By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Library Patrons, watch our weekly space for an exciting announcement about new digital in the coming weeks.
Friends of the Guthrie Center Library have again committed to paying for the Mary J. Barnett Library’s Adventure Pass for 2026. The Iowa Adventure Pass is a partnership between participating libraries and specific venues. The MJB Library adventure pass gives patrons who have a Guthrie Center address, are 18 years of age or older, and are in good standing with the library discounted admission to the Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center of Iowa, and the Blue Zoo. In addition, the Des Moines Performing Arts is partnering with the Iowa Adventure Pass this year to bring live theater to more Iowa families.
Two adults and two children are admitted for free to both the Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa. The Blue Zoo provides two free child admissions with one regular-priced adult admission. Cardholders are allowed to use each venue pass once every 365 days per venue.
Tickets to the Wellmark Family Series shows are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Passes can only be reserved up to 60 days in advance. Library patrons who reserve tickets must bring their confirmation pass and photo ID to the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office (221 Walnut St., Des Moines) prior to the performance to redeem their tickets. Tickets must be redeemed no later than 45 minutes before the show.
See the MJB Library website for additional restrictions and guidelines, as well as to reserve a pass. We strongly encourage our Guthrie Center patrons to take advantage of this exceptional value for family outings.
We have many regular adult activities scheduled right now. Cribbage meets each Monday morning from 9-11 a.m. in the Taylor meeting room. New players are always welcome. Craft and Connect meets each Monday from 4-6 p.m. to work on individual projects. The group members like to bring their projects, some coffee or tea, and then chat while they craft. The group would love more participants. On Wednesday mornings from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Class meets. New members are always encouraged to attend.
Reads Well with Others Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5 p.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.” This charming novel tells the heartwarming story of a kind, elderly widower who, through a series of unfortunate events, unintentionally assumes the identity of a gentleman living in a nursing home. This story deals with the challenges of aging, forgiveness and second chances. There are still copies available to check out and read before the book club meets.
Preschool Story Hour takes place each Friday at 10 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Cass for stories and crafts. This week’s theme is winter. The MJB Library Creation Corner, available to kids of all ages, will be on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is appreciated.
Between the Covers afternoon book club met on Jan. 13 to discuss their first book of the year, “When Crickets Cry” by Charles Martin. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. Stop by the MJB Library and pick up the February book, Emily Henry’s “Funny Story.”
A proud participant in the LEGO Mania Day event shows off his construction.
LEGO Mania Day is a great way for kids of all ages to use problem-solving and creative skills to solve STEM challenges.
For this month’s LEGO Mania Day, participants chose a challenge and created it with LEGOs. This is the flower that was created.
LEGO Mania is one of the many STEM activities offered at the Mary J. Barnett Library. Youth of all ages are encouraged to pre-register and attend this popular monthly event.
Library aide Karen Kelly read to the two ACGC preschool classes on Friday, Jan. 16, as part of the library’s outreach to the local school. Once a month, one of the MJB Library staff members reads to the preschool classes.