By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Former First Lady and librarian Laura Bush famously said, “I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” Nothing could be more accurate from my perspective. Visit your library, get your library card, and so many resources are available to you at no charge.
September is Library Card Month. During the month of September, the American Library Association urges everyone to get their own library card from their local library.
You may be wondering why bother to get a library card. First the library houses hundreds of books that are free for you to use. In addition to print books, we also have audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. The library has free wi-fi, tablets, computers and hot spots available to check out. We have DVDs, cake pans, and board games to borrow.
In addition to the materials in our library, your library card allows you to access the Adventure Pass to get free admission to the Blank Park Zoo, the Des Moines Children’s Museum, and the Science Center of Iowa. With your library card, you can use the Libby app, which allows you to check out electronic books and magazines as well as online audiobooks.
A library card not only allows you access to the materials at the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, but it also allows you to borrow materials from other libraries across the state.
How do you get a library card? Adults need to bring in their driver’s license or other proof of residence. Children need to bring in a parent or guardian with a driver’s license or proof of residence. It takes less than five minutes to fill out an application. After you finish, you have your own library card and all the benefits that go with it.
Celebrate Library Card Month by getting a card of your own. As Andrew Carnegie said, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.”
Telescope Viewing
In celebration of International Telescope Observing Week, the library will host a viewing with our new telescope from 7:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Weather permitting, we will be able to see the moon craters, the Galilean Moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and more. The telescope is also available for check out. In case of bad weather, the alternate date is Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Meet the Author
Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. to listen to author Linda McCann. McCann has written a book entitled “Rosie the Riveters of Iowa” in which she shares stories of Iowa women who worked in factories during WWII. Following the presentation, McCann will also sell signed copies of her book.
Needle Felting Workshop
MJB will be hosting a workshop presented by Art on the Fly. The workshop will be from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. The cost of the workshop will be $25, and attendees will make two projects. Call the library to register.
StoryHour
September StoryHour will take place each Friday morning at 10 a.m. On Sept. 13, the topic will be construction. Stephanie from Lake Lumber will be our guest reader on Sept. 20, and she will share books about building. The theme of Sept. 27 will be fall.
Regular Adult Programs
Cribbage will be each Monday morning from 9-11 a.m. On Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m., Bridge Club meets. Card making club meets on the third Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome to join these activities. Cribbage and Bridge are free. Card making cost $5 to cover the cost of materials used to make greeting cards.