Sunday, May 31, 2015

Geocaching Is Back!

Children in 6th through 12th grade can join the Independence Public Library for Geocaching on June 5th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. There is no registration required, but a liability waiver does need to be signed by a parent for participation. To pick up a copy of the waiver or for any questions stop in at the IPL, or call us at 334-2470.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Story Time is Taking A Break!

With all the great programs going on for the Summer Reading Program the IPL's calendar is getting a little tight, so for the month of June Story Time will be taking a break, and will return in July on Thursdays at 10:00 AM. Those who enjoy Story Time might want to give Drama Time a try.

Drama Time is stories and fun with the Independence High School Speech and Drama Students. It will be held every Friday in June at 9:30 AM, and is open to all children from ages 2 to 12. Drama Time is free and open to the public, and there is no registration needed.

P.S. Rhyme Time will continue this summer at it's normal time every Thursday at 9:30 AM.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Cards'n'Convo @ The IPL!

Stop in at the Independence Public Library on June 2nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for the next Cards'n'Convo. There will be games and light conversation. Cards'n'Convo is held every first and third Tuesday of the month, and is always free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Summer Reading Program Begins June 1st!

This year's Summer Reading Program is just days away, and the library is planning all kinds of great things to read and do. We have June and July packed with great programs, and for the rest of May you can fire up those reading superpowers with EVIL BINGO! (Stop in at the IPL to pick up your bingo card.) "Every Hero Has A Story" starts June 1st, but you can register now, online.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Flutterby Bits

Every Hero has a Story!

Summer reading program is getting near.  Official start date is June 1st
Registration can be done on line now or in the library between June 1st and June 19th.    You will be able to pick up your official reading log at the library no earlier than the first of June. 
There are great programs for all ages.  Hope all are able to be part of this fun summer happening.  For more information, please see our website.  www.independence.lib.ia.us


We recently held a “Superhero Training Academy” session.  WOW!! Trainees completed tasks that used skills like agility and balance, strength, brain power, vision, courage, and more!   Heroes of all ages attended.   We truly are a city filled with Champions!! 

  Reading is a mighty tool!! It will take you on many grand journeys!! I believe that reading is a super power for all of us.  I am very much looking forward to this summer’s adventures.
 Rhyme Time will continue on Thursday Mornings at 9:30 throughout the summer.
Drama Time will replace Story time in June.  It will be at 9:30 on Friday Mornings.  I am looking forward to this new twist.  Drama time will be inspired and powered by drama students. 
July will bring Rhyme time and Story time back.  They will share Thursday mornings.  Rhyme time at 9:30 and Story time at 10am. 

See you there.

Vonnie




Saturday, May 23, 2015

Library Card Confusion




If you have a rural Rowley or rural Brandon address and have received a letter from the Waterloo and/or Cedar Falls Public Library saying that your library card was deactivated, this was a mistake.  You are still eligible for library services at Waterloo and Cedar Falls Public Libraries if you reside outside of city limits, but within Buchanan County.  We apologize for the error.  When you go to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Public Library the next time, please tell them you are a rural resident and are eligible for a library card.  They will activate your card and your normal services will resume.  

There has been no disruption in your library services at the Independence Public Library or in any of the libraries in Buchanan County.  

If you reside within the city limits of Rowley or Brandon, your letter is accurate.   When your city does not contract for library services, then it is typical that you will not be provided library services from other libraries in the state.  If library services are important to you, you should talk with your elected officials about the issue.  There is more information here, and I also invite you to contact me.  I would be glad to respond to any questions or concerns.

Laura Blaker
Independence Public Library Director
319-334-2470  

Friday, May 22, 2015

May Book Discussion At The IPL!

Join the Independence Public Library this Tuesday (May 26th) for the next Book Club Discussion from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We'll be discussing the book The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes. If you haven't read the book yet, there are still a few copies available at the Circulation Desk to checkout. If you would like to get a head start on next month's Book Club Book, you can pick up a copy of Midwives by Chris Bohjalian after the Book Discussion.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

IPL411 Is Officially One Year Only!

We've come back to that time of year again. School is out, and the Summer Reading Program is just up ahead. So the library is gearing up for a summer full of fun. Last year, Fizz Boom Read! had us reading into the world of science and bicycles...










...This year, we'll be soaring into books with our very own superheroes.

The adventure begins June 1st...

...but be sure to test out your reading superpowers with EVIL BINGO before then.

Closed For Memorial Day

The Independence Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25th, 2015 for the Memorial Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

TIPLINE: Real Life Heroes

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Real Life Heroes

Memorial Day is right around the corner (May 25th) and the Summer reading Program "Every Hero Has A Story" starts in just a week and a half (June 1st), celebrate by exploring Real Life Heroes.
Captain America is a great hero, but we have plenty of heroes in the real world, some right here in Independence. Learn more about them with our collection of Local Veteran Interviews.
Although only a small percent of Americans have served in the armed forces, it would be hard to find someone who does not know a member of the military, or who's life has not been impacted by the work of service members. Military research has led to the invention of many items that we use in our everyday lives. Things like Duct Tape, the Microwave, Digital Photography, the Internet, GPS, Walkie Talkies, and many many Medical Advancements. A researcher may not seem like the traditional hero, but their work can save lives too. Locating a stranded boat at sea would be incredibly difficult without GPS, every Medical Advancement has the potential to save lives, and who hasn't used Duct Tape!
Of course, you don't have to stop there. Real Life Heroes don't have to come in a uniform, or even as humans. There are plenty of Hero Animals, like Service Dogs; and there are more things to save than people. Environmentalists and Conservationists look after the planet and Endangered Species.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Kari's Corner




            If you are ever looking for a good book to read, be sure to check out one of the young adult award books.  Below are two of my picks from the Iowa High School Book Award 2015-2016 and the Iowa Teen Award 2015-2016.

Skinny by Donna Cooner
            This is one of the selections for the Iowa Teen Award 2015-2016.  It is about Ever, an overweight 15 year old who weighs 300 pounds.  Ever has a voice in her head that is always telling her negative things about herself; such as: she is ugly, fat, and worthless.  One day, Ever decides to do something about her weight and she has gastric bypass surgery.  Ever changes how she eats, begins to exercise and starts feeling better about herself.  Ever loves to sing and as she gains confidence from feeling better, she is able to work towards her goal of singing in the school play.
            I liked reading about the transformation that she went through as she started to take better care of herself.  At the beginning she was isolated and just ate, and then as she began eating healthier and exercising, her confidence began building and she noticed people around her.  She was not alone and she was starting to work towards her dream of singing.

Butter by Erin Jade Lange
            This is one of the selections for the Iowa High School Book Award 2015-2016.  This is about an obese teenager who puts up a webpage saying that on the last day of the year he is going to eat himself to death.  The website is found out by his classmates who rally around him and Butter finds himself becoming popular for the first time.  However, Butter’s threats on the webpage snowball into something he starts to seriously consider.
            I picked this book out because the idea seemed outrageous, that somebody would plan to kill themselves by eating themselves to death.  Once you start reading it, you start to care about Butter and you do not want him to go through with his plan. You keep reading to find out if he goes through with the plan or if he finds a way out.