March 28, 2024

Library to host abandoned school photography program

Join us on at 6 p.m. Thursday in the library meeting room for a book signing, presentation and Q & A with Iowa Authors Dave & Barb Else. The Else’s are authors of “For all the Small Schools: A Photographic Pursuit of Iowa’s Forgotten Schools.” A love for Iowa’s small rural schools set Barb and Dave Else on a journey to find the lost high school buildings that are no longer being used for education. In the latter part of the 19th century and into the early 1900s, the Iowa countryside was dotted with one-room kindergarten through eighth grade rural schools. In addition, nearly every town in Iowa had a high school, often just a few miles away. Due to declining enrollment and for purposes of efficiency, many of Iowa’s high schools were closed or merged with other districts beginning as early as the 1940s. “For All the Small Schools” is a photographic pursuit designed to rekindle memories of Iowa’s great rural schools and the students, parents and communities they served. This program is free to the public and open to all ages.

Knee High Naturalists

Join us on at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Carousel Horse Room for a fun knee-high Naturalists program. Learn about Thanksgiving’s No. 1 bird, the wild turkey in this fun and hands-on presentation! This program is offered by the Jasper County Conservation Naturalist for kids, ages 3 to 5.

Professional Development Book Club Discussion

The Newton Public Library started a new Professional Development book club that is hosted at the library. If you would like to join, stop by the Information Desk to pick up a copy of the book. We will be discussing “Don’t Bring It to Work” by Sylvia Lafair at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the library meeting room. The club will meet every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room and is open to all adults.

Board Game Night

Join us for Board Game Night at 6 p.m. on Monday in the meeting room. Open to all ages. We will have board games and card games for families or individuals to play. Children must be accompanied by a guardian.

Free MP3 & iTunes Music Downloads

Download and own songs from the extensive Freegal database! Up to three songs per week, or one song and a music video. Every Monday, three new downloads will again be available with your library card. Go to www.freegalmucsic.com and log in with your up-to-date library card to explore the 7 million songs from 28,000 recording labels. You can also get the app for your mobile device.Need help? Call the Information Desk, 641-792-4108.

Update your Library Cards

Before the holidays, it may be smart to update your library cards and pay off any fines you have accrued. Updating your card will ensure your use of Wilbor, Freegal and other offsite library services. The last thing you want is to try to download a book over Thanksgiving break and be unable to.

Still need a PIN?

You can find how to change your PIN at www.newton.lib.ia.us by clicking on the "Pin Change/Help" link on the home page. Questions? Call the library at 641-792-4108.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewtonPublicLibraryIowa or on Twitter @NewtonPubLib. Find out what is happening at the library besides our programs!