Dig Into The Past at The IPL

Patrons at the Independence Public Library are enjoying the fourth week of Jacquie McTaggart's Memoir Project. If you're still interested, it's not too late. There are two weeks left, and we've added an afternoon session. This week's afternoon session starts at 4:00 PM (September 22nd) Every week after will begin at 1:30 PM. It's never too late to register, just give us a call at 334-2470 or send us an e-mail.
If you're looking to dig a little farther into the past than your own history, try digging around in your family history. The IPL has some fresh tools and programs to help you out when you stop in.
First up, the Library Edition of Ancestry.com.

You'll find the link to this service on our website.

You must be in the library to access this service, but as long as you are using the IPL's computers or WiFi, Ancestry.com is available to you. You can also use EBSCO Host to search through past newspapers, magazines, and much more. (EBSCO Host can be accessed from home, stop in at the IPL for the login information.)

If you're still a little fuzzy on just how to research your family's history, try one of our up coming Genealogy Classes. (All six classes require individual registration.)

Beginning Genealogy and Using Census Records will be taught by Linda Greethurst on Sept. 27th
Genealogy Software and Internet Genealogy will be taught by Dennis Allen on Oct. 4th
Vital Records and Military Records will be taught by Theresa Liewer on Oct. 25th

Get A Card, And Get Reading!

This September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don't already have the coolest piece of plastic around, let the Independence Public Library help you out. We could have you checking out books (and using many other services) in no time. All you need is photo ID and a piece of mail with your current address on it. If you have any questions, give us a call at 334-2470.
Once you're wielding the awesome power of the library card, use it to defend your right to read during Banned Books Week. Once a year books that have been challenged or banned get a spotlight shined on them. This year's Banned Books Week runs from September 21st to September 27th. Discover the thrill of reading a story that someone would rather you had missed. You can pick out a new favorite at the IPL or browse our Banned Books Lists in the catalog. (Use the links below)
Banned/Challenged Classics
Banned/Challenged Contemporary

Free Computer Classes at The IPL

It's time for some tech-knowledge, the Independence Public Library has multiple classes available for anyone hoping to brush up on their computer skills or pick a few new ones up.

First in September is the Windows 8 class. This class is great for someone looking to get settled into their new computer, or anyone looking to get more familiar with the library's public computers. If you have a Windows 8 laptop, we encourage you to bring it along. (September 16th and 30th)

Next up is the Computer Basics Class. This class is for anyone who just starting with a computer. You'll learn terminology and basic operations such as using the mouse, and keyboard. (September 17th and 18th)

The Formatting Basics class introduces you to making text documents. Here you'll learn how to alter fonts, text size and color, paragraphs, and much more. (September 24th and 25th)

In October we have File Management Basics, for keeping your documents organized. (October 1st and 2nd)

Then Internet Basics, for anyone looking to get moving on the world wide web. (October 8th and 9th)

There's a little bit of something for everyone. If you have questions, feel free to call us at 334-2470 or stop in at the circulation desk the next time you're in the library. All of the computer classes are free to the public, but registration is required.

Past & Present At The IPL

The "Mini Face Lift" is taking shape and most of it can be seen now at the Independence Public Library. We have new computers, new shelving, and more space. Stop in and tell us what you think. While you're here, pop into the Community Room and take a look at history. The Artist Showcase will feature art from the collection of the Buchanan County, Iowa Historical Society. The Artist Showcase runs tomorrow (Spetember 13th) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday (September 14th) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sunday will also be the reception, with members of the historical society in attendance.

Story Time & Rhyme Time

Here in Independence, the big kids have just settled into their fourth week of school. But little kids, worry not. The IPL has something for you too! Vonnie, one of our fabulous librarians, plans for fun with little ones each week. You're never too young to enjoy the library with programs like Rhyme Time and Story Time. Rhyme Time runs year round on Thursdays at 9:30 AM, and is perfect for anyone who hasn't quite hit the two year mark. Already two years old? Don't worry, that's where Story Time come in. Story Time runs during the school year on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for ages two to five.

Memoirs on Mondays!

Record your history at the Independence Public Library!
Local writer Jacquie McTaggart will launch The Memoir Project in the library’s Community Room at 10:00-11:30 am. This workshop will meet for one and a half hour sessions each week for six weeks, from September 8 to October 13.  The purpose is not to write beautiful prose, but rather to make a written record of the people and events that have shaped our lives.
Register once for all six classes. Each class will be self-contained, so if you miss one you won't be behind.
To Register, stop in at the IPL or give us a call at 334-2470.

Making Changes!

 We've been mixing it up here at the IPL. The book shelves have been doing a little bit of moving, and so have some of our computers, even the Community Room is in on the act with fresh paint and new carpet. If you haven't seen the new computer stations, stop in and tell us what you think. If you've already been in, don't be alarmed by the empty computer stations near the circulation desk, we aren't quite done with our change up. Next week (September 9th & 10th) the library will be closed to the public so we can work in a little more new. Be sure to stop in on September 11th and see the new look at the library.