Petition for Pedestrian Safety

The Independence Public Library Board is sponsoring a petition to act in the interest of pedestrian safety. You may have already heard of it. We mentioned it on this blog earlier this month, and you may have seen it at the Summer Reading Program Registration, too.

We're hoping to bring about real action for change. Because we want you to feel safe at the Independence Public Library, and we want you to feel safe getting here too.

You can read the full wording of the petition by clicking this link. If you are at least 18 and live in the Independence city limits, you can show your support by signing the petition. If you are under 18 or don't live in Independence, you can show support by spreading the word or calling a city council member or the mayor.  

The petition will be available at the IPL until June 22nd. If you have any questions feel free to stop in or give us a call at (319)-334-2470.

Fizz, Boom, READ!, Off To An Explosive Start!

Last Monday we kicked off Fizz, Boom, READ!, and we've registered over 750 people in this year's Summer Reading Program. Check out the pictures on Facebook. If you haven't made it in, you're not too late. You can still register until June 22nd.

Today we're heading into our second week of the Summer Reading Program, so if you've got your first week of reading under your belt, stop in and get your first week prizes. And don't miss out on all the great programs going on all summer long. Tonight the Independence Public Library will have "Iowa Rocks!" in the Community Room. It's open to all ages, so be sure to stop in and explore geodes with us at 6:30 PM.

...just a reminder. If you were interested in registering for more than one art class, the waiting lists are now open.

TIPLINE!

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: "Anthropomorphic"

The word of the day is "Anthropomorphic" in honor of Richard Scarry's Birthday. The author, best known for his "Busy World" books would have been 95 yesterday. Below are two of Richard Scarry's books, featuring anthropomorphic characters.

  Both are available at the IPL.

If you haven't already guessed, an anthropomorphic character is a non-human character with human characteristics. A talking cat or and a worm that wears clothes and a shoe, are both examples of anthropomorphic characters. Characters like this are common in children's books, but can also be found in books for all ages. Click the word of the day above or search "anthropomorphic" in the catalog to find other great books.

What are your favorite anthropomorphic books?

Petition for Pedestrian Safety

Safety Petition

The IPL would like to invite you to join us in supporting further action to ensure the safety of all who walk and bike to our library. The library board has a petition for the intersection north of the library.

Since 2012, the City of Independence has considered recommendations for improving safety for pedestrians at this intersection; the site of several near accidents and a very serious accident on March 13, 2014. A
six-year-old boy was hit by a vehicle and suffered a skull fracture. The warning signs that have been posted do not provide the extent of protection needed in this area to keep pedestrians and bikers safe.

If you live within the city limits of Independence, Iowa and are at least 18, please consider signing the petition. It is available at the Independence Public Library.

Following is the wording for the petition:
We, the undersigned, request the City of Independence take additional action to ensure people’s safety at the intersection north of the public library at 1^st St East and 8^th Ave NE.  The City of Independence must hire a Licensed Traffic Engineer by August 15 to evaluate the intersection with the task of determining a safety solution.  Action must be taken on the engineer’s safety solution within one month from its announcement, having the goal of complete implementation within two months.

If you have questions, or would like more information; you may read more about by visiting our website, or calling us at 319-334-2470.

Just Right Books! at the IPL

With the Summer Reading Program just around the Corner (Fizz, Boom, READ! starts June 2nd) we thought you might like to hear about our "Just Right Books."
They're a section of books that make it much easier for early elementary students and some preschool students to read at their individual reading level.

“Just Right Books” were created with help from the former East Elementary. That means the library is using the same reading level system as many of the teachers, so you and your child may already know which books are best for independent practice.
Stop in anytime and take a look; and if you plan to visit the IPL for the Summer Reading Program Kick-off on June 2nd, you can check a few out when you register and pick up your reading log.

Remember, the Summer Reading Program is fun for all ages. We have programs for babies, children, teens, and adults; so Register Online or stop in at the Independence Public Library on June 2nd to register and pick up your Reading Log. Registration ends June 22nd but the fun lasts all summer long.

CAMEO Author Visit: Saloma Miller Furlong

The last in the CAMEO Author series is a returning favorite. Saloma Miller Furlong visited the Independence Public Library in 2011 to discuss her book Why I Left The Amish. This year she is back to revisit her first book and highlight her second, Bonnet Strings.

Book Discussion
May 27, 2014
5:00 PM

Author Visit
May 27, 2014
6:30 PM

Saloma Miller Furlong

will join us for the

Book Discussion

before the

CAMEO Author Visit

Remember to bring your copies to be signed by the author. If you don't have a copy and would like one, there will be books available for purchase during the Author Visit. 

Summer Reading Program

The Summer Reading Program is back!

Join us as we explore the world of Science during the 2014 Summer Reading Program. Early online registration begins today (May 22, 2014) for all programs (Baby, Children, Teen, and Adult). You can find the registration form on our website, www.independence.lib.ia.us , or click the "Fizz, Boom, READ!" image above.

You can register in person (and pick up your reading log, for online registrants) at the Independence Public Library starting on June 2nd. You can register until June 22nd.