The Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum will feature the following events in November.
November Grab and Go Adult Craft – Snowy Day Wickless Candle
Light up your winter nights with this fun Snowy Day Wickless Candle! Come into the library for your own Grab and Go DIY Snowy Day Wickless Candle Craft Kit beginning November 1st. Adult patrons can bring home one Free DIY Snowy Wickless Candle Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This craft kit includes materials and instructions for making one candle. This November 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.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: A Conversation With . . . Sheriff Adam Infante – November 2
Join Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum for their latest in the “A Conversation With…” series. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante will join the Carnegie Library for an informal “get to know you” question and answer session on Thursday, November 2 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Bring your questions and join us for this free event. No registration is required. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-7713.
Toddler Time Tuesday Storytime (2 and 3-Year-Olds): Holiday Traditions Around the World – November 7, 14, 28, and December 5
This storytime is geared toward toddlers ages 2 to 3. During November and December, we will celebrate the holiday season with books, songs, activities, and crafts focusing on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; American Thanksgiving; the Jewish holiday Hanukkah; the many traditions behind the Christmas season, including Las Posadas and St. Nicholas Day; and Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture. Toddler Time meets on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 11:15 am. We will meet on November 7, 14, 28, and December 5. This is a free program, but registration is required. To register, visit the library, go online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Fun with Fours and Fives Wednesday Storytime (4 and 5-Year-Olds): Holiday Traditions Around the World – November 1, 8, 15, 29 and December 6
This storytime is for preschool-age children, ages 4-5. During November and December, we will celebrate the holiday season with books, songs, activities, and crafts focusing on Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; American Thanksgiving; the Jewish holiday Hanukkah; the many traditions behind the Christmas season, including Las Posadas and St. Nicholas Day; and Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture. Fun with Fours and Fives will meet on November 1, 8, 15, 29 and December 6. This is a free program, but registration is required. To register, visit the library, go online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Fall Wee Wonders Storytime Thursday (Birth to 24 Months): Holiday Traditions Around the World – November 2, 9, 16, 30, and December 7
Our Wee Wonders program continues in November through the first week in December. We meet from 10:30 am to 11:15 am on Thursdays. We will spend the next few weeks together exploring holiday traditions around the world in a fun and engaging way. Wee Wonders is an early literacy lapsit program for babies from birth through 24 months. We sing songs and rhymes, read simple books, do fingerplays, bounces, and incorporate motor skills with shakers and scarves. There is a period of social play at the end of each program. Each participating baby also gets a free board book every time they come to the program. Wee Wonders will meet on November 2, 9, 16, 30, and December 7. To register, visit the library, go online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or email lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.
Tween Zone: Mini Scarecrow Craft – November 7
Tween Zone is a new program for “tweens,” ages 8 through 12, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the FIRST Tuesday of the month. Miss Laura will have a craft for anyone interested, and participants can also tinker with our Maker Space Cart, play with our Beam projector, play board games, play with our Wii console, color coloring pages, or just sit and hang out. Tween Zone will meet on Tuesday, November 7 and this month’s craft will be mini scarecrows. This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
WOW! Wednesdays Robots (K-2nd Grades): Dancing Corn Experiment and Wiggle Bots – November 1
WOW! Wednesdays are early-out STEM-related activity times for elementary students at the Library! Children in kindergarten through second grade are invited to attend WOW! Wednesdays Robots from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the FIRST Wednesday of the month. For November 1, the Robots will be experimenting with Dancing Corn and Maker Space Wiggle bots with Miss Laura. This fall, we are also excited to incorporate our new Maker Space Cart during WOW! Wednesdays! Kids can tinker around or participate in challenges to build things with items from the cart. Miss Laura will present a different science experiment each month, and there will be LEGOs, Snap Circuits, and other activities. This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Fresh Conversations with Aging Resources of Central Iowa: November 1
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 to discuss nutrition, plus try a tasty recipe on Wednesday, November 1, 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 Club at the Library – November 2, 9, 16, and 30
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 November for Chess Instruction and Walk-in at the Library. Please note that the library will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23, so there will be no Chess Club that day. 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): Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas – November 6
We Have Issues: A YA Book Club for Everyone is a fun, laid-back book club where we enjoy reading and discussing the often-dramatic world of YA literature. We love exploring timely issues and you don’t have to be a teen/young adult to come. Our club meets every first Monday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Library Community Room. The November 6 selection is Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. Cemetery Boys is featured in a Booklist starred review, where the reviewer declares, “Aiden Thomas’ debut novel can’t help but charm and captivate readers of all ages, though teen readers will invariably identify with and appreciate the high jinks and emotional vulnerability that make each character and scenario deliciously enchanting.” 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.
WOW! Wednesdays Rockets (3rd-5th Grades): Fall Slime Experiment and Maker Space Wiggle Bots – November 8
WOW! Wednesdays are early-out STEM-related activity times for elementary students at the Library! Children in third through fifth grade are invited to attend WOW! Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the SECOND Wednesday of the month. For November 8, the Rockets will be experimenting with Fall Slime (glittery fall colors and mini leaf confetti) and Maker Space Wiggle bots with Miss Laura. This fall, we are also excited to incorporate our new Maker Space Cart during WOW! Wednesdays! Kids can tinker around or participate in challenges to build things with items from the cart. Miss Laura will present a different science experiment each month, and there will be LEGOs, Snap Circuits, and other activities. This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Art on the Prairie – November 11, 12
The 13th annual Art on the Prairie weekend is scheduled for 10:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, and 10:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12. Perry Public Library, as well as the Carnegie Library Museum, will be designated venues for visual and performing artists throughout the weekend. Come and admire a variety of handmade items from multiple art mediums, enjoy free performances, visit a local author, and shop for unique gift items at this family-friendly event.
Student Art Exhibit – November 11, 12
The Perry Public Library is pleased to showcase local student artists in the Art on the Prairie Student Art Exhibit on Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12. Come view original artwork from Perry Community School students throughout the library all weekend.
Library Memorial Dedications – November 11
On November 11, during Art on the Prairie, the Perry Public Library will dedicate three awesome additions to our space. Often, our patrons who have passed on give memorial donations to the library and we use these funds to add something special in their memory. The first memorial this November is a Book Board Browsing Bin in honor of Darlene Myers. These browsing bins are just the right height for toddlers to browse and select their own books. The second memorial for Becky Hammond consists of two Lego™ walls that will be mounted in the library’s toddler section and in the children’s area Book Nook. Lastly, a remarkable piece of art will be placed in the library as a memorial for Paul Herrick. Join us on Saturday, November 11 at 1:00 pm for a dedication for all three additions to the library. This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Special Local Author Presentation: Joy Neal Kidney – November 11
The Perry Public Library welcomes Iowa author Joy Neal Kidney for a special presentation during Art on the Prairie on Saturday, November 11, at 2:00 pm in the Community Room. Neal Kidney is the author of Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II, a true story based on her grandmother’s letters. The companion book, What Leora Never Knew: A Granddaughter’s Quest for Answers releases soon and begins in Perry’s Violet Hill Cemetery. Join Joy Neal Kidney for an engaging discussion of her work, love of Iowa, and special connection to Perry. This event is free and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Lucy! One-Woman Show Starring Jillann Gabrielle – November 12
Paradise Playhouse presents Lucy!, an original solo musical based on the life of Lucille Ball, at the Perry Public Library on Sunday, November 12 at 1:00 pm in the Community Room. This Art on the Prairie special presentation is written by, directed by, and stars Jillann Gabrielle. This popular artist last wowed Perry with the story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and returns this fall with a special tribute to Lucille Ball, an American actress and pioneer in comedy. This is a free event and no registration is required. Please make sure to arrive early so the show can begin promptly at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Teen Boredom Busters – November 14
Teen Boredom Busters is a new drop-in program for teens in middle through high school. Come in anytime between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on the SECOND Tuesday of the month to tinker with our Maker Space Cart, play with our Beam projector, enjoy board games, play with our Wii console, color coloring pages, or just sit and hang out. Join us on November 14 and be sure to invite your friends! This is a free activity and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
“Scurrying Squirrels”: STEM Library Program with ISU Extension and Outreach in Dallas County – November 15
Perry Public Library is partnering with ISU Extension and Outreach in Dallas County for an exciting new monthly early-out STEM program that will meet from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on third Wednesdays. The ISU Extension Library STEM program is for kindergartners through fifth graders and will include a snack, literacy activity, and hands-on STEM experiments. The November 15 program is called “Scurrying Squirrels” and youth will have the chance to mimic squirrels preparing food for winter by developing a mechanism to move acorns. Registration is required for this program by November 11. Register online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569. *Please note that this is separate from our current WOW Wednesday programming.
Paper Crafting with Kathy: – November 18
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 one Saturday each month. For this month’s holiday class, we will meet on November 18 in the Library Community Room from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. November’s extended workshop will focus on creating a variety of holiday-themed cards. This is a fun opportunity to create personalized cards to send holiday greetings to loved ones. There is a $5 materials fee for the program and payment is required for registration. Registration closes on November 11. 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.
Saturday Crafternoons – November 18
No crafternoon in November because we will have an extended Paper Crafting with Kathy.
Salvation Army Mobile Services Center – November 20
The Salvation Army Mobile Services Center comes to the Perry Public Library on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with a break for lunch. This free service will be located inside the library through the end of the year while the mobile center receives regular maintenance. 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 at 515-282-3599. This is a free service and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465.3569, or visit the library.
Monthly Book Club: Select Books for 2024 Reading List – November 21
November’s Monthly Book Club will meet and select 11 books to read in the coming year. Join us on Tuesday, November 21, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Library Community Room to help choose next year’s monthly reads. 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. For more information, call Adult Service Librarian and discussion leader Mindy Farmer at 515-465-3569.
Festival of Trees / Festival de Arboles – November 24
Tour the Carnegie Library Museum during the ninth annual Festival of Trees/Festival de Arboles, when 50 or more uniquely decorated trees, wreaths and related decorations bring holiday beauty to life. The exhibition opens the night of the Lighted Christmas Parade and will remain on display through December 30.
November Craft Club: Book Ornaments – November 27
Your 2023 holiday ornament can be filled with best sellers, holiday stories, modern classics, banned books, and more! The November Craft Club will meet on Monday, November 27 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Join us to create your own Book Ornament following a viral TikTok tutorial by combining a fillable ornament and tiny versions of your favorite books. 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, November 22. To register, visit the library. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or ask a librarian.
