By Karen Kelly
If you have stopped in the library lately, you might have noticed a new face. Lynda Menefee recently joined the library staff. She took this job because she loves reading, wants to meet new people, and wants the opportunity to work with children.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in education at Northwest Missouri State, Lynda taught first and second grades in Perry for eight years. She then came to Guthrie Center where she taught fourth grade for a year before moving to first grade. Lynda retired after 35 years in Guthrie Center. After retiring, she missed being in the classroom, so she worked as a substitute and an associate.
Lynda has one son, AJ Menefee, whose family includes his wife, Jen; son, Quint (AJ Menefee V); and daughter, Sadie.
Lynda reads “a lot of books” and especially enjoys historical fiction about WWI and WWII as well as mysteries. Jan Karon is Lynda’s favorite author.
When asked what she enjoys about working at the library, Lynda said, “The people I work with and the people I’m meeting.” So far, her greatest challenge is “Checking out books, learning where things are located, and all the little things my co-workers do that no one is aware are being done.”
Lynda said, “ I’m thankful for this library and how it’s such an active part of our community. Everyone has been so kind and patient as I’m training. It will take time, but I will keep trying to improve.”
“Lynda is an amazing addition to our team. She brings so much experience and knowledge that enhances our work environment. We’re so lucky to have her on board,” stated Library Director Jerri Hawkins.
Clubs and Classes
The card-making class will meet from 9-11 a.m. to create unique, hand-made greeting cards. If you’re interested in participating, all the materials you need are provided for a $5 fee.
Cookbook Club will be sampling recipes from Tieghan Gerard’s book “Half-Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy” this month. Stop in and choose a recipe to prepare and bring to the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Cribbage players will meet each Monday morning in the Taylor Meeting Room from 9-11 a.m. Bridge Club meets each Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join.
The New Evening Book Club will meet for the first time on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. This book club is open to anyone who likes to read and is available at 5 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Our first meeting will be a chance to get to know each other and discuss
administrative details like a name for the club, a meeting format and what we will be reading. The February book will also be handed out. If you’re interested, please call or message the library so we have enough books available.
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library will meet Monday, Feb. 3 at 6:15 p.m. at the MJB Library to finalize plans for the Trivia Night Fundraiser which will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Guthrie Center Activity Center. Teams may be up to eight people, and the cost is $35 per person. The cost includes dinner catered by Cabbage Rose. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with trivia commencing at 7 p.m. Alcoholic beverages will be available for a donation. Teams can sign up and get tickets at the MJB Library.
Kids Events
Preschool StoryHour meets each Friday at 10 a.m. for preschoolers of all ages and their caregivers. On Friday, Jan. 17, cold weather is the theme. Winter animals will be the topic for Jan. 24, and clothes will be the subject of the Jan. 31 storytime.
The Guthrie County/ ISU Extension will present an after-school STEM workshop entitled Color Creation on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
The featured quilt this month is on loan from Brenda Wickland. This quilt is special because Brenda finished it shortly before the fire that destroyed Jim and Brenda’s home and most of their possessions. Amid the ashes and rubble, they found this quilt. A symbol of resilience and a testament to the fact that blessings are found in unexpected places, the quilt is even more impressive in person. Stop in during January to enjoy it.
The young people in the library made Valentine’s Day decorations and transformed the Christmas tree to a Valentine’s Day Tree.
This young man is hard at work on his project during the January STEM meeting.
Code across Iowa was the theme of the January STEM meeting.
The STEM activities are some of the favorite activities at the library.
The participants worked hard on their STEM projects.