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.