By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
Although summer is over, things are heating up at the MJB Library this fall with new programs, events and classes being added regularly.
“Iowa Scenic Views by Foot,” presented by Iowa author Tyler Sullivan, will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Sullivan has visited 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties and 101 courthouses. He runs at least one mile in each community and writes a poem about every county he visits. In 2024, he visited more than 150 museums and attractions across the state. In 2025, he saw an astonishing 366 attractions. So far in 2026, Sullivan has visited more than 230 museums. Join us to hear about his adventures across Iowa.
Youth of all ages are invited to Creation Corner at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Preschoolers and their caregivers can also attend Story Hour each Friday at 10 a.m. for stories, crafts and optional playtime afterward.
LEGO Mania is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach in Guthrie County will present “Rainbow Fish and Stained Glass.” During this engaging STEM program, youth will explore fractions while creating their own stained-glass-inspired artwork. This colorful, hands-on activity combines math and creativity.
Families, mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-6:30 p.m. for the seventh annual Li-Boo-Ary Bash. Be sure to bring the kids to the library for family-friendly “spooky” decorations and a sweet treat during beggars night.
The library has many adult events scheduled this fall. Cribbage players meet every Monday from 9-11 a.m. to challenge one another. Craft and Connect meets Mondays from 4-6 p.m.; bring your current project and socialize with other crafty adults while you work.
Canasta players meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 1-3 p.m. to play and learn more about the game. Between the Covers Book Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. For October, the group will discuss “The Secret History of Audrey James” by Heather Marshall. Reads Well With Others Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.; its October selection is “Remain” by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan.
Bridge Class meets each Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. to play cards. As with all of our groups, everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. On the third Thursday of each month, Cardmaking Class meets from 9-11 a.m. Under the guidance of Judi Zimmerline, participants learn to make unique, handmade greeting cards. For a $5 fee, all materials are provided. Also, on every third Thursday, Cookbook Club meets at 6 p.m. This club is open to anyone who would like to choose a recipe from the month’s cookbook, prepare it and attend the monthly meeting where the group shares the food they prepared.
“Social Security 101: Everything You Need to Know” will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-6 p.m. The workshop will be led by Kirsten Goodwin, a public affairs specialist with 18 years of experience at the Social Security Administration in the Midwest-West Region. Topics will include eligibility for retirement, disability, survivor and spousal benefits; the effects of early retirement; how to maximize benefits; when to file for Medicare; and the future of Social Security.
It’s not too early to plan a tree for the MJB Library’s annual Festival of Trees. This year’s theme is “Merry Christmas America 250!” Setup begins Nov. 20. Contact the library to reserve a space for your business or organization’s tree.
Kanopy and Libby users, please note an upcoming change effective Oct. 16. OverDrive will require a PIN or password in addition to a library card when signing in to Libby and Kanopy. Your PIN or password will be the primary telephone number listed on your library account, including the area code, with no dashes or spaces.
Quilters and collectors, the library is looking for items to share with patrons. Quilts are displayed on the north wall, away from direct sunlight and collections are placed in a locked display case at the front of the library. Please contact us if you would be willing to display a quilt or collection for one month.
The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Shirts are still available for $30. Contact the library to purchase yours today.