April 30, 2024

Library goes Candyland for Begger’s Night

Trick or Treat at the Library

5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday — Visit our life sized Candyland at the library during Newton’s Beggar’s Night. Come in your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and a gently used book, while supplies last. Children of all ages and families welcome.

Adult Coloring

6 p.m. Thursday — Relax and unwind with a coloring book. All materials provided, adults only please.

Yoga at the Library

6 p.m. Nov. 6 — Certified yoga instructor, Meghan Davis, leads an introductory class for adults. No previous experience necessary. Attendees may bring a yoga mat or towel, if they wish. This event is sponsored by the Newton YMCA. Spaces are limited and registration is required to attend. Please call the library at 641-792-4108 to reserve your spot.

Library Holiday Closures

The Newton Public Library will be closed on the following dates in November:

Nov. 10 and 11 — Closed all day in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Nov. 22 — Library closes at 5 p.m. for Thanksgiving.

Nov. 23 and 24 — Closed all day for Thanksgiving.

Baby Storytime

Join our Youth Services Librarian, Phyllis Peter, on Monday mornings for a special storytime designed for the youngest members of the family. Baby storytime provides a gentle and fun introduction to literacy through songs, stories, and finger plays. For newborns to 18 months with a parent or caregiver (siblings are welcome). Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m., then stay for play and social time after the program.

Emma Mershon:
Newton's Prima Donna

6 p.m. Nov. 13 — Take a glimpse into the life of one of Newton’s most famous residents. In the sesquicentennial year of her birth, local historian Larry Hurto discusses the family, life, and career of Newton’s prima donna, Emma Mershon. A child prodigy, Mershon (1867-1937) attended schools in Newton and in California, before receiving training in Pittsburgh and in Europe.  Her lyric soprano voice caused a sensation in Chicago, New York, and in Europe’s leading concert halls.

Lessons of the Holocaust

6 p.m. Nov. 16 — Brad Wilkening of the Iowa Commission on Holocaust Education, discusses how the Nazi party rose to power and shares the valuable lessons to be learned from one of the darkest hours in human history. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Newton Public Library. All ages welcome.

New App for
Downloading eBooks

We’re introducing a new way to download library ebooks and audiobooks. This new app offers a simpler way to download and read digital materials. Android and Apple users may download the free “Libby by Overdrive” app in the iTunes or Google Play stores for quicker, easier downloading. To learn more or receive additional help with your device, please call the library to make an appointment with Becca Klein, 641-792-4108.