents and caregivers of preschool-age children are encouraged to sign up for our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. This free program is designed to help caregivers and parents prepare their preschoolers for school through reading. Inquire at the MJB Library to sign children up for this fun and valuable program. 

Stay tuned here and on our library website for updates about our summer reading program, which will take place throughout June. We have exciting programs and activities planned. This year’s theme is “Level Up at the Library.” Registration is now open, and you can find the online form on our website.

Adult Programs

Card sharks, please consider joining our Cribbage Group, which meets on Monday mornings from 9-11 a.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. If bridge is more your style, join the Bridge Club, which meets weekly on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels are invited and encouraged to participate. 

Sign up for the floral window box planter workshop on Tuesday, April 29 in the Taylor Meeting Room. Presented by the Guthrie County ISU Extension Office, the workshop will require pre-registration and a $15 fee to cover materials. Each participant will leave with a finished window box.

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. to plan their Golf Tournament Fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, June 14 at the Guthrie Center Golf Course. All interested people are invited to join the Friends of the Library. Registration for the golf tournament is open on the library website. Businesses interested in sponsoring a hole at this event may contact the library. 

Author Programs

The library is hosting two programs with Iowa authors in May. On Wednesday, May 7, at 4 p.m., “Iowa Prohibition and Bootlegging,” presented by author Ann Hanigan Kotz, will feature the history of bootlegging in Iowa during prohibition. Kotz will also discuss her book entitled “Moonshine by Moonlight.” You won’t want to miss this fascinating look at a part of history you didn’t learn in school. 

On Saturday, May 17, Enfys McMurry will be speaking about her book entitled “Disaster at 39,000 Feet: How Small-Town America Came Together at a Time of Crisis.” McMurry spent countless hours researching this accident, which disrupted the peaceful towns of Centerville, Iowa, and Unionville, Missouri, in May of 1961. McMurry’s book has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. 

Craft time! Our preschool story hour attendees always look forward to craft time that follows the stories.

Caden can’t wait to see what treats are waiting inside the bunny gift bag he got after Preschool Story Hour.

Preschool Story Hour participants each got an Easter treat bag to take home after the program last Friday.

Tayen takes a break from building on the STEM table to check out her treat bag.

Keeping with the theme of Easter, story hour participants decorated eggs with puffy paint.

Our new furniture in the youth section provides a cozy and comfortable spot for Barrett and his grandma to enjoy a story together.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

MJB Library kicked off new youth programs during National Library Week. LEGO Mania Day, attended by 15 people, was the first of several new STEAM activities that the library staff is planning to have each month.

On Monday, May 21, the library will be hosting a youth movie day; we will be showing “Moana 2” beginning at 12:30 p.m. Following the movie, there will be activities for kids to do. At 3:30 p.m., the Guthrie STEM Lab will be designing and constructing sail cars. During STEM Lab, youth will be harnessing the power of the wind — on land — and there’ll be smooth sailing ahead for this incredible STEM | STEAM activity. Kids are empowered to quickly experiment as they build a sail car by testing and re-adjusting their sail’s shape, angle and pitch. Participants will work through the engineering and design process, designing their sail cars for speed, distance or even to ferry school supplies across the room. Change wind conditions to increase the challenge.

On Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m., youth are invited to sign up for a Creation Corner activity. Participants will be creating and decorating May baskets.

Youth of all ages are encouraged to sign up for these activities; these are not just for elementary ages. Middle school and high school students are invited as well. These STEAM activities can be expanded to challenge older youth. Additionally, it’s a great chance for different ages to work together and mentor each other.

Youth wishing to participate in these activities should sign up either on the library website or by calling or emailing the library to ensure that we have adequate supplies for all participants.

Preschool Story Hour

Preschool Story Hour is open to all children who are not yet in kindergarten and their caregivers each Friday at 10 a.m. Easter will be the theme on Friday, April 18, while children will learn about rainbows on Friday, April 25.

Adult Activities

Card Making Class will be held on Thursday, April 17.  Led by Judi Zimmerline, participants will leave with unique, one-of-a-kind greeting cards. Each class costs $5 to cover the cost of materials and supplies, which are all supplied.  The class is from 9-11 a.m.

Cookbook Club will also meet on Thursday, April 17. Anyone wishing to participate should stop by the library to choose a recipe from this month’s book, “Taste of Home Copycat Recipes.” When the club meets at 6:30 p.m. on April 17, bring your prepared recipe to share with the group while you discuss the recipes in the book.

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. The primary focus of the meeting will be to plan the Friends’ fundraising golf tournament, which will take place on Saturday, June 14, at the Guthrie Center Golf Course. Anyone who wishes to become a Friends of the Library member is invited to join the meeting. Registration is open for golfers who wish to sign up their team; go to the MJB Library website to register.

The Guthrie County ISU Extension Office will present a workshop at the MJB Library on Tuesday, April 29, about planting floral window boxes. Pre-registration is required; there is a $15 fee for this event to cover materials. Each participant will take home a window box that they have planted.

Half of the battle of constructing is choosing the right materials.

Merrick drops the marble to test his LEGO marble maze.

It’s time for the moment of truth to see if the construction will work.

The young engineers at the LEGO Mania Day were all creative and took unique approaches to their builds.

This group of budding engineers are all taking a unique approach to the task of building a marble maze with LEGOs.

This LEGO engineer is ready to try out his LEGO marble maze.

Several LEGO artists collaborated on their projects. Fifteen people attended the first LEGO Mania Day at the MJB Library.

On Wednesday, April 16, the MJB Library hosted its first LEGO Mania Day. Fifteen people attended this exciting event.

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

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Happy National Library Week, everyone. If you don’t have a library card yet, now is the perfect time to get one. If you already have a card, come on in and see all the fantastic things we have going on. We have just refreshed our children’s area with new, neurodivergent-friendly furnishings that provide comfort for everyone.

We have loads of fun programs for both adults and kids, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming place to hang out, the library is ready to welcome you. You can check out computers, browse through our selection of magazines, or join a community jigsaw puzzle while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

Need a quiet spot to focus? Our small meeting room is available for you to reserve, whether you are studying, working or having a Zoom meeting. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful quilts and intriguing collections that our wonderful patrons share for display each month. We can’t wait to see you at the library. 

The library has so many resources for you besides the vast selection of children’s books, adult books, audiobooks and DVDs to check out. Laptops, tablets and hotspots are also available to check out. We have cake pans and candy molds to borrow. Homeschool families are welcome to participate in our sharing library of homeschool books and materials. Patrons who have an interest in astronomy can check out our telescope.

For fans of ebooks, digital magazines and audiobooks, use your library card to access the app called Libby; this app will give you access to thousands of resources.  

These are just a few of the many reasons that you might be drawn to the Mary J. Barnett Library. Stop by this week to celebrate the library and the many people who support it including our Friends of the Guthrie Center Library, the Library Board, and our many volunteers who make the library so special. 

Youth Programs

MJB Library will be hosting several new STEM activities for youth of all ages. Be sure to register online or by calling or emailing the library. All ages are welcome for these events. Some of the activities have advanced options; teens can also mentor younger participants.

Wednesday, April 9 is LEGO Mania Day at the MJB Library. Participants will be constructing a marble run with LEGOs. The activity begins at 2 p.m.

On Monday, April 21, the youth movie “Moana 2” will be playing at 12:30 p.m. Following the movie, there will be some activities and coloring activities. At 3:30 p.m., the Guthrie Center STEM lab will be making sail cars.      

Creation Corner will be happening on Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m. Youth will be engaging in an art activity. 

Fridays at 10 a.m., MJB Library holds a Preschool Story Hour. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to attend to enjoy stories and crafts centering around a particular theme. Flowers will be the topic of April 11’s story hour, while Easter is the subject of April 18. April 25 will focus on rainbows. 

Adult Programs

Cribbage meets each Monday morning and the Bridge Class/Club each Wednesday; both groups meet from 9-11 a.m. and welcome newcomers. 

 Card-Making club, led by Judi Zimmerline, will meet on the third Thursday of the month from 9-11 a.m. All supplies and materials required to make lovely, one-of-a-kind greeting cards will be provided for the $5 cost for each class. 

At 6:30 on Thursday, April 17, Cookbook Club will be meeting to discuss the Taste of Home Copycat cookbook. Stop by the library to pick out a recipe to make and share with the group on April 17. 

Reads Well With Others evening book club will meet at 5 p.m. to discuss “The Briar Club,” a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C., boardinghouse set during the McCarthy era. Everyone in this all-woman boardinghouse keeps to themselves until the lovely widow Grace March moves into the attic room and draws her odd collection of neighbors into unlikely friendships. 

Be sure to sign up for the Guthrie County ISU Extension program, Window Floral Box Planter, in the Taylor Meeting room on Tuesday, April 29, at 5:15 p.m.  Participants will be planting a floral window box to take home. Sign up soon to secure your spot. A $15 registration fee is required. 

Friends of the Library will have their regular meeting at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, May 5. The meeting topic will focus on the June 14 golf tournament. Registration for the tournament is open at the library website. 

Be sure to explore the seed library at MJB Library. We encourage people to take some seeds for their gardens. We have herbs, vegetables and flowers. Patrons are welcome to donate any leftover seeds to the library. After harvest, seeds that have been saved and dried are welcomed.

As people are spring cleaning, the library would welcome donations of Guthrie Center High School Yearbooks, LEGOs and Hot Wheel cars and tracks.  

The new furniture in the children’s section of the library is being enjoyed by patrons of all ages. New seating purchased with the donation from the Friends of the Library, using funds from 10 Squared Women, provides a cozy spot for caregivers to enjoy reading with their youngsters.

Cindy Steensen’s intricate quilt is on loan to the library through the month of April. The pattern is Celestial Garden. Cindy created this quilt using strip pricing and paper piecing; it was quilted by Laura Brenner.

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

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books to digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

National Library Week, April 6-12, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination and support lifelong learning.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer.

After School Programs

The library is planning a number of after-school programs for the next month. Because we only have room for 25 participants, pre-registration is required. Register by following the link on the library website or emailing or calling the library.

Wednesday, April 9, at 2 p.m. is LEGO Mania Day.  Sign up for an exciting LEGO activity. Youth Movie Day is Monday, April 21, at 12:30 p.m. We will be showing “Moana 2.” Following the movie, there will be some activity sheets and coloring sheets. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. that day, the Guthrie STEM lab will feature a STEM activity. On Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m., the library will host a creation corner, which will have arts/crafts activities.

Preschool Story Hour

Friday mornings at 10 a.m. are an exciting time at the MJB Library. This is the time that the library fills up with little people and their caregivers who are excited to see friends, play with the library toys, read some books, and do some craft and art projects. Bunnies will be the theme of story hour on April 4. The kids will learn about flowers on April 11 while focusing on Easter on April 18. On April 25, the children will study rainbows.

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. at the library to plan their golf fundraiser and support the library. The annual Golf Tournament will be on Saturday, June 14. The sign-up on the library website is now open.

Book Clubs

Between the Covers Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. to discuss the critically acclaimed book “James.” Copies are still available for check out. Reads Well With Others Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. to discuss Kate Quinn’s historical fiction novel entitled “The Briar Club.” Anyone who would like to join may stop by the library to borrow a copy.

Adult Groups

Cribbage players are invited to join the Cribbage Club every Monday from 9-11 a.m. Bridge Club meets each Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome. The card-making class meets on Thursday, April 17 from 9-11 a.m. to create handmade greeting cards. The $5 covers all the needed supplies and equipment required to make the cards. Cookbook Club will be cooking recipes from Taste of Home’s Copycat Cookbook at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Anyone wishing to participate can stop at the library to choose a recipe to share with the group. All of these classes will meet in the Taylor Meeting Room.

Donations for STEM activities

The library is working to develop STEM activities for our young patrons. We are looking for LEGOs and Hot Wheels brand cars and tracks donations for these activities.

Seed Library

The MJB Library has started a seed library to help patrons who would like to exercise their green thumbs. Gardeners are welcome to stop in and take some of our vegetable, herb, fruit and flower seeds to plant this spring.

Once the seeds are growing and producing, please share photos by tagging the library on Facebook. After growing season is over, please consider saving and drying seeds from what you have grown. Because this is a sharing seed library, please bring any leftover or saved seeds to the library to add to our seed library.

Thank You

The MJB Library would like to express our thanks to 10 Squared Women for the generous donation to Friends of the Library to finish our youth area in our library. This furniture is suited to all of our young patrons and is especially geared to meet the needs of neurodivergent children. Thanks to this generous donation, we have added seating and three book bins just the right size for our little patrons. 

Library aide Ava Campbell sits on the new seating in the children’s area of the library. Behind her are two of the three book bins recently purchased. The new furnishings are made possible from a gift from the Friends of the Library who were awarded a grant from 10 Squared Women.

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.