The Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum have announced the following programs for June 2025.
JUNW SPECIAL EVENTS
Perry Public Library Summer Library Program: Level Up at Your Library – May 22 – July 26
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 22 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 26h.
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 June 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 points 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 June 23rd – July 3
• Level Up Kids’ Movies – Monday, June 16th and Monday, July 7
• Pop-Up Mini Golf Grand Finale – Saturday, July 26
• Weekly Level Up Meet-Ups for babies, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids in June and July (see our weekly calendar)
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:
o Hunger Games Obstacle Course
o Kindergarten Game Day for Teens
o Live-Action Video Game
o Puzzle Races
o Nano Tape Bubble Kits
o 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 3rd and Tuesday, July 1
• Level Up Your Personal History Recording Sessions – By Appointment in June and July
• Level Up Puzzle Competition – Saturday, June 28
• Level Up Route 66 Escape Room Game during Next Chapter Group – Wednesday, June 18th
• Level Up National Parks Escape Room Game – Thursday, July 10
• Pop-Up Mini Golf Grand Finale – Saturday, July 26
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: History of Games – June 3 through June 28
Join us for an introduction to the history of card games, board games, and even some Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) at our new June Exhibit! We’ll Level Up at Our Local Library as we look back at games of our past and present. The History of Games Exhibit will go from Tuesday, June 3 through Saturday, June 28 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.
Level Up Your Personal History Workshop: How to Start Your Story (Adult Summer Library Program) – Tuesday, June 3
Many people would give just about anything to learn more about their loved ones and hear their stories! Personal histories preserve these priceless stories, but people are often reluctant to record them or do not know how to get started. This workshop will offer ideas for overcoming writer’s block, tips for unlocking memories, and options for recording your personal history in a style that’s right for you. Join us on Tuesday, June 3, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Community Room to discover how to start sharing – and preserving – your personal history! We will also share how to record 15-minute personal stories at the Carnegie Library Museum this summer. For those who would like to attend in the evening, we will offer the same workshop on Tuesday, July 1, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit www. perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or visit the library.
Level Up Your Personal History Recording Sessions (Adult Summer Library Program) – June and July, By Appointment
Carnegie Library Museum staff will be available this June and July to help you record up to 15-minute personal history segments. They will schedule 30 minutes for you to bring your recording equipment (your phone or voice recorder) and a story or two to record. This is an excellent way to start that Personal History you’ve been meaning to do or begin the recording of a personal history you’ve already started. Carnegie Library Museum hours: Sun/Mon: Closed and Tues-Sat: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713 or email Candi at candi.coffin@perryia.org.
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.
Incredible Bats Show for the Children’s Summer Library Program – Tuesday, June 10
Get up close with live Egyptian Fruit Bats and African Straw-Colored Fruit Bats at our Incredible Bats Show featuring Kim White! Learn more about these amazing, misunderstood creatures and why bats are important for maintaining balance in the natural world. Bring your family for this free, all-ages event on Tuesday, June 10, from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm 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 come to the library.
Level Up Kids’ Movie for the Children’s Summer Library Program: Monday, June 16
Take a break from the June heat and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie in our Library Community Room! The movie will be shown on Monday, June 16, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm for all ages. Attendees are welcome to bring a snuggly blanket or pillow to make viewing more comfy. Please remember that children under the age of 6 must always be within the line of sight of their caregiver and children under 9 must have an adult present in the library during their entire library visit. This is a free event, and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Mikayla Oz Magic Show for the Children’s Summer Library Program – Thursday, June 19
Bring your family for this free, all-ages, high-energy magic show on Thursday, June 19, from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm in the Community Room. The show will include tons of laughs and gags, lots of audience participation, and an appearance by Bubbles the Bird! This is a free event, and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Life-Size Oregon Trail for the Summer Library Program – June 23 to July 3
Bring your family for this free, all-ages interactive activity at the Perry Public Library from June 23 to July 3. Please remember that we will be closed on July 4th for the holiday and on Sundays. Based on the popular computer game, Life-Size Oregon Trail invites your team to choose your path as you embark on a famous cross-country journey across the library. Will you make it Oregon or die of dysentery along the way? Join us this month to try your luck and find out! This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Family Build-Your-Own Board Game for the Summer Library Program – Thursday, June 26
Do you enjoy playing games? Have you ever considered creating your own board game? Then, bring your family for this free, all-ages event on Thursday, June 26, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Community Room! We will provide all of the supplies for your group to design, build, and play your own board game. This is a free event and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Level Up Team Puzzle Challenge for the Adult Summer Library Program – Saturday, June 28
Grab your teammates and get ready to Level Up with our 500-piece puzzle challenge! We have space for 5 teams of up to 4 players to compete for not only bragging rights, but a trophy, a new puzzle, and $100 in Perry Bucks to treat your team to dinner. Plus, all teams will get to bring home their completed puzzle! Join us or our challenge on Saturday, June 28th, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. To participate in this free event, register your team by Saturday, June 21. To register, click on the event on our calendar at https://www.perry.lib.ia.us/events, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
JUNE MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Any Book Book Club: A Book with a LGBTQ+ Main Character – SPECIAL DATE – Saturday, June 14
The Any Book Book Club is a book club for anyone and any book, just as the name says! We will meet early this month on Saturday, June 14, 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 June is “A book with an LGBTQ+ main character!” Read whatever book you want that fits that prompt and then come and talk about it on Saturday, June 14, 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.
Monthly Book Club: How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley – Tuesday, June 17
The Monthly Book Club is enjoying a new, hit ensemble comedy filled with “cleverly flawed and lovable characters.” Join us on Tuesday, June 17, in the Community Room from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm as we discuss How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley. 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.
Paper Crafting with Kathy: Mini-Cards with Envelopes and Storage Boxes + Foam Stamping – Saturday, June 21
Join Kathy this month and learn how to create your own mini-cards set that includes both envelopes and a coordinating storage box. Plus, you’ll enjoy the art of foam stamping. The craft series will be held the third Saturday each month. We will meet on Saturday, June 21, 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 Friday, June 20. 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, June 21
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, June 21, 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.
June Adult Craft Club: Patriotic Porch Sign Monday, June 30
Get ready for a festive summer by creating a Patriotic Porch Leaner at our June Adult Craft Club! Join us for our monthly Adult Craft Club Monday, June 30, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Supplies and instruction are provided free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required by June 23. 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.
JUNE WEEKLY PROGRAMS
Evening Family Storytime: Mondays – June 9, 16, 23, 30
Your family is invited to join Miss Laura in the library Children’s Area on Monday evenings this summer for Level Up books and crafts! Join us on Monday nights, starting June 9, from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm for family fun. This is a free, all-ages program and no registration is required.For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
2 to 5 Years Old Weekly Children’s Summer Library Program: Tuesdays – Jun 10, 17, 24
As part of our Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program theme, we will read about playing and having fun, sing silly, interactive songs, and play tons of games! We will meet on Tuesdays, beginning June 10, from 10:30 am to 11:15 am in the Community Room.
June 10 – Let’s Get Up and Move
June 17 – Games That Make You Think
June 24 – Use Your Imagination
This is a free program for children ages two to five and their parents or guardians. No registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
K–2nd Grades Weekly Children’s Summer Library Program: Tuesdays – Jun 17 & 24
As part of our Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program theme, we will read about playing and having fun, plus play tons of games! We will meet on Tuesdays, beginning June 17, from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm in the Community Room.
June 10 – No Meet Up Due to All Ages Incredible Bats Program at 4:00 pm
June 17 – Games That Make You Think
June 24 – Use Your Imagination
This is a free program for children who have just completed Kindergarten through 2nd grades. No registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Adventure in the World of Dungeons and Dragons (Ages 10+): Tuesdays – June 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! This month, we will be running the Light of Xaryxis campaign and exploring Wildspace and the Astral Sea. Our adventures as Spelljammers in these new territories will be enjoyable for newcomers and experienced players alike! Patrons 10+ are invited to join us as we venture into the Light of Xaryxis Campaign in the Perry Public Library Community Room on Tuesday nights in June. 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 – June 4, 11, 18, 25
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. June’s schedule includes:
June 4 – ISU Stay Independent Series: Thriving in Place
June 11 – Lifetime Fitness with Judy Tomenga
June 18 – Route 66 Escape Room Game
June 25 – 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.
3rd – 5th Grades Weekly Children’s Summer Library Program: Wednesdays – June 11, 18, 25
As part of our Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program theme, we will play tons of games, solve puzzles, and enjoy several video game-themed activities! We will meet on Wednesdays, beginning on June 11, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Community Room.
June 11 – Get Up and Move!
June 18 – Old-Fashioned Games
June 25 – Oregon Trail/Choose Your Own Adventure
This is a free program for children who have just completed 3rd through 5th grades. No registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Birth to 24 Months Weekly Children’s Summer Library Program: Fridays – Jun 13, 20, 27
Play helps us think in new ways and is a great way to make friends! As part of our Level Up at Your Library Summer Library Program theme, our Birth to 24 Months group will read about playing and having fun, sing silly, interactive songs, and play lots of games. We will meet on Fridays, beginning June 13th, from 10:30 am to 11:15 am in the Community Room.
June 13 – Noisy Play
June 20 – Mirror Play
June 27 – Ball Play
This is a free program for children ages birth to 24 months and their parents or guardians. No registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Teen (6th – 12th Grades) Weekly Summer Library Program: Fridays – Jun 13, 20, 27
Teens just want to have fun! Come hang out with us this summer and Level Up your fun with these awesome Teen Summer Library Program Activities. We will meet on Fridays, June 13th, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Community Room.
June 13 – Kindergarten Game Day for Teens
June 20 – Hunger Games Obstacle Course
June 27 – Movie and Craft
This is a free program for teens who have just completed 6th through 12th grades. No registration is required. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
JUNE GRAB AND GO KITS
June Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit – DIY No-Sew Adjustable Ribbon Bookmarks
One of the best ways to level up at your library this summer is curling up in the sunshine with a good book! Make these fun, adjustable bookmarks to take along with you on summer reading adventures. 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 two DIY No-Sew Adjustable Ribbon Bookmarks. This June 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.
June Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit – DIY Paper Pinwheels
Teens, 12 to 18, are invited to come into the library during June to pick up a Free Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Paper Pinwheel. Teen patrons can bring home one Free June 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.
June Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit – DIY Make & Play Shisima Game
Kids, up to age 11, are invited to come into the library during June to pick up a Free Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Make & Play Shisima Game (Three-in-a-Row Game from Kenya). Kids can bring home one Free June 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 Playing Card Mini-Notebooks
Stop into the Carnegie Library Museum beginning June 3rd and pick up a fun, free Grab and Go Craft kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to create your own DIY Playing Card Mini-Notebook. 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.
