Adult Summer Library Program – Through July 31
This summer, visit the Perry Public Library and receive your passport to fun! Adult patrons 18+ are invited to join us as we celebrate community, reading, and our favorite brews with “Books and Brews” this summer. Signing up is free and patrons can earn passport stamps by completing activities such as reading, volunteering, attending events, and even learning a new language! Every two stamps earn something special – three special prizes, then entries into your choice of one of three grand prize baskets. These grand prize baskets include awesome prizes, with many items from local businesses. Plus, we’ll have events at some of your favorite community businesses, including the new Books and Brews, Casa de Oro, the Perry Perk, the Proletariat, and the Tin Pig! Registration continues throughout July. For more information or to register, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
All Together Now: Children’s Summer Library Program – Through July 27
This year’s Summer Library Reading Program theme is All Together Now! Get ready for a fun-filled summer of making new friends, spreading kindness, learning how to help your community, and earning prizes in new and fun ways! We have lots of activities and programs planned, as well as special field trips! New this year, children will log not only their reading, but activities including family time, donating items, helping others, and more! Each age group will meet weekly and will have different logs to fill out to earn prizes. Age groups are divided into: Wee Wonders (birth to 2 years old); 3 to 5 years old; COMPLETED kindergarten to 2nd grade; and COMPLETED 3rd to 5th grade. Families should register each child in their separate age group, but may attend whichever program they feel most comfortable. Grand prizes include a Kindle Fire, STEM package, and tickets behind home plate to an Iowa Cubs game! Our grand finale will be a family picnic! Registration continues throughout July. Log sheet prizes must be claimed by 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 27. Register in-person, online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, or at KidsFest!
Teen Summer Library Program – Through July 28
This year’s Teen Summer Library Reading Program theme is All Together Now! Activities are planned on Friday afternoons at 3:00 pm throughout June and July, including paint your own squishy, make friendship bracelets, a Stranger Things Escape Room, Meme-A-Book, and a blindfolded Survivor-style team challenge! There will also be a second Movie Monday July 17, at 3:00 pm. Earn scratch tickets by attending programs, writing book reviews, or donating clothing or supplies for the animal shelter. Each scratch ticket is worth a prize, including a free book, a full-size candy bar, a gift card, a water bottle, or your choice from a prize box. Teens can also earn grand prize entries. Grand prizes include a Kindle Fire tablet, Nintendo Switch Lite, or a gift card of your choice! Our grand finale will be a Zombie Attack after hours at the library. Registration continues throughout July. Scratch ticket prizes must be claimed by 12:00 pm on Friday, July 28. Register in-person, online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, or at KidsFest!
Wee Wonders Summer Library Program for Babies Through Age 2 – Through July 27
The Wee Wonders Summer Library Program for babies through age 2 and their adults caregivers meets on Tuesdays in July from 10:15 am to 11:00 am. We read board books, sing lots of songs, do lapsits, scarf and shaker activities, sensory play, and so much more! We will meet July 11, July 18, and July 25. This is an excellent way to encourage early literacy skills and make new friends! Registration is required and log sheets will be available to earn prizes all summer long. A special grand prize tailored to children under age 3 is also available. This is a free event and no registration is required. Registration continues throughout July. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: Rocks and Minerals Exhibit – June 1 – July 15
Visit the Carnegie Library in June to expand your knowledge about rocks, minerals, and gems and what can be found in our area. The Rocks and Minerals Exhibit will allow visitors to see different rocks, minerals, and gems in both refined and unrefined forms. They’ll also be able to see, touch, and notice the differences that collectors and/or enthusiasts want or look for. Visit the Carnegie Library Museum in June and July to view this free exhibit. Summer hours are as follows: Sunday-Monday closed, Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For questions, call 515-465-7713 or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
July Grab and Go Adult Craft – Free DIY Just Beachy Wreath Kit
Welcome summer to your house with a Just Beachy Wreath! Grab a kit to make a lovely beach-themed wreath to decorate your door for the season. Beginning July 1st, adult patrons can bring home a Free DIY Just Beachy Wreath Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This craft kit includes materials and instructions for making one wreath. This July Craft is free, courtesy of the Perry Public Library, and available while supplies last. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-3569.
Special Holiday Hours – July 4
The Perry Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in honor of Independence Day. We will open again at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 5. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-3569.
July Fresh Conversations with Aging Resources of Central Iowa: Prediabetes – July 5
Fresh Conversations is a free nutrition and physical education program for ages 60+. The program offers practical tips and sensible solutions to everyday problems that get in the way of doing what most people want to do: eat well and live well! Fresh Conversations is also an opportunity to connect with other adults for a friendly group discussion. We will meet in July to discuss prediabetes, plus try a tasty recipe on Wednesday, July 5 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm in the Perry Public Library Community Room. This is a monthly, free event held the first Wednesday of each month for ages 60+ and no registration is required. For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569 or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
Chess at the Library – July 6, 13, 20, 27
Local Chess Instructor David Oliveira is partnering with the Perry Public Library to teach, mentor, and play chess with players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are new to chess or looking for a challenging game, mark your Thursday evenings in July for Chess Instruction and Walk-in at the Library. Students, grades K-12, will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, in the library Board Room. Chess players of all ages are then welcome to meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, also in the Board Room, for instruction or competition. David Oliveira leads the group meetings and also offers chess instruction by individual appointments as part of the library program. Call the library for more information or to arrange a time at 515-465-3569.
We Have Issues (YA Book Club for Everyone): Sadie by Courtney Summers – July 3
We’ve Got Issues: A YA Book Club for Everyone is a fun, laid back book club where we enjoy the often-dramatic world of YA literature. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and you don’t have to get be teen/young adult to come. Our club is moving to Mondays beginning with our July 3rd meet-up from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Library Community Room. The July selection is Sadie by Courtney Summers, a book for anyone who loves a good murder mystery, as well as a podcast investigation of the case. Interested adults and teens may join the group at any time, but registration is required. Books are available at the library for a small fee for registrants. Register online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
All Ages Field Trip to Voas Nature Area – July 5
Join us at the Voas Nature Area on Wednesday, July 5 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. All ages are invited to explore the wildflowers and learn about how animals, like ants and bees, work together. This is a fun way to learn about nature as part of our summer library program theme, All Together Now. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to the Voas Nature Area at 315 Baker St., Minburn, IA 50167. We will meet you there at 10:00 am for an engaging, fun-filled field trip. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: A Conversation With…Dennis Parker, Rock Expert – July 6
Come discover more about rocks and minerals from local expert Dennis Parker at our July “A Conversation With…” event! Parker will help future rock collectors learn about rocks available in the local Voas Nature Area, the state of Iowa, the Midwest, and throughout the United States. Visit our Rocks and Minerals exhibit, then mark your calendars for this free, all-ages event at the Carnegie Library Museum Main Reading Room on Thursday, July 6, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
K-2nd Grade Summer Library Program Week 4: Community – July 6
Come spread kindness like confetti for our week 4 meet-up! We will read all about our neighbors and play Community Helpers Bingo. Kid will also color Kindness Cards to share some joy with residents of local senior communities. This group will meet on Thursday, July 6 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Library Community Room. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
3-5-Year-Olds Summer Library Program Week 5: Animal Adoption – July 7
How would you like to adopt your own small, stuffed animal cat or dog and read them a story? Join us for week 5 to read about animal adoption and adopt your own! This group will meet from 10:15 am to 11:00 am on Friday, July 7 in the Community Room. A registration form will be available with Miss Laura at Children’s Summer Library Events or through email to lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us. Registration is required by June 21. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Teen Kindness Challenge – July 7
Teens are invited to embrace kindness on July 7 by making self-affirmation jars, plus bookmarks and cards with positive phrases to hide in books around the library. You’ll also create your own Field Guide to Your Life, which is an easy, fun way to create a memoir. Come hang out with your friends on Friday, July 7 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Library Community Room! This is a free event for teens who recently completed 6th through 12th grades and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Kid’s Movie Monday – July 10
Each month during Summer Library Program, we will host a Movie Monday afternoon for kids ages 6 to 11 to come in, cool off, watch a movie and have some snacks. June’s Movie Monday will take place in the Library Community Room on July 10 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The June movie will be a popular film kids are sure to enjoy. Come cool off and enjoy a family movie! This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Quarterly Classics Book Club: Main Street by Sinclair Lewis – July 11
All are invited to join the Quarterly Classics Book Club for discussions of traditional and modern classics. The Quarterly Classics Book Club will meet Tuesday, July 11 at the Carnegie Library Museum from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm to discuss Main Street by Nobel Prize winning author Sinclair Lewis. Main Street, first published to immediate acclaim in 1920, is a satirical story of an idealistic young woman’s attempts to reform her small town. Anyone interested may join the group at any time, but registration is required. Books are available at the library for registrants for a small fee. Register online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
3rd-5th Grade Summer Library Program Week 5: Animal Adoption – July 12
This week, come read about animal adoptions and decorate dog bandanas to give to animals in need at the Raccoon Valley Pet Rescue. We will also talk about collecting donations for our field trip to the shelter on July 19. This group will meet on Wednesday, July 12 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Library Community Room. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
K-2nd Grade Summer Library Program Week 5: Animal Adoption – July 13
How would you like to adopt your own small, stuffed animal cat or dog and read them a story? Join us for week 5 to read about animal adoption and adopt your own! This group will meet on Thursday, July 13 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Library Community Room. This is a free event and registration is required by June 21 in order for a child to get their own stuffed animal. A registration form will available with Miss Laura at Children’s Summer Library Events or through email to lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
3-5-Year-Olds Summer Library Program Week 6: Kindness Toward Yourself – July 14
Discover what it means to be mindful alongside the internet-famous pug Noodle and his “Bones/No Bones” motto! This group will meet from 10:15 am to 11:00 am on Friday, July 14 in the Community Room. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Teen Survivor Challenge – July 14
Do you have what it takes to conquer our Teen Survivor Challenge? On Friday, July 14 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, teams will navigate an obstacle course blindfolded. One team member will guide the others using only their voice to see which team can conquer the challenge first! This is a free event for teens who recently completed 6th through 12th grades and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Teen Movie Monday – July 17
Teens are invited to cool off at the library and enjoy a free movie and delicious snacks! July is teen’s choice and their pick will be shown on the big screen in the Library Community Room on Monday, July 17 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This is a free event for teens who recently completed 6th through 12th grades and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Monthly Book Club: The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne – July 18
July’s Monthly Book Club will read and discuss The Heart’s Invisible Furies, a novel by the acclaimed author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Join the discussion on Tuesday, July 18, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the new Century Farms Books and Brews, which opens July 1. This month, the group will read a “sweeping, heartfelt saga about the course of one man’s life, beginning and ending in post-war Ireland.” Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion, but registration is required. Register online at www.perry.lib.us, by phone at 515-465-3569, or in person. Books are available at the library for participants for a small fee. For more information, call Library Director and discussion leader Mary Murphy at 515-465-3569.
3rd-5th Grade Summer Library Program Week 6: Field Trip to Raccoon River Pet Rescue – July 19
Mark your calendars for a special time and location for our weekly meet-up! This group will meet on Wednesday, July 19 from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Racoon Valley Pet Rescue. We will tour the shelter and learn about volunteer opportunities. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to Raccoon Valley Pet Rescue at 14360 Ivy Place in Perry. We will meet you there at 2:00 pm and the tour will last until to 2:30 pm. This is a free event and registration is required by July 12. A registration form will be available with Miss Laura at Children’s Summer Library Events or through email to lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Teen Field Trip to Raccoon River Pet Rescue – July 19
Who can resist a tour with dogs and cats? Teens will meet at this special date and time to tour the Racoon River Pet Rescue and learn about available volunteer opportunities. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to the Rescue at 14360 Ivy Place in Perry. We will meet you there at 2:30 pm and the tour will last until 3:00 pm. This is a free event for teens who recently completed 6th through 12th grades and registration is required by July 12. Registration forms will be available with Miss Laura at Teen Summer Library Events or through email to lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
K-2nd Grade Summer Library Program Week 6: Kindness Toward Yourself – July 20
Discover what it means to be mindful alongside the internet-famous pug Noodle and his “Bones/No Bones” motto! This week, we will read and learn with Noodle and make a Coping Wheel for kids to use when they are overwhelmed or anxious. This group will meet on Thursday, June 20 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Library Community Room. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Teen Tie-Dye Fun – July 21
Add a splash of color to your wardrobe with our teen tie-dye activity! Teens are invited to make tie-dye gear, such as bandanas and scrunchies, at the Library on Friday, July 21 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This is a free activity for teens who recently completed 6th through 12th grades and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Family Tie-Dye Sidewalk Chalk Fun – July 21
Nothing says “summer fun” like filling the sidewalks with vibrant, colorful sidewalk chalk drawings! Families are invited to enjoy some tie-dye sidewalk chalk fun together on Friday, July 21 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm! Come fill the library sidewalks with positive messages and colorful drawings to spread community cheer. This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: A Southern Belle Tea – July 24
Dust off your best hats and come join us for a Southern Belle themed tea at the Carnegie Library Museum! We will dine on three small courses, including sandwiches, scones, and cake. The tea will be held on Monday, July 24, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Space is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the Carnegie Library or the Perry Public Library for $15 beginning June 16. Contact Trista Cohea at the Carnegie with questions at 515-465-7713.
3rd-5th Grade Summer Library Program Week 7: Mindfulness – July 26
Discover what it means to be mindful alongside the internet-famous pug Noodle and his “Bones/No Bones” motto! This week, we will read and learn with Noodle, then play a gratitude game with craft sticks. Last, we’ll make our own self-affirmation jars to bring home! This group will meet on Wednesday, June 26 from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Library Community Room. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
July Craft Club: Tattooed Recipe Boxes – July 31
Gather a favorite recipe or two and join us for an all-new Craft Club in July! This month, participants will use special “tattoo” paper to decorate their own recipe boxes. Everyone is also encouraged to swap recipes and help fill the new boxes with culinary favorites. The July Craft Club will meet on Monday, July 31 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All are welcome, but space is limited and registration is required. A $5 materials fee is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot. Please register by Wednesday, July 26. For questions, call 515-465-3569. To register, visit the library. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Children’s Library Program Picnic Finale at Pattee Park – July 27
The Grand Finale of the Children’s Library is a can’t-miss event, with activities, outdoor games, and a scavenger hunt! The library will provide hot dogs, chips, and a treat for each participant. Plus, Miss Laura will announce the four Children’s Grand Prize winners and distribute their prizes. Mark your calendars for family fun Thursday, July 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Pattee Park! This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Teen Summer Finale: After-Hours Zombie Battle – July 28
Rogue scientists have set up a lab inside the library and – you guessed it – the tests got out of control and now the library is overrun with zombies! We challenge teens to come to the library after hours on Friday, July 28 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Arrive as either a scientist ready to battle the hordes or one of the zombies hungry for brains. Use your smarts to find the fail-safe and shut down the lab – or become one of the infected! Grand prizes will be awarded and there will be snacks and more games! Scientists and zombies must arrive before 6:00 pm because the doors will lock and no late participants will be admitted.
Paper Crafting with Kathy – July 29
Join paper crafting enthusiast Kathy Miller for a series of monthly how-to workshops featuring different paper crafting techniques and creative designs for making greeting cards. The craft series will be held the last Saturday of each month. We will meet July 29 in the Library Community Room from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. July’s workshop will focus on creating Christmas Cards with specialty paper from The Echo Park Paper Company. There is a $5 materials fee for the program and payment is required for registration. Registration closes July 22. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or call 515-465-3569.
Crafternoons – July 29
Are you looking for a quiet, community space to craft? Then, we have the perfect Saturday event for you! The Perry Public Library welcomes crafters and do-it-yourselfers to our dedicated makerspace – now moved to the last Saturday of each month. You bring your ideas and supplies and we’ll supply the crafting space. Saturday Crafternoons last from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the Library Community Room and offer a free community space to work on projects in a comfortable environment. Plan your next work session for Saturday, July 29, at the library. Tables are available on a first come, first served basis, and everyone is invited. No reservations and no charge! For more information, visit or call the library at 515-465-3569.
