This Week from the Library July 12, 2019

Sensing the Cosmos

2 p.m. Monday — Join the Iowa Library for Accessible Statewide Services to listen to the sounds of space, feel lunar craters, and tour the stars using books and other objects. Attendees will also learn about Wanda Diaz Merced, an astrophysicist who just happens to be blind. This program is suitable for children in grades K-5. No registration required.

Mobile Device Workshop with U.S. Cellular

5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday — Do you have questions about your phone or mobile device? Here’s your opportunity to ask an expert. Join Premier Locations U.S. Cellular for a drop-in workshop on using your mobile device. This program is free to attend and is open to the public. Attendees do not need to be U.S. Cellular customers. U.S. Cellular goods and services will not be available for purchase at this program. This workshop will be held in the Newton Public Library Meeting Room.

Captive Samurai: Japanese
WWII Prisoners of War in Iowa

6 p.m. July 18 — As part of a relatively quiet and underpublicized government program, thousands of World War II enemy soldiers were brought to Iowa as prisoners of war. What began as an experiment eventually led to more than 400,000 soldiers interned in the United States, including two camps in the state of Iowa. In the second part of professor Chad Timm’s study on WWII POWs in Iowa, he discusses the unique experiences of Japanese prisoners of war in Iowa, including community relations, life in the camps, and the first arrivals of Japanese prisoners at Camp Clarinda in early 1945. Camp Clarinda was one of only two camps in the entire United States to house Japanese soldiers. Those who attended his presentation on German POWs won’t want to miss part two. This program is sponsored by Humanities Iowa and is free and open to the public.

Bibliophile Book Club

1 p.m. July 24 — Join our library book club for a discussion of “Educated,” by Tara Westover. Request your copy of the book at the library information desk or by calling 641-792-4108. New members always welcome.

The Art of Henna

3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. July 25 — Learn about the art of henna and receive a design from professional henna artist, Sarah Norman of Alternative Artistry. Attendees may register for either the teen class at 3:30 p.m. (reserved for ages 13-18) or the adult class at 6 p.m. (ages 18 and older only). Call the library at 641-792-4108 to register.

History Heist: Locked in the
Louvre Escape Room

5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8 — Grab your sneakiest friends and put your problem-solving skills to the test in our museum heist themed escape room. Look for clues, solve puzzles, and work together to steal precious artifacts from the Louvre Museum and make your escape before time runs out. Recommended group size is 4-7 players. Smaller teams may be grouped with another team. Registration for this program opens at 10 a.m. July 22. Call the library at 641-792-4108 to reserve your time slot. Ages 16 and older.