Perry Public Library, Carnegie Library Museum announce March programs

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

Oscar Mayer Exhibit – Month of March

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum presents a free, family-friendly exhibit for March celebrating the history of Oscar Mayer in Perry. The Oscar Mayer Exhibit will feature vibrant memorabilia and historical items, including Wienermobiles, photographs and other collectibles. Come visit the Oscar Mayer Exhibit during the month of March during regular Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum hours. For more information, contact the Carnegie Library Museum at 515-465-7713 or visit www.perry.lib.ia.us.

March Grab and Go Adult Craft – Free DIY Macramé Gnome Craft Kit

March’s Grab and Go Adult Craft is an adorable macramé gnome ready to help you decorate for St. Patrick’s Day, but cute enough to bring you luck all year-round! Starting March 1, adult patrons can bring home a Free DIY Macramé Gnome Craft Kit from the Perry Public Library. This craft kit includes materials and instructions for making one gnome of your own. This March Craft is free, courtesy of the Perry Public Library, and available while supplies last. For questions, visit the library or call 515-465-3569.

March Grab and Go Kid’s Craft – Free DIY Popsicle Stick Butterfly Wreath

Kids looking for a creative project to enjoy at home can come into the Perry Public Library in March to grab a Free DIY Popsicle Stick Butterfly Wreath Craft Kit. The kit includes material and instructions to create your own adorable butterfly wreath! All you need is glue and scissors. This March 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.

Fresh Conversations with Aging Resources of Central Iowa: Eye Health – March 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 March 1 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm in the Perry Public Library Community Room. The March discussion will focus on eye health. This is a free event 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.

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 “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 at www.perry.lib.ia.us, in person, or call the library for more information at 515-465-3569.

Fun with Fours and Fives Storytime – March 1, 8, 15, 22

Preschools and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Laura at the Perry Public Library in March for the Fun with Fours and Fives Storytime. Our newest Storytime will be all about music, incorporating basic instruments, sing-a-longs and dancing. This early literacy program includes a book and interaction with instruments. Bring your little one to the library to make music with shakers, rhythm sticks, triangles, bongo drums and maracas. Plus, come sing fun songs and dance to groovy beats! Fun with Fours and Fives Storytimes meets every Wednesday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. in the library Community Room. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the library, the library's website, calling 515-465-9881, or emailing lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Wee Wonders – March 2, 9, 16, 23

Families with infants from birth to 18 months are invited to attend our Perry Public Library Wee Wonders Storytime this March to read stories and sing songs with Ms. Laura. The Wee Wonders program is created specifically for babies and will incorporate simple instruments, such as egg shakers, drums, maracas and rhythm sticks. Participants will also join in family sing-a-longs and bring home a free board book! Wee Wonders meets in the library Community Room each Thursday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the library, the library's website, calling 515-465-3569, or emailing lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Chess at the Library – March 2, 9, 16, 23, 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 March for chess instruction and walk-in at the library. 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 then welcome to meet from 5:30 to 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 – March 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 to 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, March 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 – March 7, 14, 21, 28

Come make some music with Ms. Laura at Toddler Storytime this month in the library Community room on Tuesdays from 10:15 am to 11:15 a.m. This fun activity time for toddlers, ages 18 months to age 3, and their caregivers involves sensory plays, felt boards and songs, with a special focus on music. Let’s Make Some Music! Storytime will incorporate basic instruments, sing-alongs and dancing into our early literacy programming. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the library, calling 515-465-9881, or emailing lpieper@perry.lib.ia.us.

Wow! Wednesdays – K through 2nd grades – March 8

The Perry Public Library STEM fun continues in March at WOW! Wednesdays, scheduled for March 8 (K-2 grades) and March 15 (3-5 grades). This exciting program engages elementary-aged kids in creative, hands-on activities and games. In March, participants will join Ms. Laura in creating hovercrafts out of recycled materials, making instant icky worms and competing in a cup-stacking contest! Kindergarteners through second graders meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 3 to 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 Presentation by Historian Kathy Wilson: “Good Women and Bad Girls: Understanding Victorian Attitudes About Women, Home, and Health” – March 8

On Wednesday, March 8, the Perry Public Library will welcome historian and educator, Kathy Wilson, from Historical Perspectives in Marion. Wilson will present from her popular series on 19th century women’s history with “Good Women and Bad Girls.” The 90-minute program will begin at 1 p.m. in the library Community Room and is free to the public. This engaging presentation on International Women’s Day will focus on Victorian views about the “fairer sex” and how these attitudes influenced marriage, family and health.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: A Conversation with Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante – March 9

Join Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante on Thursday, March 9 for an informal, sit-down conversation. This is an opportunity to get to know the sheriff in a question and answers-style forum. The “Conversations with” event will be held at the Carnegie Library Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 9. No registration required. For more information, contact Candi at the Carnegie Library at 515-465-7713 or email ccoffin@perry.lib.ia.us.

Destination: FUN! Spring Break @ the Perry Public Library – March 10 through March 17

Don’t sit around all Spring Break and complain that there’s nothing to do. Come to the Perry Public Library and check out some fun! We have a week bursting at the seams with youth activities for toddlers to teens at our Destination: FUN! Spring Break @ the Perry Public Library. The fun begins Friday, March 10 with a Family Puzzle Time and continues through Friday, March 17. Activities include storytimes, crafts, scavenger hunts, STEM activities, movies, games and more! Plus, look for a special family contest! Don’t miss out. The library will be the place to be this Spring Break. For more information, contact the library at 515-465-3569 or visit the library's website. These events are free and no registration is required:

  • Family Puzzle Time at the Perry Public Library – March 10: We are kicking off the first day of Spring Break with the perfect activity to keep your family entertained! Come to the Perry Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 10 from for Family Puzzle Time in the library Community Room. This free, all-ages event will encourage teamwork, conversation, and laughter as you work together to build giant floor puzzles. Plus, Miss Laura may even bring out her MadLibs to keep everyone on their toes!

  • Kids’ Spring Break Dance Party at the Perry Public Library – March 13: Let’s start Monday out right with a Kids’ Spring Break Dance Party! Kids ages 4 to 10 are invited to get their groove on at a dance party from 10:15 to 11 a.m. on March 13 in the library Community Room. This party will be filled with fun and silly music, crazy dancing and glow sticks! Plus, a small snack will be provided.

  • Make Your Own Bouncy Ball for Tweens – March 13: Tweens in fourth through sixth grades are invited to visit the library Community Room from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, March 13 to make colorful and unique bouncy balls. Participants will learn how to make bouncy balls from molds in this cool activity and bring their creations home.

  • Family Game Time at the Perry Public Library – March 13: Make Monday night family night at the Perry Public Library on March 13. Join us for an all-ages Family Game Time from 4 to 6 p.m. in the library Community Room. The library has tons of board games and other activities to keep everyone entertained! Come try classic and new games with us and see which ones are a great fit for your family!

  • I Choose You! Pokemon Card Trading at the Perry Public Library – March 14: Calling all Pokemon collectors! Dust off those Pokemon cards and bring them to the Perry Public Library to trade with your friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4. This activity is for any youth who collects Pokemon cards. We will also have coloring pages for younger kids. No game-playing please. If this event is popular enough, we will do another at a later date and possibly a tournament.

  • Teen Movie Night & Pizza Party – March 14: Hey teens! We’ve got pizza and a movie for you! Bring your friends and come hang out at the Perry Public Library from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on March 14. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy good, free food, fun and friends. Youth ages 12 to 18 are invited to participate in this event.

  • Vacation Storytime – March 15: What better time than Spring Break for a Vacation Storytime? Join Miss Laura on March 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. for a special storytime geared toward toddlers through age 7. We’ll read books about going on vacation, sing songs and do fun crafts related to travel. If we’re lucky, Miss Laura might even introduce us to her stuffed animals from Scotland and Canada!

  • Kids’ Movie and Snacks at the Library – March 16: Come see a free children’s movie from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 in the library Community Room. Enjoy an afternoon at the library with a good movie, friends and snacks too!

  • Make a Sock Pet for Tweens – March 16: Every tween needs a sock pet! Come to the library Community Room from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 to learn how to make your own. Discover how to create a bunny, cat, worm, or other critter out of just a sock, rice, and rubber bands! These sock pets make great stress relievers too. This program is for youth in fourth through sixth grades, but older teens are welcome too.

  • St. Patrick’s Day Storytime – March 17: The last day of Spring Break is St. Patrick’s Day and we’re going to celebrate with a special storytime. This free storytime for toddlers through age 7 will focus on St. Patrick’s Day with books, songs and a holiday-themed craft. Dress in green and come to the library Community Room from 2 to 3 p.m. on March 17 for a fun, free story and activity!

  • Tween Luck ‘O the Irish Scavenger Hunt at the Perry Public Library: All day long on Friday, March 17, tweens in fourth through sixth grades are invited to try their luck at our Luck ‘O the Irish Scavenger Hunt! Miss Laura has clues in the form of puzzles, cryptograms, ciphers and more. Come into the library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to decode the clues and solve the riddle! Older teens may participate as well.

  • Teen Game Time – March 17: The Perry Public Library is bursting with a fun selection of games! Come rediscover old favorites and find new games to love. Teens are invited to join us from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 17 for a Spring Break game night in the Library Community Room. Bring your friends and enjoy an evening of games, community and snacks.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Presents: No Sew Fabric Dolls – March 15

Need something fun for the family to do over Spring Break? Then, come to the Carnegie Library Museum for this free craft event to learn to make no sew fabric dolls! All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Trista at the Carnegie Library at 515-465-7713 or email tcohea@perry.lib.ia.us.

Wow! Wednesdays – 3rd through 5th grades – March 15

The Perry Public Library STEM fun continues in March at WOW! Wednesdays, scheduled for March 8 (K-2 grades) and March 15 (3-5 grades). This exciting program engages elementary-aged kids in creative, hands-on activities and games. In March, participants will join Ms. Laura in creating hovercrafts out of recycled materials, making instant icky worms and competing in a cup-stacking contest! Third through fifth graders meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 3 to 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.

Monthly Book Club – March 21

Do you love heart-stopping, true stories about teams that beat the odds to become champions? Then, March’s Monthly Book Club is for you! The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, in the library Community Room. Members will discuss "Brothers on Three: A True Story of Family, Resistance, and Hope on a Reservation in Montana" by Abe Streep. 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.

March Craft Club: Pressed Flower Memory Boxes – March 27

The March Craft Club will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 27 in the library Community Room. Participants will learn how to make Pressed Flower Memory Boxes. All are welcome, but space is limited and registration is required. A $5 fee materials fee is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot. Please register by Monday, March 20. For questions or to register, visit the library or call 515-465-3569.

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