What’s happening @ your Library

Posted

BY SARAH CLENDINENG
FM Public Library Director

Changes to Library Services

There are a couple of exciting new changes in library services.  First, the library catalog will now attempt to automatically renew your library materials.  If unreturned items are eligible for renewal, they will be renewed on their due date.  If you are signed up for e-mail or text notifications, the system will notify you that it will be doing this and then let you know whether or not it was successful.  That said, materials can only be renewed once and they cannot be renewed if someone else is waiting for them so you will still want to keep an eye on your library account.

Secondly, there is currently a nationwide trend of libraries looking for ways to remove barriers to library service, including not charging fines for overdue materials.  The library board has approved a trial period of not charging fines for overdue materials to evaluate the effect this will have on library services and materials.  The library will not be charging fines on overdue materials from November 1 through May 1.  As part of this trial, patrons will also not be able to check out new materials if they have at least one item overdue by a month or more, or three or more overdue items.  Once overdue materials are returned, patrons will be able to check out new materials.  Additionally, while patrons who have excessive overdue materials or existing fines or fees on their account cannot check out materials until those are paid, they will now be able to use the public desktop computers.

Art Installation December 3 and 4: Thread Library

Save the date! The library will be hosting a two day, pop-up art installation on December 3 and 4.  “Thread Library” is an installation art piece India Johnson created for the Iowa City Public Library in February 2020 and has since travelled to libraries across Iowa.  “Thread Library” is a collection of threads, and each thread is cataloged as if it were a book.

In addition to being able to view the collection, there will also be a workshop from 3:45-4:45 on Friday, December 3 and a public talk at 11am on Saturday, December 4.  Space is limited at the workshop and registration is strongly encouraged.  Registration will be available beginning November 16.  No registration is necessary for the talk on Saturday. 

In addition to being on display, “Thread Library” is also accepting donations to be cataloged and added to the collection.  Based on information provided by the donor, each thread is assigned a title, author, description, and subject headings. This makes “Thread Library” both a work of visual art and a creative writing project.  Contact Sarah Clendineng at the Fort Madison Public Library (319) 372-5721 about the process for donating thread.

October Book Recommendations from Library Board Member Sharon Groene

  1. Still Life by Louise Penny (Inspector Gamach series) (MYS PEN)
  2. This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger (MYS KRU)
  3. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger (MYS KRU)
  4. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger (Cork O’Connor series) (MYS KRU)
  5. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs series (MYS WIN)
  6. The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian (F MUS)
  7. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (F SKE)
  8. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (F PEN)
  9. Beartown by Frederik Backman (F BAC)
  10. Us Against You by Frederik Backman (F BAC)

Upcoming Events at the Fort Madison Public Library –

For the safety of library employees and other patrons, please do not come to library programs if you feel ill, have a fever or are waiting on the results of a coronavirus test.  The library is still offering curbside book pick-up if you need something to read, watch or listen to but want to keep your community healthy by temporarily quarantining.

The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 11 for Veteran’s Day. The library will be closed Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. The Library will be open on Saturday, November 27.

Pre-School/Toddler Story Hour –Wednesday morning at 10:30.

Thursday Crafternoon –Thursday, 3:30-5:00, for ages 14-adult.  This program is an opportunity to spend some time working on an in-depth project during the whole month.  November will be a chance to work on a fall craft.

Hang Teen – Tuesday, 3:30-5:00 (except for November 16) for ages 12-19.

Minecraft –3:30-5:00, ages 9-18 on Mondays. 

Wacky Wednesday – School is out early November 17, stop by between 1:30 and 2:30 to make a milk jug turkey.

All Booked Up! - The library's book discussion group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.  On Thursday, November 4, we will be discussing "The Black Dahlia” by James Ellroy.  On Thursday, December 2 we will be discussing “Brooklyn” by Colm Toibin.

Cook the Book –Please note change of date. In November, we will be meeting on the 3rd Tuesday. This month’s cookbook is “Cookie Classics” and is available at the library. Pick a recipe and prepare it to share with the group on November 16 at 5:30 pm. In December, we’ll be picking recipes from “Brunch @ Bobby’s” by Bobby Flay.

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