Peeps Diorama Contest
Entries Due May 1 — Give us a “Peep” into your favorite book. The library is hosting a Peeps diorama contest during the month of April. Create a diorama that represents a scene from your favorite book, using Peeps (any type) for characters. Entries will be accepted Monday through May 1 at the library. Public voting will take place May 2-8, with winners selected based on popular vote. All ages are welcome to participate. Call 641-792-4108 with questions.
Homebuying 101
6 p.m. Monday — Home buying (and selling) is complicated, but we’re here to help. Mark Piper from Premier Lending shares everything you need to know to buy or sell a home and answers those tricky financial questions, too. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for several door prizes, including a Visa gift card from Advantage Credit Union.
Read to a Certified
Therapy Dog
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays — The library will have a certified therapy dog in the Children’s Department to listen to children read. This friendly golden retriever is certified with Therapy Dogs International and loves children. Volunteer Cynthia Healy and her dog will be at the puzzle table area in the library to give your child a chance to practice reading aloud. No appointment necessary, just stop by and take your turn reading aloud for a few minutes. For more information, call youth services librarian, Phyllis Peter at 641-792-4108.
African Kora Concert
6 p.m. May 1 — Professional musician, Sean Gaskell, will give a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. The concert will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire in addition to some of his own personal compositions. All ages welcome.
Adult Coloring
6 p.m. May 11 — Relax and unwind with a coloring book. All materials provided, adults only please.
Food for Fines
May 15-20 — Pay down your fines with food. During the week of May 15 the library will waive overdue material fines in exchange for a food donation. Food will not be accepted as payment for missing or damaged material replacement fees. Donations must be canned or otherwise non-perishable food items. All donations will go directly to the Jasper County Community Food Bank. One food item will be considered equal to $1 in library overdue fines. Please contact public services librarian, Becca Klein at 641-792-4108 with questions.
Iowa’s Hidden Treasures with Dan Kaercher
6 p.m. May 18 — Dan Kaercher, retired Editor-in-Chief of Midwest Living Magazine and former Iowa Public Television host, spent years traveling in almost every one of Iowa’s 99 counties in search of close-to-home attractions and getaways to share with his loyal readers and viewers. Historic sites, parks, natural wonders, quaint small towns, big-city attractions, museums and eateries galore: You’ll be amazed to learn what surprises you don’t know await right in your own backyard — Iowa.