By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

 Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September with Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library and the American Library Association. We’re inviting everyone to discover the incredible resources and opportunities available at your local library by signing up for a library card.

This year, we’re thrilled to have Optimus Prime from the TRANSFORMERS as our special ambassador, highlighting that there’s more than meets the eye at MJB Library. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, find valuable information or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities.

Today’s libraries are vibrant community centers offering much more than just books. At MJB Library, you’ll find diverse programs, job search assistance, homework help, book clubs, author talks, story times and more.

Curious about exploring a new hobby or learning a new skill? MJB Library has the resources you need. Interested in changing careers? We provide online interest inventories, job coaching and interview coaching through JobsNow.

Did you know that MJB Library offers a telescope for checkout? There’s truly something for everyone at MJB Library. Getting a library card is easy and is an essential step toward academic success and lifelong learning for students. Everyone should have one.

The library director and staff have a goal to have our number of active library cards equal to our town’s population. There are 1,574 residents in Guthrie Center. Our current number of patrons with active library cards is 1,453. We need 121 new patrons to sign up for a card to meet our goal.  

Don’t miss out. Go online or visit Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library this September to sign up for a library card and discover all that your library has to offer.

StoryHour

Our preschool StoryHour resumes on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. with the topic of school. Sept. 13, preschoolers will be reading and doing crafts related to construction. On Sept. 20, Lake Lumber will be sharing books and activities with a building theme. Fall is the motif for Sept. 27. 

Upcoming events

Book club will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett.  Stop by the library to check out a copy so you’re ready for the book club. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the library will be hosting a telescope observation for International Library Telescope Observing Week from 7:30-9 p.m. Craters of the moon, Galilean moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn and more will be visible. In case of bad weather, the alternate day will be Saturday, Sept. 14.  

Linda McCann, author of “Rosie the Riveters,” will be speaking at the MJB Library on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. McCann will share her research about the Iowa women who worked in factories during WWII. Following the presentations, autographed copies of her book will be available for purchase. MJB Library also has a copy available for checkout.