The Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum have announced the following programs for November 2024.
DINO-vember at the Perry Public Library – November 1 to November 30
Dinosaurs will take over the library during November! DINO-vember at the Perry Public Library will be a prehistoric event for all ages. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favorite dinosaur at our voting booth. Check to see how you measure up to actual dinosaur heights and a dinosaur footprint! Children and teens are invited to look for Dewey the Dinosaur, who will be hiding in the library throughout the month. All regular storytimes will have a dinosaur theme, and the library will host a special Family Evening Storytime Dinotastic Party from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Monday, November 18, in the Community Room. For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569 or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.
November Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit – DIY 3D Paper Snowflakes Kit
The Carnegie Library Museum windows will display gorgeous 3D snowflakes this holiday season. Learn how to make your own 3D snowflake to decorate your home in dazzling blue and silver with the November kit! 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 3D Paper Snowflake. This November 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.
November Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit – DIY Foam Snowflake Ornament
Learn how to combine two colors of foam strips to make intricate snowflake ornaments to decorate for the holidays with our November Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit. Teens, 12 to 18, are invited to come into the library during November to pick up a Free Grab and Go Teen Craft Kit! This month’s kit includes supplies to make your own DIY Foam Snowflake Ornament. Teen patrons can bring home one Free November 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.
November 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 December 15, and our Adult Services Librarian, Mindy, will help you find your next book, while our tea enthusiast, Trista, will select your tea. November Book Matches will be available for patrons to pick up beginning December 1st. 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 – November 4, 18 (Special Dinotastic Party Storytime), 25
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 November is dinosaurs! There will be no Evening Family Storytime on November 11, due to Veteran’s Day. No registration is required for this free program. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-3569. November 18 Evening Family Storytime will be our special
Dinotastic Party:It’s DINO-Vember! Join us in the Community Room from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm to dig for fossils, melt mini glaciers to rescue dinosaur pals, play “Tricera-Toss,” and make several dino-riffic crafts! It’ll be dino-mite! No registration is required for this free program. For questions, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us or call 515-465-3569.
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Presents: German Winter Market Tea – Monday, November 4
Join the Carnegie Library Museum for this holiday tea inspired by the famous German Winter Markets! This festive tea will take place on Monday, November 4, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the Carnegie Library Museum. The menu will feature German winter tea, holiday-inspired tea sandwiches, scones, tarts, cake, and cookies. To purchase tickets for this Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum Events, visit the Perry Public Library. Tickets are $15 per person and space is limited, so don’t wait! For questions, contact the Carnegie at 515-465-7713.
Tween Zone (3rd to 5th Grades): Tuesdays – November 5, 12, 19, 26
This fall, Tween Zone is a weekly library program for students in 3rd through 5th grades, 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! Our November activities include:
- November 5 – We will make dinosaur/dragon eggs with styrofoam eggs and push pins.
- November 12 – We will make dinosaur terrariums (mini “habitats” for toy dinosaurs).
- November 19 – We will play minute-to-win-it games.
- November 26 – We will make pipe cleaner ninjas.
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 – November 5, 12, 19, 26
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 November. 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 – November 13, 20, 27
The Perry Public Library is excited to announce our new storytime, Budding Bookworms, a weekly Wednesday storytime for ages 2 to 5 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 provide caregivers with an opportunity to introduce their children to good literature, encourage growth in children’s literacy skills (reading, talking, singing, playing, and writing), and promote the library as an enjoyable place where learning is fun. The theme for November is Dinosaurs. We will read books and sing about dinosaurs and do some fun dino-related activities and crafts! Due to a City of Perry meeting, there will be no Budding Bookworms Storytime on November 6. 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.
“Next Chapter” Older Adults Group at the Library: Wednesdays – November 6, 13, 20, 27
Join us for our new, 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. November’s schedule includes:
- November 6: ISU “Cooking for Two”
- November 13: Lifetime Fitness with Judy Tomenga
- November 20: Games and Puzzles
- November 27: 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 – November 6, 13, 20, 27
New this year, our WOW! Wednesdays STEM program will meet every Wednesday (excluding holidays), from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Community Room! Each week will include elementary students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. During November, we will explore Crazy Contraptions. November’s schedule includes:
- November 6: Build roller coaster mazes.
- November 13: Build crazy contraptions using our Maker Space.
- November 20: WOW! Wednesday presents ISU Extension: Wonderful Wind. Our friend Miss Kathy from ISU Extension will present a program about wind. Participants will explore the power of wind and conduct their own wind experiments.
- November 27: Thanksgiving Activities
We will also have LEGOs, Snap Circuits, and our Maker Space cart available for tinkering at each WOW! Wednesday (excluding ISU Extension programs). 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 – November 7, 14, 21
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. There is no Wee Wonders Storytime on November 28, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. 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.
Chess Club at the Library: Thursdays – November 7, 14, 21
Are you interested in learning how to play chess? Do you already know how to play, but are looking for some local players to challenge? Could you use some tips and practice to improve your skill level? 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 play at the Library. Students, grades K-12, will meet from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, in the library Board Room. Chess players of all ages are then welcome to meet from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, also in the Board Room, for instruction or competition. There will be no chess on November 28, due to the Thanksgiving holiday observance. 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. This is a free program and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call, or come to the library.
Teen Lounge (6th to 12th Grades): Fridays – November 1, 8, 15, 22
Welcome to the Teen Lounge, our new weekly program on Fridays 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:
- November 1: Paint & Sip – Come paint a masterpiece on a mini canvas while you sip on a juice pouch.
- November 8: Create a dinosaur terrarium and build a mini habitat for a dino friend.
- November 15: The Wicked movie is here! Come celebrate with some Wicked trivia, snacks and themed friendship bracelets!
- November 22 – Try not to laugh! Miss Laura has compiled some videos to see if you can control yourself! Come have a good time yakking it up!
- No program on November 29, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
No registration is required; call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
Teen Advisory Board (6th to 12th Grades): Fridays – November 1, 8, 15, 22
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. There will be no Teen Advisory Board on November 29, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information, contact Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at laura.pieper@perryia.org or 515-465-3569.
Art on the Prairie – Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10
The 14th annual Art on the Prairie weekend is scheduled for 10:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 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 artists throughout the weekend. Come and admire a variety of handmade items from multiple art mediums and shop for unique gift items at this family-friendly event. Plus, Megan Cline, author of Winston Wiggles, will be at the library from noon to 5:00 pm on November 9, with a 2:00 pm storytime in the Children’s Area, and noon to 4:00 pm on November 10.
Student Art Exhibit – Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10
The Perry Public Library is pleased to showcase local student artists in the Art on the Prairie Student Art Exhibit on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10. Come view original artwork from Perry Community School students throughout the library all weekend.
Veterans Day Holiday Closure – Monday, November 11
The Perry Public Library will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. We will open again for regular hours beginning, Tuesday, November 12, at 10:00 am.
Monthly Book Club: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver: Tuesday, November 19
This November, we’re reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperfield, by Barbara Kingsolver. We will meet on Tuesday, November 19, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Carnegie Library Museum (please note this special November location). The group is excited to discuss a book named “Top 100 Books of the 21st Century” and proclaimed “a voice for the ages—akin to Huck Finn or Holden Caulfield.” Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion and participation is free. Books can be purchased in advance for a small fee from the library or borrowed with your Perry Public Library card. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or come to the library.
Paper Crafting with Kathy: Christmas Funfold, Gift Box, and Gift Tags – Saturday, November 23
Need a little holiday inspiration? Join us in November and learn how to create a Christmas funfold card, gift box, and gift tags to prepare for the holidays! 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 one Saturday each month. We will meet on Saturday, November 23, 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 November 22. 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, November 23
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, November 23, 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.
10th Annual Perry Festival of Trees: November 23, 2024 to January 4, 2025
This holiday season, the Carnegie Library Museum is thrilled to host the 10th Annual Festival of Trees! This Perry tradition began in 2014 with just twelve trees and a team of enthusiastic volunteers. Since then, participation has grown to include not only a Carnegie Library filled with beautiful trees and creative displays, but also community activities, such as coloring for kids, scavenger hunts, a handmade quilt raffle, and a special time to welcome the Latino community to view the displays. The Festival of Trees 2024 will officially open on Saturday, November 23. The public is invited to enjoy this free festival during open Carnegie Library hours, excluding holiday hours, from November 23, 2024, to January 4, 2025. The Latino community is invited to a special Saturday Festival of Trees Showcase on Saturday, December 14, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. For questions, contact the Carnegie at 515-465-7713.
November Adult Craft Club: Open Book Winter Scene – Monday, November 25
Candi will lead new and experienced crafters in creating one-of-a-kind winter scenes using recycled books this November. Come discover how an open book can transform into a charming, 3D winter scene. The November Adult Craft Club will meet on Monday, October 25, 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 October 22. 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.
Thanksgiving Holiday Closure – Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29
The Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will open again for regular hours beginning, Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 am.
Salvation Army Support Services – The Salvation Army Support Services will not be available in person in Perry during the months of November and December. They will be available for assistance via phone and return to the Perry Public Library on Monday, January 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. For more information, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, call 515-465-3569, or visit the library.
Adult Winter Library Program: 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 will run from December 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. Registration and participation begin on December 1st. 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: Get your mitts on a good book (or 2 or 3) this winter and join our Perry Public Library Teen 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 will run from December 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. 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: Get your mitts on a good book (or 2 or 3) this winter and join our Perry Public Library Children’s 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 will run from December 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. 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.
