Reindeer Games for No School Monday!

Kids of all ages can stop in on their day off from school (December 15th) and join in of the fun of Reindeer Games. Race the clock in a series of short holiday games that even Rudolph wouldn't dare miss.

K-2     10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

3-5      2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

6-12    4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

TIPLINE: The Dewey Decimal System

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: The Dewey Decimal System

Today is the 163rd Birthday of Melvil Dewey! If his last name sounds familiar don't be surprised. You might have a hard time finding a library that doesn't use his system. The IPL uses the Dewey Decimal System to organize all our nonfiction books.
Why sort books by numbers? Because it's easy to find. Need meal ideas for the up coming holidays, head to 641.5 for a cookbook. How about decorating, you can find ideas in 745 or 747. Maybe you have a history buff in the family? Send them to the 900's section, they'll be sure to find something interesting there. If you like true crime stories 364 is where you'll want to be.

400's for Languages

800's for Literature

There are plenty of great books to find on the nonfiction shelves. Take a stroll through our stacks or ask us what number will send you to what interests you most.

Artist Showcase: David Foix

This Month's Artist Showcase will feature David Foix. His nature photography will be on display Friday through Sunday in the Community Room at the Independence Public Library. An Artist reception will be held on Sunday when the artist will be available for questions and comments. Come support a local photographer and view his beautiful work.

Artist Showcase Hours:
December 12th     2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
December 13th     10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
December 14th     1:00 PM to 3:00 PM     (Reception)

December is Read A New Book Month!

You might not have guessed it, but December is Read A New Book Month. And thanks to your local library, reading that new book won't cost you a dime. The IPL gets stacks of new books each month, and they can all be checked out for free. Patrons at the Independence Public Library save thousands every year by borrowing, rather than buying. You can see how much you've saved so far this year by asking for a receipt the next time you checkout or by logging in to the online catalog. (Find instructions for logging in Here)
Once you are logged in, you can see how much you have saved. (Right under your contact information.

If you're looking to boost that number by taking part in Read A New Book Month, it couldn't be any easier than with the online catalog. You can reserve books the library already has right from the catalog, or add your name to the Reserve Express list for your favorite author by clicking the "receive new books" link. (See Below)

Reserve Express allows you to automatically place your name on the reserve list for new books from over 20 of the library's most popular authors. After clicking the link, simply select the authors you want new books from by clicking their names. (Selected names will appear in bold).

You can also "request" books the library doesn't have by clicking the link below the Reserve Express in the catalog.

The IPL catalog has many ways to help you get to the books you need, take a look around for yourself. And, as always, feel free to call us with any questions at 334-2470.

December Book Discussion

The next Book Discussion will meet on December 16th at 6:30 PM. This month's book is Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou. If you haven't read it yet, stop in at the library and pick up a copy from the circulation desk. No registration is required, and everyone is welcome to attend.

If you would like to get a head start on January's Discussion Book you can find a copy of This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper at the IPL as well.

Make'n'Take With Santa at The IPL

Join the Independence Public Library for a Make'n'Take with Santa on December 13th. From 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Children of all ages will be able to meet Santa (who will be handing out treats) and create winter crafts and decorations with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to take home with them. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and join in on the fun. This program is free and open to the public, and there is no registration required.

Reading Fun For The Young

While the big kids are playing out in the snow, bring in the little ones to the Independence Public Library. Every week Vonnie holds Rhyme Time and Story Time for infants and toddlers.
Children from ages zero to two can join the IPL each Thursday at 9:30 AM for Rhyme Time. Great fun for the very first stages of learning.
Children ages two to five can join Vonnie for Story Time every Wednesday at 9:30 AM. Read books, and take part in a hands on activity afterwards.

The Themes for December Story Times Are:
Dec. 10th     Gingerbread Cookies
Dec. 17th     Read A New Book!
Dec. 24th     Santa Stories
Dec. 31st     Bits and Pieces

All are welcome to attend, and there is
no registration required.