Perry Public Library, Carnegie Library Museum announce February programs

COURTESY OF PERRY PUBLIC LIBRARY
·12 min read
The Perry Public Library has announced its February programs.
The Perry Public Library has announced its February programs.

Take Your Child to the Library Month – February 2023

We are excited to announce that this year we are turning Take Your Child To the Library into a month-long celebration, with special themed storytimes and month-long activities for families to participate in together! These events are free and no registration is required. For more information, call Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Take Your Child to the Library Month activities include:

  • Family Scavenger Hunt – Month of February: Throughout the month, there will be a family scavenger hunt. Come enjoy this activity at your leisure.

  • Children’s Book Trivia Quiz – Month of February: Bring your kids to the library in February to try our free Children’s Book Trivia Quiz and earn prizes.

  • Library Card Sign-Up – Month of February: Take Your Child to the Library Month is an excellent time to bring your family into the library and sign up for library cards. With a free library card, your family members can check out books, DVDs, music, ebooks, adventure passes and more!

  • Mo Willems Storytime and Craft – Feb. 1: Join us for a Mo Willems-themed storytime and craft with a special guest reader from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in the library Community Room.

  • Evening Storytime – Feb. 6: Bring your teddy and wear your pajamas for an evening storytime with a special guest reader from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 in the library Community Room.

  • Pete the Cat and Splat the Cat Storytime and Craft – Feb. 22: Come to our silly cat-themed storytime and craft with a special guest reader from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the library Community Room.

Winter Reading Program – December 2022 - February 2023

There’s still time to join and participate in the Perry Public Library Winter Reading Program! Unique programs are available for children, teens and adults. Participating is easy – read, record hours or complete short book reviews and win prizes. Entries are used for milestone prizes, monthly drawings and grand prize drawings. To register, go online at www.perry.lib.ia.us, visit the library, or call 515-465-3569.

February Grab and Go Kid’s Craft – Free DIY Heart Puppy Craft Kit

Kids looking for a creative project to enjoy at home can come into the Perry Public Library in February to pick up a Free DIY Heart Puppy Craft Kit. The kit includes material and instructions to create your own adorable heart puppy! All you need is glue and scissors. This February craft is free, courtesy of the Perry Public Library and available while supplies last. For questions, call the library or Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

February Grab and Go Adult Craft - Free DIY No Sew Heart Pillow Craft Kit

February’s Grab and Go Adult Craft is a no sew heart pillow perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your décor. Starting Feb. 1, adult patrons can bring home a Free DIY No Sew Heart Pillow Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This craft kit includes materials and instructions for tying a sweet red and white heart pillow. This February craft is free, courtesy of the Perry Public Library and available while supplies last. For questions, visit the library or call 515-465-3569.

Never Too Old for YA Book Club – Feb. 1

On Feb. 1st, come explore themes of friendship and identity with the Perry Public Library’s Never Too Old for YA Book Club. The club will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the library Community Room. The selected discussion book is "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets to the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz. Interested adults and teens may join the group at any time, but registration is required. Books are available at the library for registrants. Register online, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.

Wednesday Addams Treasure Hunt for Teens – Begins Feb. 1

Teens can try their “hand” at solving clues based on the hit Netflix show to earn a dark treat! Come to the Perry Public Library during regular hours and haunt the stacks to seek the clues! Details and rules posted in the Teens and Tweens sections of the library. This treasure hunt is free and will continue so long as treats remain available. No registration is required. For questions, call the library or Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Fours and Fives Storytime – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

This storytime is for preschoolers and our winter unit for January and February is Winter Wonderland at the Library. We will read about winter, snowmen, and what people and animals do in the winter. We will also be making pasta snowflakes, examining Evergreen branches and pinecones, and so much more! Fours and Fives Storytime meets Wednesdays from 10:15-11 a.m. in the library Community Room. This event is free, but registration is required. Register online or call Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Wee Wonders – Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

This is our program for babies through 18 months, where we promote early literacy skills and motor skills through reading simple books, rhymes, songs, scarf and shaker play and other fun activities. We also discuss helpful parenting tips. Each registered baby receives a board book every week they attend. Wee Wonders meets Thursdays from 10:15-11 a.m. in the library Community Room. This event is free, but registration is required. Register online or call Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Chess at the Library – Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

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 February for chess instruction and walk-in at the Library. Students, grades K-12, will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the library Board Room. Chess players of all ages are then welcome to meet from 5:30-7:30 p.m., 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.

Saturday Crafternoon – Feb. 4

Calling all crafters and do-it-yourselfers! The Perry Public Library welcomes you to our dedicated makerspace the first Saturday of each month! Saturday Crafternoons last from 12-4:30 p.m. 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, Feb. 4 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, visit or call the library at 515-465-3569.

Toddler Time Storytime – Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

This storytime is for ages 18 months to 3-year-olds. Our theme for January and February is Winter Wonderland at the Library. We will be reading about winter and snowmen and what people and animals do in the winter. We will also be making marshmallow snowmen, “shoveling” cotton ball snow and many more fun activities! Toddler Storytime meets Tuesdays from 10:15-11 a.m. in the library Community Room. This event is free, but registration is required. Register online or call Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Wow! Wednesdays – K through 2nd grades – Feb. 8

Attention elementary school students! Come check out our new after-school program that’s full of fun crafts, STEM activities, LEGO building time and games! You’ll have a blast! Kindergarteners through second graders meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 3-4 p.m. This event is free and no registration is required. For questions, call the library or Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: Vintage Valentine’s Cards – Feb. 11

Come into the Carnegie to learn about the history of Valentine cards and to create your own! All ages are welcome to attend this free event from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. Contact Trista Cohea at the Carnegie with questions at 515-465-7713. No registration needed.

Galentine’s Day for Teens – February 13

Teens are invited to hang out at a Galentine’s Day Social on Monday, Feb. 13! Come make a “Wreck this Journal,” snack on some waffles and play games! Registration is required by Feb. 6. To register, call Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: Valentine’s Day Tea – Feb. 14

Couples, families and singles — come to the Carnegie for a special Valentine’s Day-themed tea! We will be serving heart shaped desserts and tea sandwiches. Come out and enjoy this lovely event from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 14. Space is limited. Tickets can be purchased at the Carnegie Library or the Perry Public Library. Contact Trista Cohea at the Carnegie with questions at 515-465-7713.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: A Conversation with Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante – Feb. 16

Join Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante on Thursday, Feb. 16, for an informal, sit-down conversation. This is an opportunity to get to know the Interim Sheriff in a question and answers-style forum. The “Conversations with” event will be held at the Carnegie Library and Museum on February 16 from 5-7 p.m. No registration required. For more information, contact Candi at the Carnegie Library at 515-465-7713 or email ccoffin@perry.lib.ia.us.

Library Closed to Honor President’s Day – Feb. 20

The Perry Public Library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 in recognition of President’s Day. We will open for normal business beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Monthly Book Club – Feb. 21

February’s Monthly Book Club will travel with their author to none other than West Liberty. In "We Heard It When We Were Young," Chuy Renteria shares his childhood as a first-generation Mexican-American in a changing, conflicted midwestern town. Readers will follow Renteria on a journey that includes “culture clashes, breakdancing battles, fistfights, quinceañeras, vandalism, adventures on bicycles, and souped-up lowriders, all set to an early 2000s soundtrack,” according to the book jacket. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the library Community Room. Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion, but registration is required. Register online, by phone at 515-465-3569, or in person. Books are available at the library for participants for a small fee. For more information, call Library Director and discussion leader Mary Murphy at 515-465-3569.

Wow! Wednesdays – 3rd through 5th grades – Feb. 21

Attention elementary school students! Come check out our new after-school program that’s full of fun crafts, STEM activities, LEGO building time and games! You’ll have a blast! Third through fifth graders meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 3-4 p.m. This event is free and no registration is required. For questions, call the library or Youth Services Librarian Laura Pieper at (515) 465-3569 or e-mail lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Special Library Presentation by Rex Voegtlin – Feb. 22

Special guest Rex Voegtlin will share his passion for studying the presidents of the United States at a presentation from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the library Community Room. Voegtlin will explore the backgrounds of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, with a special focus on the historical groundwork these presidents laid to end slavery in the United States. This is a free library event and no registration is required.

February Craft Club: Cross Stitch Bookmarks – Feb. 27

February’s Craft Club combines your love of reading and crafting. Crafters will meet in the library Community Room from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 27 to make cross stitch bookmarks. All are welcome, but space is limited and registration is required. Take home kits will be available, if necessary. A $5 fee materials fee is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot. Please register by Friday, Feb. 20th. For questions or to register, visit the library or call 515-465-3569.

Never Too Old for YA Book Club – March 1

Adults and teens are invited to join our Never Too Old for YA (Young Adult) Book Club to discuss "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika Sanchez, a “gripping debut about a Mexican-American misfit [that] is alive and crackling,” according to The New York Times. The club will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1 in the library Community Room. March’s book selection is described as a “poignant but laugh-out-loud funny contemporary YA about losing a sister and finding yourself” by the publisher. Interested adults and teens may join the group at any time, but registration is required. Books are available at the library for registrants. Register online, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.

This article originally appeared on Perry Chief: Perry Public Library, Carnegie Library Museum announce February programs