The Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum have announced the following programs for February 2025.
Adult Winter Library Program – We’re Smitten with Reading: February 1 – 28
It’s not too late to join in on the fun, but hurry! February is your last month to get your mitts on a good book (or 2 or 3) this winter and join our Perry Public Library Adult Winter Reading Challenge! Participating is easy. Read every day for 90 days and earn 1 point for each day you read. Every 5 points you earn gets you an entry into a prize drawing! Adults can earn entries for our two grand prizes, including Grand Prize 1: The Kindle Paperwhite Ultimate Prize Bundle and Grand Prize 2: The Connect to Hoopla or Libby TV Prize. Plus, earn entries for 6 fun mini-prizes. The Adult Winter Library Program continues through February 28, 2025 and registration is still open! We recommend using the Beanstack app, where you can easily track each day you read and enter to win prizes! Simply visit beanstack.com and enter in our library name or download the Beanstack app to get started. Patrons may also opt to register in person and use paper tracking forms to participate. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Teen Winter Library Program – We’re Smitten with Reading: February 1 – 28
It’s not too late to join in on the fun, but hurry! February is your last month to get your mitts on a good book (or 2 or 3) this winter and join our Perry Public Library Adult Winter Reading Challenge! Participating is easy. Read every day for 90 days and earn 1 point for each day you read. Every 5 points you earn gets you a prize – alternating between earning a charm and earning a charm + a Grand Prize Entry! Teens can earn entries for our three grand prizes, including Grand Prize 1: Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Grand Prize 2: A Heated Blanket and Box of Hot Chocolate, and Grand Prize 3: A Cozy Reading Set Bundle. The Teen Winter Library Program continues through February 28, 2025 and registration is still open! We recommend using the Beanstack app, where you can easily track each day you read and enter to win prizes! Simply visit beanstack.com and enter in our library name or download the Beanstack app to get started. Patrons may also opt to register in person and use paper tracking forms to participate. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Children’s Winter Library Program – We’re Smitten with Reading: February 1 – 28
It’s not too late to join in on the fun, but hurry! February is your last month to get your mitts on a good book (or 2 or 3) this winter and join our Perry Public Library Adult Winter Reading Challenge! ! Participating is easy. Read every day for 90 days and earn 1 point for each day you read. Every 5 points you earn gets you a prize – alternating between earning a charm and earning a charm + a Grand Prize Entry! Children can earn entries for our three grand prizes, including Grand Prize 1: A Magna-Tile Construction Set, Grand Prize 2: A Fire 7 Kids’ Tablet, and Grand Prize 3: A Boy’s and Girl’s Cozy Reading Set. The Children’s Winter Library program continues through February 28, 2025 and registration is still open! We recommend using the Beanstack app, where you can easily track each day you read and enter to win prizes! Simply visit beanstack.com and enter in our library name or download the Beanstack app to get started. Patrons may also opt to register in person and use paper tracking forms to participate. For more information, go to www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.
Food For Fines February – Show Some Love for The Food Pantry
Do you have outstanding fines and would like to clear your library account while also showing some love for the Food Pantry? During the month of February, the library is offering the Food For Fines program. For each non-perishable food item brought in, the library will waive one line item of fines from your account. This program is only applicable for fines and cannot be used to waive any costs or fees associated with non-returned items or damaged materials. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-3569.
Take Your Child to the Library Week – February 1 -9
Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. Take Your Child to the Library Week is the perfect time to discover library magic. Join us February 1st through 9th for our weekly storytimes and fun activities for kids and teens. Don’t forget to bring your family in to get a Perry Public Library card (it’s free!), renew your card, and see what’s new at the library. Our librarians are excited to meet with you, answer any questions, and guide you through the library. Plus, we have special age-appropriate prize baskets children can place one entry in just for visiting the Perry Public Library during Take Your Child to the Library Week! For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or call 515-465-3569.
Blind Date with a Book – February 1 – 28
This February, Perry Public Library is playing matchmaker! We all know that going out on a blind date is a lot like opening up a new book – you never know what kind of experience you’ll have! You’re invited to take a chance on a new book this month with our “Blind Date with a Book.” Who knows? You may even fall in love with a new book this February! To participate, simply select your “date” from the specially wrapped books, check it out at the circulation desk, and then unwrap it. Hopefully, it’s love at first sight! Even if it isn’t, be sure to “Rate-Your-Date” by filling out a quick form to be entered into a drawing for a sweet treat. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or call 515-465-3569.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: The History of Andrew Carnegie Exhibit – February 1 – 28
Who is Andrew Carnegie, the man who our building is named after? Why is our building named after him? Why was he so important to libraries across America? Find out the answers to these questions and more at our February Exhibit on the History of Andrew Carnegie! This is a free event during open winter hours: Sun/Mon: Closed; Tues-Wed: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Thurs: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Fri-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.
February Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit – DIY “Feeling Lucky” Interactive Shadow Box
Bring a bit of luck to your spring décor with the February Adult Grab and Go DIY kit! This adorable kit features supplies to create your own fun shadow box filled with decorative 3-leaf clovers, plus one 4-leaf clover for the lucky person who can find it! 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 St. Patrick’s Day “Feeling Lucky” Shadow Box. This February 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.
February Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit – DIY Love You to Pieces Valentine Wreath
Teens, 12 to 18, are invited to come into the library during February to pick up a Free Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Love You to Pieces Valentine Wreath. Teen patrons can bring home one Free February 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.
February Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit – DIY Cute Candy Jar
Kids, up to age 11, are invited to come into the library during February to pick up a Free Grab and Go Kids Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Cute Candy Jar with Valentine’s stickers and washi tape. Kids can bring home one Free February 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.
Carnegie Library Museum Grab and Go Craft Kit – DIY Wooden Book Ornaments
Stop into the Carnegie Library Museum beginning February 1st and pick up a fun, free Grab and Go Craft kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to create your own DIY Wooden Book Ornament. 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.
February 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 February 15, and our Adult Services Librarian, Mindy, will help you find your next book, while our tea enthusiast, Trista, will select your tea. February Book Matches will be available for patrons to pick up by March 1. Patrons must be 18+ to participate and spots are limited. To register and complete your survey, visit 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.
Evening Family Storytime (Ages Birth to 11): Mondays – February 3, 10, 24
Can’t make it to our daytime storytimes? Do you want to enjoy some family time with your children at the library? Come to our Monday Evening Family Storytime each week from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm in our Children’s Area! We will follow the same theme as our daily storytime each month and incorporate different songs and activities, depending on the ages of the children who attend. The theme for February is “Fun with Numbers” and we will read books and make crafts involving numbers and counting.! The library will be closed in honor of President’s Day on February 17, so there will be no Evening Family Storytime on this date. No registration is required for this free program. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or call 515-465-3569.
Tween Zone (3rd to 5th Grades): Tuesdays – February 4, 11, 18, 25
Tween Zone is a weekly library program for students in 3rd through 5th grades, that meets every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm! Each week will include a fun activity. We may make crafts, play games, or even watch a movie! We also encourage all tweens to join us on the last Tuesday of the month to share what book they read and enjoyed the most in February, drink some hot chocolate while they discover new reads, and listen to Miss Laura read from her favorite Tween book of the month. Be sure to bring a blanket or pillow to add to the coziness. Our February activities include:
- February 4 – Make a Foil Balloon
- February 11 – Valentine’s Crafts
- February 18 – Tiny Hands Games
- February 25 – Hot Chocolate and Books
This is a free, weekly activity and no registration is required. For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569, or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
Adventure in the World of Dungeons and Dragons: Tuesdays – February 4, 11, 18, 25
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 February. 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.
Budding Bookworms Storytime (Ages 2 to 5): Wednesdays – February 5, 12, 19, 26
Budding Bookworms is a Wednesday storytime for ages 2 to 5 that meets weekly from 10:30 am to 11:15 am in the Community Room. This storytime combines our Toddler and Preschool storytimes into a fun, engaging 45-minute program that includes books, singing and dancing, and simple crafts. Our goal is to allow caregivers to introduce their children to good literature, encourage growth in children’s literacy skills, and promote the library as an enjoyable place where learning is fun. This month we are having fun with numbers! Learning how to count is an important part of school readiness, and the library is here to make that process fun! This month, our toddler/preschool storytime will focus on numbers and counting, with fun books and activities all about your 1, 2, 3s! Budding Bookworms is free to the public, but please register your child, so we can be prepared with supplies to enhance their experience. 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.
“Next Chapter” 55+ Group at the Library: Wednesdays – February 5, 12, 19, 26
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. February’s schedule includes:
- February 5 – ISU Stay Independent Series: Exercise Your Independence
- February 12 – Lifetime Fitness with Judy Tomenga
- February 19 – Games and Puzzles
- February 26 – 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.
Wow! Wednesdays STEM Program (K-5th Grades): Wednesdays – February 5, 12, 19, 26
This month, we will have a special visit from the Iowa Heart Foundation on the 19th to learn about our hearts and do fun and educational activities like learn CPR and how to use a stethoscope. We will also do lots of winter and Valentine-themed experiments throughout the month, and end February with a cool Maker Space project that kids have been clamoring for: the motorized drag car! Our Wow! Wednesdays STEAM program for elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade explores Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Art! The group meets every Wednesday (excluding holidays), from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Community Room. February’s schedule includes:
- February 5 – Winter Experiments
- February 12 – Valentine’s Experiments
- February 19 – Iowa Heart Foundation Visits with Activities
- February 26 – Maker Space Battery-Powered Dragster
We will also have LEGOs, Snap Circuits, and our Maker Space cart available for tinkering at each Wow! Wednesday. This is a free, weekly activity and no registration is required. For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569, or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
Wee Wonders Storytime (Ages Birth to 24 Months): Thursdays – February 6, 13, 20, 27
Wee Wonders is an early literacy lapsit program for babies birth through 24 months and their caregivers held every Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:15 am in the Community Room. We sing songs and rhymes, read simple books, do fingerplays and bounces, and incorporate motor skills with shakers and scarves. There is also a period of social play at the end of each program. Plus, each participating baby gets a free board book every time they come to the program. This program is free to the public, but please register your child, so we can be prepared with supplies to enhance their experience. 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.
Teen Lounge (6th to 12th Grades): Fridays – February 7, 14, 21, 28
Welcome to the Teen Lounge, our weekly program on Fridays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for teens in middle and high school! Every week will be different: crafts, games, speakers, a movie, karaoke, or just a place to hang out. This month’s planned activities include:
- February 7 – Practicing Hygge
- February 14 – Anti-Valentine’s Day
- February 21 – Decorate Bookends
- February 28 – Woven CD Dreamcatchers
No registration is required. Call the library at (515) 465-3569, or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us for more information.
Teen Advisory Board (6th to 12th Grades): Fridays – 7, 14, 21, 28
The Perry Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board, or TAB, meets from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm on Fridays immediately following the Teen Lounge program. The board is intended for students in 6th through 12th grade who have a strong interest in the library and want to become involved in its function. Participants will have a say in future teen programs, the young adult collection, and the teen space. Participation counts toward high school volunteer hours. To join, come to the library to fill out an application. Applications will be available during Teen Lounge programs as well. Regular participation is required. For more information, contact Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at laura.pieper@perryia.org or (515) 465-3569.
Paper Crafting with Kathy: “A Hog & Kisses” Candy Gift and a Fun Fold Card – February 15
Create a fun “A Hog & Kisses” Candy Gift with message ideas for many occasions, plus a new fun fold card, at the February Paper Crafting with Kathy class. 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, February 15, 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 February 14. 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, February 15
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 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, February 15, 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.
Library Closed for President’s Day – Monday, February 17
The Perry Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of President’s day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 18 to resume our normal hours at 10:00 am.
Monthly Book Club: James by Percival Everett, February 18
February’s Monthly Book Club selection, James by Percival Everett, is guaranteed to generate excellent discussion. The book is hailed as “A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.” Join us on Tuesday, February 18, in the Community Room from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm as we discuss this classic book about moving forward with meaning. 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.
New! Any Book Book Club: A Book with “Love” in the Title – Saturday, February 28
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 you the reader pick a book that aligns with it to read! The prompt for February is a book with “love” in the title! Read whatever book you want that fits that prompt and then come and talk about it on Saturday, February 28, 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.
February Adult Craft Club: Mosiac Coasters – Monday, February 24
Join Trista for our latest Adult Craft Club featuring mosaic coasters, perfect for your coffee mug or any other glass. The February Adult Craft Club will meet on Monday, February 24 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Room. Supplies and instruction are provided free of charge, but space is limited and registration is required by February 17. 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.
Salvation Army Support Services
The Salvation Army Support Services will return to the Perry Public Library on the 3rd Monday of the month beginning February 18th. 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.
