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.
The MJB Library gives a big shout-out to Blair for reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. She is showing off her new T-shirt and one of her favorite books.
Ainsley and Merrick are pictured here working on their project at the STEM workshop on Feb. 13.