Perry Public Library, Carnegie Library Museum announce December programs
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 Dec. 1 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 – Through Jan. 8
The Festival of Trees is back for its eighth year, and it’s time to celebrate in person again! From Nov. 22 to Jan. 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. For more information, call the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713.
Chess at the Library – Dec. 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 p.m. in the library Board Room. Chess players of all ages are welcome to meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 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 – Dec. 1
Babies from birth through 18 months and an adult are welcome to Wee Wonders on Thursday, Dec. 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 or by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us.
Saturday Crafternoon – Dec. 3
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for Saturday Crafternoons, from 12 to 4:30 p.m., 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, Dec. 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 – Dec. 3, 10, 17
Saturday Story Times continue in the library Community Room at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. 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. No Story Time on Saturday, Dec. 24.
Cooking Time with 18 Month to 3-Year-Olds – Dec. 6
Cooking Time with Miss Suzanne will meet from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 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 – Dec. 6
The Perry Public Library Mystery Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 in the library Community Room. The December selected titles are "Murder Most Festive" by Ada Moncrieff and "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, in person, or call the library at 515-465-3569.
Never Too Old for YA Book Club – Dec. 7
The Perry Public Library Never Too Old for YA Book Club will hold its December book discussion at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 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, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.
Cooking Time with Fours and Fives – Dec. 7
Cooking Time with Miss Suzanne will meet from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 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 – Dec. 8
Babies from birth through 18 months and an adult are welcome to Wee Wonders on Thursday, Dec. 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 or by emailing skestel@perry.lib.ia.us.
Festival of Trees Latino Night | Festival de Arboles Noche Latina – Dec. 8
Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum and Hispanics United for Perry will present the 2022 Festival de Arboles Noche Latina (2022 Festival of Trees Latino Night) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8. 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 – Dec. 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 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. Come help us thank Suzanne and wish her well!
Las Posadas – Dec. 16
Hispanics United for Perry will hold its annual Las Posadas Celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. 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 p.m. 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 – Dec. 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. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 17 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 through Dec. 17
The annual Carnegie Library Museum Quilt Raffle is underway and will continue until Saturday, Dec. 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 Dec. 16 and they may also be viewed at the Winter Market from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 17 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 through Dec. 17
The 2022 Friends of the Perry Public Library Quilt Raffle is underway and will continue until Dec. 17. Two beautiful quilts were donated by the Perry Piecemakers Quilt Guild and they will be on display a 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 – Dec. 20
The Perry Public Library Monthly Book Club will meet at 1 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 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, by phone at 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 – Dec. 24, 25 and 26
The Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 and closed on Sunday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday.
Holiday Closings and Special Hours – Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and 2
The Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, and closed on Sunday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday.
Craft Club: Beaded or Braided Keychains– Dec. 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 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27 in the library Community Room. Registration is required and the materials fee is $5 for all participants. Registration and payment is due by Dec. 19 to join this event. To register, stop by or call the library at 515-465-3569.
This article originally appeared on Perry Chief: Perry Public Library, Carnegie Library Museum announce December programs
