Being ‘hands on’ at the Newton Public Library

Bookish Birdhouses Art Show

Display your artistic talents and celebrate the love of books at our Bookish Birdhouses Art Show! Pick up a decorative birdhouse at the library with a $1 deposit, and decorate it in honor of your favorite book or author. Return your completed birdhouse no later than September 8th to have your deposit returned and be included in our Bookish Birdhouses Art Show. The decorated birdhouses will be on display inside the library Sept. 15-30. Submissions should be family-friendly. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate! One birdhouse per person. Supplies are limited and we cannot provide birdhouses to classrooms or businesses.

Library Closed for Labor Day

The Newton Public Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day. Regular library hours will resume on Sept. 2.

Gory Stories Book Club

Tuesday, Sept. 2, noon

Do you love true crime? Join our monthly Gory Stories Book Club! Bring your lunch and join other true crime addicts to discuss a new book each month and share our favorite books, podcasts, & documentaries! Copies of the book can be picked up at the library information desk. The September book selection is “The Monster of Florence” by Douglas Preston.

Succulent Planter Workshop with The Plant Dealer

Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m.

Join Sylvia Townsend, owner of The Plant Dealer in Newton, for a succulent planter workshop at the Newton Public Library. You’ll make your own succulent bowl planter while learning about these fun and unique plants!

All materials and plants will be provided. Registration is required. Library cardholder registration opens on Sept. 2. Non-cardholders are welcome to register beginning Sept. 4. Call the library at 641-792-4108 to register. Ages 18+. This program is sponsored by the Newton Public Library Foundation.

Dino-Stomp!

Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.

The Library and the Newton Parks and Recreation are hosting a Dino-Stomp for children at the StoryWalk on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. Sea Turtle Ice Cream Company LLC will be there, and all children will receive one free ice cream treat! The featured book on the StoryWalk will be “Tiny T-Rex and the Impossible Hug” by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck. The event will be held at Agnes Patterson Memorial Park. Attendees will enjoy a dinosaur story, meet and greet with a dinosaur, and more! Park near the beginning of the StoryWalk in the parking lot by the softball fields/concession stands.

Dog Training 101

Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Join Makenna Balmer, owner of Quirky Canines Dog Training in Newton, for an introduction into dog training and obedience. You’ll learn why training your canine companion is so important, as well as tips and tricks for getting started. This program is free to attend and open to the public.