The Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum have announced the following programs for May 2025.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: History of Local Graduates Exhibit – May 1 through May 31
Take a look at yearbooks and graduation photographs going back to the beginning of Perry Public High School and St. Patrick’s School. Plus, see photos of this year’s graduating class. Can you recognize some famous local and community leaders who all graduated from our schools? Visit the May History of Local Graduates Exhibit at the Perry Public Library Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 31 during open hours. Carnegie Library Museum hours: Sun/Mon: Closed and Tues-Sat: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or speak with a librarian.
May Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit – DIY Mini Decorative Photo Frames
Ready to display favorite school, graduation, or Spring Break photos? Customize this Mini Decorative Photo Frame and add it to your home! Adult patrons can bring home one Free Adult Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This craft kit includes materials and instructions for one DIY Mini Decorative Photo Frame. This May Grab and Go 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.
May Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit – DIY Little Catch-Alls
Teens, 12 to 18, are invited to come into the library during May to pick up a Free Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Little Catch-Alls. Teen patrons can bring home one Free May Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This Grab and Go 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.
May Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit – DIY Pom Pom Flower
Kids, up to age 11, are invited to come into the library during May to pick up a Free Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Pom Pom Flower. Kids can bring home one Free May Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This Grab and Go 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.
Carnegie Library Museum Grab and Go Craft Kit – DIY Graduation Cards
Stop into the Carnegie Library Museum beginning May 1 and pick up a fun, free Grab and Go Craft kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to create your own DIY Graduation Cards. Kits are free and available while supplies last. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or speak with a librarian.
May Novel-Teas Book Match: A Monthly Program for Adults
We think a good book and a delicious cup of tea are the perfect pairing. With our Adult Novel-Teas Book Match program, participants can sign up each month to receive an individualized book recommendation, with a complementary tea pairing. Simply register, and complete the personalized Book Match Form by May 15, and our Adult Services Librarian, Mindy, will help you find your next book, while our tea enthusiast, Trista, will select your tea. May Book Matches will be available for patrons to pick up by June 1. Patrons must be 18+ to participate and spots are limited. To register and complete your survey, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us for an online form or visit the library for a paper version. This is a free program. For questions, visit our website, or call 515-465-3569.
Adventure in the World of Dungeons and Dragons: Tuesdays – May 6, 13, 20, 27
Welcome to a world of Dungeons and Dragons! Dungeons and Dragons is a communal storytelling adventure where you get to play a character of your own creation and make decisions (and rolls) to decide the path of our story and the destiny of your character! Great for newcomers and experienced players alike, our adventures in Candlekeep are based around short one-shot-like adventures that make popping in or coming every time a fun adventure! Patrons 10+ are invited to join us as we explore the magic books of Candlekeep in the Perry Public Library Community Room on Tuesday nights in May. We will meet from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Room. This is a free program and no registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
“Next Chapter” 55+ Group at the Library: Wednesdays – May 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for our weekly “Next Chapter” group for patrons 55+, every Wednesday, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm in the Perry Public Library Community Room. We will offer a variety of activities each month, including free ISU Extension Stay Independent courses, Lifetime Fitness sessions with Judy Tomenga, and social gatherings and conversation opportunities. May’s schedule includes:
- May 7 – ISU Stay Independent Series: Brain Health
- May 14 – Lifetime Fitness with Judy Tomenga
- May 21 – Games and Puzzles.
- May 28 – Lifetime Fitness with Judy Tomenga
This is a free, weekly activity held each Wednesday for adults 55+, and no registration is required. For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569, or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
Spring Shred Event at the Perry Public Library – Saturday, May 10
We will be hosting our Spring Shred Event for the public on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The shredder truck will be located in the library’s south parking lot, accessible by car from Railroad Street. This event is an opportunity for area residents to dispose of outdated personal documents, free of charge, safely and securely. This is a free service, but donations are always welcome! Not sure what to shred? Visit the document link on our website at www.perry.lib.ia.us.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: A Bluejay Afternoon Tea – Monday, May 12
Come to the Carnegie Library Museum for a Bluejay Afternoon Tea on Monday, May 12th, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm! We will have classic tea sandwiches, blueberry-lemon scones, tea cakes, and shortbread cookies, accompanied by two types of tea, jams, clotted cream, and butter. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets for this special tea for $15 per person at the Perry Public Library today. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or speak with a librarian.
Paper Crafting with Kathy: Spring Cards and a Fun Fold – Saturday, May 17
Celebrate spring’s arrival by creating some new cards with Kathy, plus learn a new fun-fold to add to your collection! Kathy Miller leads this 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 third Saturday each month. We will meet on Saturday, May 17, in the Library Community Room from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The class is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Registration closes on May 16. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us and click on our Events Calendar, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
Saturday Crafternoons: Saturday, May 17
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 on the third Saturday of the month following Paper Crafting with Kathy. 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, May 17, 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, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Salvation Army Support Services – Third Monday of the Month – May 19
The Salvation Army Support Services will visit the Perry Public Library on the 3rd Monday of the month. The Salvation Army helps with rent, utilities, gas, personal care items, food, and other information. For more specific information about services offered, contact the Salvation Army directly at 515-282-3599. This is a free service and no registration is required.
May Adult Craft Club: Make Your Own Rubber Stamp and Lego Stamping – Monday, May 19
Join Candi this month as she demonstrates how to create your own rubber stamp and Lego stamping! The May Adult Craft Club will meet on Monday, May 19 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Room. This date is different from the usual Monday in May because of the Memorial Day holiday closure. Supplies and instruction are provided free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required by May 12. To register, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us and click on our Events Calendar, call the library at 515-465-3569, or speak with a librarian.
Monthly Book Club: Time and Again by Jack Finney – Tuesday, May 20
Discover the beloved classic that Stephen King called “THE great time-travel story” and Alice Hoffman dubbed, “Pure New York Fun.” Join us on Tuesday, May 20, in the Community Room from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm as we discuss this engaging novel that combines time-travel, romance, and historical fiction. Anyone interested in participating in the Book Club is welcome to come! Books are available in advance for purchase or a copy may be checked out from the library. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Perry Public Library Summer Library Program: Level Up at Your Library – Registration and Participation Begin on Thursday, May 22
Are you ready to Level Up at Your Library this summer? Join our free Perry Public Library Summer Library Challenge to level up, earn points, and enter to win awesome prizes! Participating is easy – to level up all summer long, read daily and complete side quest activities! Children, teens, and adults can register beginning Thursday, May 22nd on Beanstack at https://perrypl.beanstack.com/reader365 or in person at the library .
Level Up at Your Library is an all-ages summer reading program based around puzzles and games. Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships, new and old. Our summer 2025 theme reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, but a space for fun too!
Activities kick off with the amazing annual KidsFest on Saturday, June 7, and end with a thrilling, new, all-ages Grand Finale event for 2025: Pop-Up Mini Golf on Saturday, July 26.
You (and your team) can help make our Pop-Up Mini Golf possible! We’re seeking at least 9 teams to use their creativity, imaginations, and some recycled materials to create Pop-Up Mini Golf holes for this event. We’ll provide a starter kit with your turf and goal. You’ll add fun obstacles and boundaries around a “Level Up” theme of your choice! Families, neighbors, coworkers, church groups, volunteer groups, and more are invited to create a team and register. Simply visit www.perry.lib.ia.us and find the registration link in the May Events Calendar, visit the Library for a registration form, or call 515-465-3569 and a librarian will assist you.
Children’s Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program 2025 Highlights:
- 5 GRAND PRIZES – Prize 1: Toni Box Starter Set, Prize 2: Sphero Coding Robot + $50 in Perry Bucks, Prize 3: Magnetic Cube Block Set + $50 in Perry Bucks, Prize 4: Family Game Package, and Prize 5: a Gift Basket Galore for Toddlers
- Level Up Prizes – Earn Brag Tags©, free books, and age-appropriate toys for ages 0 to 3 when you earn point for reading and completing side quests
- Level Up Your Knowledge with Incredible Bats Live Bat Show – Tuesday, June 10
- Level Up Magic Show with Mikayla Oz – Thursday, June 19
- Level Up Family Build-Your-Own-Board-Bame Afternoon – Thursday, June 26
- Level Up Pokemon Bingo – Thursday, July 10
- Level Up Life-Size Oregon Trail Game – Week of July 7 through July 11
- Level Up Kids’ Movies – Monday, June 16 and Monday, July 7
- Level Up PBS Adventure Cube – Monday, July 14 (registration required)
- Pop-Up Mini Golf Grand Finale – Saturday, July 26
Teen Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program 2025 Highlights:
- 3 GRAND PRIZES – Prize 1: Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera Set, Prize 2: Plush Adjustable Gaming Chair and LED Strip Lights Gaming Prize, and Prize 3: Tabletop and Outdoor Game Pack
- Level Up Prizes – Earn fun keychains and free books when you earn points for reading and completing side quests
- Weekly Level Up Meet-Ups on Fridays in June and July with activities including:
- Hunger Games Obstacle Course
- Kindergarten Game Day
- Live-Action Video Game
- Puzzle Races
- Nano Tape Bubble Kits
- Movie and Craft
- Pop-Up Mini Golf Grand Finale – Saturday, July 26
Adult Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program 2025 Highlights:
- 4 GRAND PRIZES – Level Up with Prize 1: a Pickleball Set, Prize 2: a Puzzle Table, Prize 3: a Reading Package, or Prize 4: a Mary Rose Gift Certificate!
- 8 MINI-PRIZES – Enjoy creative prizes to help you “level up” with skills and hobbies. Plus, new this summer: winners choose from available prizes!
- 2 BONUS MINI-PRIZES in June and July
- Level Up Your Personal History Workshops – Tuesday, June 3 and Tuesday, July 1
- Level Up Your Personal History Recording Sessions – By Appointment in June and July
- Level Up Puzzle Competition – Saturday, June 14
- Level Up Route 66 Escape Room Game for Next Chapter Group – Wednesday, June 18
- Level Up National Parks Escape Room Game – Thursday, July 10
- Pop-Up Mini Golf Grand Finale – Saturday, July 26
Any Book Book Club: A Book You’ve Been Avoiding – Saturday, May 24
The Any Book Book Club is a book club for anyone and any book, just as the name says! We will meet on the 4th Saturday of each month from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Library Community Room. The Any Book Book Club is a prompted book club where every month we have a prompt and participants pick a book that fits the theme to read! The prompt for May is a book that you’ve been avoiding! Read whatever book you want that fits that prompt and then come and talk about it on Saturday, May 24, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. No registration is required to participate. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Memorial Day Holiday Closure – Monday, May 26
Perry Public Library will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26. We will reopen at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 27.
Share Your Lego with the Library – Donate Today!
Perry Public Library is excited to announce a Lego Club coming your way this summer! Our Club will need a variety of Lego to participate in fun challenges and create imaginative builds. We would appreciate any Lego donations you would like to share with us – sets, partial sets, figures, and bins of random Lego are all welcome! Simply bring your clean and gently used Lego to the library circulation desk and we’ll set them aside for our upcoming club.
Perry Public Library KidsFest 2025 – Saturday, June 7
Come celebrate summer with the annual Perry Public Library KidsFest! This exciting, family-friendly, free event will kick off the Summer Library Program activities. Mark your calendars on Saturday, June 7 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm for this can’t-miss event. Enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities for children like the Foam Blaster, creating bubbles, PBS Kids STEAM stations, outdoor games, family photos, the dunk tank, and a petting zoo.
New this year, as part of our Summer Library Program theme, Level Up at Your Library, we will have a Gaming Truck filled with a variety of consoles! There is truly something fun for everyone at KidsFest!
The Perry Volunteer Fire Department will also offer a $1.00 meal of either a hot dog or pork loin as a fundraiser. Thank you to our collaborative partners and sponsors who make this event possible: City of Perry, Friends of the Perry Public Library, Perry Public Library Foundation, Bock Family Foundation, Raccoon Valley Bank Foundation, Captured Moments by Tennille, Dallas County Public Health, Hispanics United for Perry, Iowa PBS, Perry Volunteer Fire Department, Rotary Club of Perry, Fareway, Raccoon Valley Radio, Hyvee and Rhonda Olson’s Popcorn Stand. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
