December to bring busy days for Perry Public Library

Winter Reading Program – December 2022 – February 2023

The Perry Public Library Winter Reading Program is back for children, teens, and adults! Come to the library beginning December 1st to register for a program that is just like the Summer Reading Program – only cooler! Participating is easy – read, record hours or complete short book reviews, and win prizes. Awesome grand prizes are available for preschool, grade school, teens, and adults. To register, visit the library or call 515-465-3569.

Festival of Trees 2022 – November 22 – January 8

The Festival of Trees is back for its eighth year, and it’s time to celebrate in person again! From November 22 to January 8, the Carnegie Library Museum will transform into a merry, winter wonderland, with beautifully decorated themed trees and festive displays installed by individuals, businesses, and organizations; all designed to put us in the holiday spirit. Enjoy the magical atmosphere all season at this free event, and join us for special open hours at the museum during the Perry Lighted Parade, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, November 25, to help us kick off our holiday celebration! For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713.

Chess at the Library – December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Chess Instruction and Walk-in Chess will continue to be offered at the library this December on Thursday afternoons. Students, grades K-12, will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, in the library Board Room. Chess players of all ages are welcome to meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, also in the Board Room, for instruction or competition. Instructor is David Oliveira, who offers Chess instruction by individual appointments, as well. Call the library to arrange a time at 515-465-3569.

Wee Wonders – December 1

Babies from birth through 18 months and an adult are welcome to Wee Wonders on Thursday, December 1 in the Library Community Room. Each family receives a free book when attending. We practice sign language, read articles pertinent to new parents, sing songs, and play. Sign up by registering online at www.perry.lib.ia.us or by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us.

Saturday Crafternoon – December 3

Join us on the first Saturday of each month for Saturday Crafternoons, from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, in the library Community Room. We provide a dedicated makerspace for crafters and do-it-yourselfers to work on projects in a comfortable environment. Plan your next work session for Saturday, December 3, at the library. Tables are available on a first come, first served basis, and everyone is invited. No reservations and no charge!

Saturday Story Times – December 3, 10, 17

Saturday Story Times continue in the library Community Room at 10:15 am, December 3, 10, and 17 Saturday Story Times continue in December at Perry Public Library, at 10:15 a.m. Join us for stories, activities, and crafts at these free events. No registration is needed. For more information, call the library: 515-465-3569 or visit our website at www.perry.lib.ia.us. No Story Time on Saturday, December 24.

Cooking Time with 18 Month to 3-Year-Olds – December 6

Cooking Time with Miss Suzanne will meet on Tuesday, December 6 from 10:15 am to 11:00 am to talk about safety in the kitchen, cooking procedures, and nutrition, along with making simple snacks. Register for this four-week unit Story Time by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us or by calling 515-465-3569. Each child will receive a free apron and snack to sample. Located in the Library Community Room.

Mystery Book Club: Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff and I The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict – December 6

The Perry Public Library Mystery Book Club will meet at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 6, in-person, in the Library Community Room. The December selected titles are Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff and I The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict. Interested readers are invited to join discussion leader Mary Murphy for a book discussion each month. Books are available at the library, and newcomers are always welcome! Register online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library at 515-465-3569.

Never Too Old for YA Book Club: History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera – December 7

The Perry Public Library Never Too Old for YA Book Club will hold its December book discussion at 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, December 7, in the library Community Room. The selected discussion book is History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera. Anyone interested may join the group at any time, but registration is required. Books are available at the library for registrants. Register online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.

Cooking Time with Fours and Fives – December 7

Cooking Time with Miss Suzanne will meet on Wednesday, December 7 from 10:15 am to 11:00 am to talk about safety in the kitchen, cooking procedures, and nutrition, along with making simple snacks. Register for this four-week unit story time by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us or by calling 515-465-3569. Each child will receive a free apron and snack to sample. Located in the Library Community Room.

Wee Wonders – December 8

Babies from birth through 18 months and an adult are welcome to Wee Wonders on Thursday, December 8 in the Library Community Room. Each family receives a free book when attending. We practice sign language, read articles pertinent to new parents, sing songs, and play. Sign up by registering online at www.perry.lib.ia.us or by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us.

2022 Festival of Trees Latino Night – Festival de Arboles Noche Latina – December 8

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum and Hispanics United for Perry present the 2022 Festival de Arboles Noche Latina (2022 Festival of Trees Latino Night) on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Carnegie Library Museum will be open extended hours for visitors to view the trees and enjoy a scavenger hunt for families. This event is free and open to all.

Open House Retirement Celebration for Suzanne Kestel – December 9

Join us as we celebrate treasured Children’s Services Librarian, Suzanne Kestel. Ms. Suzanne will retire this month and the public is invited to an Open House in her honor in the Library Community Room from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on December 9th. Come help us thank Suzanne and wish her well!

Las Posadas – December 16

Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) will hold its annual Las Posadas Celebration on Friday, December 16 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Las Posadas is a traditional Hispanic Christmas celebration that re-enacts joseph and Mary’s search to find a room at the inn for the baby Jesus to be born. The celebration will begin with an ecumenical service at St. Patrick’s Church. After the ceremony, there will be a procession and caroling down 2nd street. A dinner of pork birria, rice, and beans will be served starting at 7:30 pm at the First United Method Church. A free will offering will be collected to support HUP scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: Classic Gift Wrapping – December 17

Have some last-minute wrapping to do? Come on over to the Carnegie Library Museum and bring in gifts to be wrapped! Participants will learn how to wrap using classic materials and decorating techniques. Event will be held on December 17 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Carnegie Library Museum in Perry. No registration required. For more information, contact Trista at the Carnegie Library at 515-465-7713.

Carnegie Library Museum Quilt Raffle – Now – December 17

The annual Carnegie Library Museum Quilt Raffle is underway and will continue until Saturday, December 17. Local quilter Linda Andorf has generously donated two holiday quilts and one holiday wall-hanging for the raffle. Come and view the quilts or purchase tickets ($1 each /6 tickets for $5) at the Carnegie Library Museum. All proceeds directly benefit the museum. The festive quilts will be on display there through December 16th and they may also be viewed at the Winter Market on December 17 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Perry Public Library Community Room. Come and see these works of art! For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713.

Friends of the Library Quilt Raffle – Now – December 17

The 2022 Friends of the Perry Public Library Quilt Raffle is underway and will continue until December 17. Two beautiful quilts were donated by the Perry Piecemakers Quilt Guild and they will be on display at the Perry Public Library and during the Festival of Trees. Tickets are on sale now at the library for $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds to benefit Perry Public Library programming.

Monthly Book Club – December 20

The Perry Public Library Monthly Book Club will meet at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, December 20, in the library Community Room. The club will meet to discuss and decide on the 2023 reading list. Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion, but registration is required. Register online (http://www.perry.lib.us), by phone: 515-465-3569, or in person. Books are available at the library for participants. For more information, call Library Director and discussion leader Mary Murphy at 515-465-3569.

Holiday Closings and Special Hours – December 24, 25, and 26

The Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum will be open from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 24 and closed on Sunday, December 25, and Monday, December 26 for the Christmas holiday.

Holiday Closings and Special Hours – December 31, January 1 and 2

The Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum will be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 31, and closed on Sunday, January 1 and Monday, January 2 for the New Year’s holiday.

Craft Club: Beaded or Braided Keychains– December 27

Hunter will be teaching participants how to make colorful beaded or braided keychains this month during Craft Club. The Craft Club will meet from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Library Community Room on Tuesday, December 27. Registration is required and the materials fee is $5 for all participants. Registration and payment is due by 12/19/22 to join this event. To register, stop by or call the library at 515-465-3569.