The IPL And The Blog Are Moving!

The Independence Public Library is getting a new website and Blog with the City of Independence!
It all goes live today, October 22nd, 2015! To view future posts head here!

Teens & Reading

Teens & Reading

Some teenagers like to read. Others don’t. It’s that simple. Or is it?

As adults, we know that reading is important and we obviously want to make sure that the teenagers in our lives grow into adulthood with all the skills they need to succeed. But how can we encourage them…safely?

Before we list ways to encourage teen reading that may work, here are a few tactics that likely will not.

Try to avoid…

• Pressuring, nagging, or bribing. Encourage, don't hound.
• Criticizing what they choose to read. Forbid as little as possible- accept differences of opinion.
• Lavishing too much praise. Show interest, but don't make a big deal out of it. They'll see right through you.

Ways to encourage teens to read...

• Set an example. Let teens see you reading for pleasure.
• Make reading materials available. Leave books, magazines, and newspapers around.
• Acknowledge their mature interests. Suggest some adult reading you think they can handle or that may interest them.

What can teens get out of reading? They have to get something out of it, right? Through reading they can:

• Become an expert. An expert on any subject they like—from sports statistics to spelunking, coins to carburetors, ballerinas to barbecues, or anything in between.
• Live dangerously. Through reading teens can share the challenges, fears, thrills, and achievements of those they are reading about - without the risk.
• Have a few laughs. Many teens will enjoy sitting down with a book by their favorite comedian or a collection of jokes or cartoons.
• See the world. Without leaving town, teens can visit places that fascinate them.
• Travel through time. Historical fiction and science fiction can move a reader back and forth in time.
• Use their brains. Teens may enjoy solving a mystery, outwitting a crafty villain, or thinking through a perilous situation.
• Get some free advice. Lots of novels feature teenage characters that have problems and pressures common to many teens, believe it or not.
• Discover new interests. Through reading, teens may develop an interest in something they knew nothing about before.
• Find a cause. Teens can get smart on an issue that matters to them.
• Escape. Teens can escape noise, tension, or boredom by escaping into a book.

Teen Read Week is October 18-24, 2015. The purpose of Teen Read Week, created in 1998, is to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users.

In recognition of Teen Read Week, the Independence Public Library is hosting an after-hours Teen Read-In for those students in 6^th grade and up. Activities will include mish-mash book skits, telling ghost stories, book character charades, scavenger hunts, building forts, reading, snacks, and more! Join us after hours from 7:00-10:00 pm. The event is free. Please call the library to sign up @ 319-334-2470.

Coming Soon!

Making plans? Check out what's going on at the Independence Public Library and what's Happening Around Town; or create your own fun with Famous Birthdays and Other Holidays and Events.

Coming Soon!

Making plans? Check out what's going on at the Independence Public Library and what's Happening Around Town; or create your own fun with Famous Birthdays and Other Holidays and Events.

TIPLINE: School

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: School

Schools are back in session for the 2015-2016 school year, and that means homework is on its way too. But don't panic, the IPL can help with that.

Coming Soon!

Making plans? Check out what's going on at the Independence Public Library and what's Happening Around Town; or create your own fun with Famous Birthdays and Other Holidays and Events.

iTAB and Teen Programs

iTAB is the Independence (Public Library) Teen Advisory Board and is open to 6^th-12^th graders.  iTAB is designed to energize teen programming and services as well as allow teens a greater voice at the library. iTAB shows teens they’re important and that they can contribute in a meaningful way. In addition, iTAB helps give library staff the teen perspective. iTAB meets on  a monthly basis throughout the school year. The iTAB Members contribute valuable ideas for teen programming and collection development and have opportunities for volunteering.

Coming Soon!

Making plans? Check out what's going on at the Independence Public Library and what's Happening Around Town; or create your own fun with Famous Birthdays and Other Holidays and Events.

Coming Soon!

Making plans? Check out what's going on at the Independence Public Library and what's Happening Around Town; or create your own fun with Famous Birthdays and Other Holidays and Events.

Story/Rhyme Time

Join the Independence Public Library for Rhyme Time and Story Time on Thursdays this September!

Rhyme Time is a great way for babies to learn early literacy skills in an interactive lap-sit program with their parent or caregiver.

Story Time gives children ages 2-5 years old a change for fun with books and creativity, with a new theme each week.

Games'n'Goodies!

Games"n'Goodies is back again this Tuesday (September 1st) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Independence Public Library host Games'n'Goodies in the Community Room every first and third Tuesday of the month. It's a great place to relax with some adult conversation and a little bit of fun. There's no need to register, and the program is free and open to the public, so bring a friend. We'll see you there!

Last Day for HERO Bingo Blackout Approaching!

The last day of August is coming up quick. That means that HERO Bingo Blackout is almost over, so finish up your Bingo Cards and get them into the IPL for your chance to win some books. If you've already finished up one card, you might still have time to do another. You can fill in one square right now by commenting below. We'll even get you started with a question. What was your favorite part of summer at the library this year?

Cinerama Holiday At The IPL!

Join the Independence Public Library for a Cinerama Holiday Screening. Randy Gitsch will present the 1955 film on August 25th at 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend, as this program is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Simply come and enjoy this classic film.

Book Discussion At The IPL!

Join the Independence Public Library for our August Book Discussion. This month's Book Club Book is Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. The Discussion will start at 6:30 PM on August 24th in the Community Room. This program is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register.

TIPLINE: Skippyjon Jones (and a Happy Birthday to Judith Byron Schachner)!

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Skippyjon Jones

Last Saturday was a whole lot of furry fun at the Check The Chip Day. We made pet toys, helped out the Buchanan County Animal Shelter, and met a litter of kittens looking for a good home. Some of them have already been adopted! If you weren't able to stop in on Saturday, try not to be too sad. you can find some great cats and dogs at the library anytime. You might be surprised to find out just how many series star (or co-star) a cat or dog,or a cat that thinks he a dog, like Skippyjon Jones.
Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten who thinks he is a Chihuahua, and the star of a children's book series by Judith Byron Schachner. Today is the author's 64th birthday. If you'd like to give Skippyjon Jones a try, stop in at the IPL and look for the Happy Birthday sign in the picture books. You can also ask at the circulation desk, we're always happy to help.
If Skippyjon Jones doesn't satisfy your cat and dog cravings, give some of these furry friends a try:

You can find Bad Kitty books in
Picture Books and Chapter Books

Charlie The Ranch Dog can be found in
the Picture Books

Chester is hanging out in the
Picture Books

You can read about Ike LaRue
in the Picture Books Section

You can read about Pete The Cat
in the Picture Books

You can find J. J. Tully Mysteries
in the Chapter Books Section

Stretch of the Maxie and Stretch
Series can be found in Adult Fiction

The Cat Who... Series is available
in the Adult Fiction Section

There are many more books (and movies) starring cats dogs and other great pets, stop in at the IPL and explore our shelves. You can also ask us at the circulation desk, we can help you find that furry friend you're looking for.

Butterflys At The IPL!

Join the Independence Public Library as the Butterfly Garden Takes Flight this Sunday. The Master Gardeners and Adam Kurt will be at the IPL on August 23rd at 1:00 PM to introduce the new Butterfly Garden on the southeast side of the building. Everyone is welcome to attend and explore the newest outdoor feature of the library.

iPad Q&A!

Need a little help with your iPad? The Independence Public Library is holding another iPad Q&A session on August 20th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the Community Room. You can register for the session at the library or give us a call at 334-2470. This program is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so be sure to register.

Games'n'Goodies!

Cards'n'Convo has been updated and expanded! We now have games, which calls for a name change. Games'n'Goodies will be held every first and third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Community Room. Adults looking for a little fun and refreshments with friends can stop on by. There's no registration required, and the event is free and open to the public. The next Games'n'Goodies starts at 1:00 PM on August 18th.

Family LEGO Night!

Join us at the Independence Public Library for Family LEGO Night on August 17th. From 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM the IPL will have LEGOs ready for imaginative minds of all ages to build and create. There is no need to register, and all the LEGOs will be provided. Stop in with the whole family for a brick load of fun!

Check out these creations from previous LEGO Family Nights:

Check The Chip Day!

Join the Independence Public Library on August 15th to celebrate Check The Chip Day with a fundraiser for the Buchanan County Animal Shelter. We'll Make Pet Toys, and check your pets for up to date microchip information. Free-will donations will be accepted.

From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM you can join us in the community room to make pet toys out of everyday household items. You can make them for your pet at home or donate them to the Buchanan County Animal Shelter for pets waiting for their own home. There is no need to register, and all the supplies will be provided.

From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Dr. Reid, from the Jesup Veterinary Clinic and the Buchanan County Animal Shelter, and Dr. Eike from Pipestone Veterinarian Services will be here to check for up to date chip information on your pet, and can provide general health and chip information if your pet does not yet have a microchip. There is no cost to check and update chip information, but all animals should be current on shots and on a leash or in a carrier.