Participating in the Summer Reading Program is an excellent way to help your elementary school child practice reading skills over the summer and prevent the “summer slide,” or the loss of skills over summer break. Kids can also exercise their minds by participating in the Library’s extensive summer programming. This year’s highlights include a mini museum of dinosaur fossils, balloon art, a real, live giant Burmese python, and a whole block of activities exclusively for tweens!

To register or download the Gameboard and Activities List visit http://www.icpl.org/srp/childrens/

For School-Aged Kids

Digging Dinosaurs

The Dinosaur Lady (aka Carolyn Richard, paleontologist) is back with her full-scale T-Rex head, dino models, fossils, mini-museum, and the scoop on the latest fossil finds.

When: Thursday, June 20 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Reptile Wrangling with Torben Platt

Join the critter wizard from Witty Kitties as he grapples with alligator Lex Luther, who is even bigger than last year, and a giant Burmese python.

When: Thursday, June 27 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Mad Science with the Hawk-Eyes on Science

The zany scientists from the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy return with knock-your-socks-off experiments featuring lasers, electricity, and 3D wonders. There will be explosions!

When: Thursday, July 11 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Night at the Museum Party

It’s spine-tingling fun with Sarah Horgen of the Museum of Natural History clues us in on the science of archaeology.

When: Thursday, July 18 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Creations with a Twist

Balloon master Daniel Poe delights with his awesome balloon art. Audience members dress up in balloon costumes and act out funny stories as part of the “Dig Up a Good Book” show.

When: Thursday, July 25 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Wii Gaming for School-age Children

Elementary kids can join us for some Wii gaming.

When: Wednesdays from 2-4:00 p.m. through July 31

Where: Storytime Room

Children’s R.E.A.D. Times with Therapy Dogs of Johnson County

School-age readers are welcome to come read aloud to trained therapy dogs for fifteen minutes on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up, read, and win a prize book. Sponsored by the Therapy Dogs of Johnson County.

When: Sunday, July 7 from 2-4:00 p.m. & Sunday, August 4 from 2-4:00 p.m.

Where: Storytime Room

For Tweens (Ages 10, 11, & 12)

Tweens on TV: Be a Star

Tweens come prepared to talk about their favorite book to be taped and later air on The Library Channel 10. Parental approval is needed.

When: Monday, June 17 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Sign Language for Tweens

An expert in teaching American Sign Language (ASL) will be conducting an introductory session for tweens. Books on signing will be available.

When: Monday, June 24 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Cool Crafts with Casey

Join library employee Casey in creating some environmentally-friendly cool crafts from recycled materials. All materials provided.

When: Monday, July 1 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Scott’s Gardening Basics

Learn about organic gardening, composting, and growing your own food from Scott Koepke, Soilmates Education Outreach Coordinator at New Pioneer Food Co-Op.

When: Monday, July 8 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

The Art of Illustration

Local picture book illustrators Claudia McGehee and Jennifer Black Reinhardt will discuss their artwork and give tweens the chance to practice their own drawing skills. Materials provided.

When: Monday, July 15 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Yoga for Tweens

Dana Robinson from Sweet Feet Yoga will lead a yoga class designed specifically for tweens. Kids should come in comfortable clothing suitable for movement and exercise.

When: Monday, July 22 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

For the Whole Family

Family Special: MusicIC

From stories to music, hear Goodnight Moon, Pecos Bill, and Ferdinand the Bull in a whole new way with musical renditions by MusicIC.

When: Sunday, June 16 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room, B, Meeting Room C

Family Movie Screening: Despicable Me

Gru and the gang are back in theaters on July third with the premiere of Despicable Me 2. Come watch where it all began! The film is rated PG.

When: Saturday, June 29 from 1-3: p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Family Special: MADCAP Puppets present “The Cinderella Files”

MADCAP Puppets of Cincinnati present the hilarious fractured fairy tale of what would happen if Cinderella’s fairy godmother went on vacation. The giant puppets encourage plenty of audience participation when it falls to the Godmother’s husband Ralph to get Cinderella to the ball.

When: Saturday, July 13 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Storytimes

Book Babies

Rhymes, fingerplays, songs, and short stories designed to stimulate your infant’s language development. For babies 6 months to 18 months old. We ask that there be a lap for every baby.

When: Fridays from 10:30-11:00 a.m. through August 30 & Fridays from 1:30-2:00 p.m. through August 30.

Where: Storytime Room

Preschool Storytime

Summer events for Preschoolers include: Critter Capers, the Music of Adam Hartig, Reading Road Trip, and more!

When: Thursdays from 10-10:30 a.m. through July 25 (excluding July 4)

Where: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Stories in the Park at Willow Creek

A preschool-age program where longer stories and picture books are combined with fingerplays, songs, and action rhymes. Recommended for children who are three-years-old and up.

When: Wednesdays from 10:30-11:00 a.m. through July 24

Where: Willow Creek Park (West Benton Street and Teg Drive)

Stories in the Park at Mercer

A preschool-age program where longer stories and picture books are combined with fingerplays, songs, and action rhymes. Recommended for children who are three-years-old and up.

When: Fridays from 10:30-11:00 a.m. through July 26

Where: Mercer Park (Near the Mercer Park Aquatic Center)

Sensory Storytime

Designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, or other developmental disabilities, along with their friends or siblings. These storyimes include tactile books, songs, stories, and activities that will provide opportunity for hands-on participation. A caretaker must accompany each child with special needs.

When: First Saturday of every month from 1:30-2:00 p.m.

Where: Storytime Room

Family Storytime

Designed for the whole family, Storytime includes both shorter and longer stories combined with action games and activities. Recommended for all ages. Parents are asked to sit with younger children.

When: Saturdays from 10:30-11:00 a.m. through August 31 (excluding July 13) & Sundays from 2-2:00 p.m. (excluding July 7)

Where: Storytime Room

Toddler Storytime

Designed for toddlers or young preschoolers. The same program is performed Mondays and Tuesdays each week. Ideal for young children with short attention spans who need short stories, fingerplays, and action rhymes.

When: Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:30-11:00 a.m

Where: Storytime Room

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After reading and completing activities, participants should return their Game Board to the Reference Desk to receive a prize and be entered into the grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire.

There are a variety of exciting teen programs planned for June and July on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Featured programs include a screening of the movie Beautiful Creatures, our Anime & Manga Club, and making jewelry and other accessories from recycled materials. To top it off, there’s a  Lock-in Finale Party on Friday, July 26 from 8-11 p.m.

To register for the Summer Reading Program or to download a Gameboard and Summer Activities List, visit http://www.icpl.org/srp/teens/

Summer Reading Program Events

Bookmarking the Best

Create a bookmark for your favorite book, tuck it away in its pages on the shelf, and a lucky reader will discover the bookmark and the book you love.

When: Tuesday, June 18 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room B

Beautiful Creatures Movie Screening

Join us for a screening of the 2012 movie based on the YA novel. Free popcorn and soda.

When: Tuesday, June 25 from 2-4:15 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Upcycled Accessories

Make a purse from an old t-shirt or a soda bottle. Get ready to cut up something old and make it something new.

When: Friday, June 28 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room B

Minecraft Meet-Up

Meet other Minecraft players and play on ICPL’s own Minecraft server.

When: Tuesday, July 9 from 4-6:00 p.m.

Where: Computer Lab

Junk Jewelry

We’re making sweet, wearable jewelry from tossed-side items: bracelets from soda can tabs and safety pins, a set of earrings from duct tape, and more.

When: Friday, July 12 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room B

Meet & Read

We’ll chat about what we’ve read this summer while enjoying delicious treats from Capanna.

When: Tuesday, July 16 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room B

Lock-In Finale Party

Hang out at the Library after hours with your friends. Food will be provided by Pancheros.

When: Friday, July 26 from 8-11:00 p.m.

Where: Teen Area

Recurring Events

Teen Tech Zone – Summer Sessions

The Computer Lab will open teens who want to use the internet, create multimedia projects, play PS3 or Xbox 360 on the big screen, or hangout.

When: Mondays from 3-5:00 p.m. through August 19; Wednesdays from 3-5:00 p.m. through August 14; Thursdays from 3-5:00 p.m. through August 15 (excluding July 4); Saturdays from 1-4:00 p.m. through August 18 (excluding the second Saturday of each month)

Where: Computer Lab

Anime & Manga Club

Watch anime, talk about your favorite manga, draw, trade cosplay tips and suggest anime and manga the Library should add to its collection.

When: Friday, June 14 from 4-5:00 p.m. & Friday, July 19 from 4-5:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room A

Guys Read Book Club

Our mission: matching ICPL guys with the appropriate books (and other readable things) in a fun, guys-only environment. Free pizza! Aimed at guys in Grades 5-8.

When: Friday, June 21 from 2-3:00 p.m. & Tuesday, July 23 from 2-3:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting Room B

CoderDojo

At CoderDojo, kids in grades 5-12 learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games, and more. Ongoing meetings are held the second Saturday of each month.

When: Saturday, July 13 from 2-4:00 p.m. & Saturday, August 10 from 2-4:00 p.m.

Where: Computer Lab

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The Iowa City Public Library will be upgrading the Library servers from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. During this time, patrons will not be able to check out materials using the self-check stations. Staff will be available to manually check out materials at the Help Desk on the first floor.

The Library catalog computers will also be down. Staff at the Help, Children’s, and Reference Desks will be able to assist with finding items in lieu of the catalog.

Patrons should also note any materials returned during this time will not be processed and checked in until the server upgrade is complete.

Once the upgrade is done, Library services will return to normal. For further information, please call the Library switchboard at 319-356-5200.

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The Iowa City Public Library Summer Reading Program (SRP) launched this week, featuring activities for every level of reader and the possibility of winning a Kindle Fire. Over 1,500 people have registered in person and online, from toddlers to grandparents.

The SRP consists of four age-appropriate groups, each with a different, though related, theme: “Dig with Me” is for Babies and Toddlers; “Dig into Reading” is for school-age children; and the teen and adult programs are both themed “Groundbreaking Reads.” Each program features an interactive game board and accompanying activities list. If a participant completes every activity on the list, she will win an SRP t-shirt, and be entered to win a Kindle Fire.

Participating in the SRP is a great way for families to keep reading during the summer break from school. The program provides the opportunity for all readers to read for entertainment in a relaxed setting. Denise Rehmke, Library Coordinator for the Iowa City Community School District, notes, “We encourage all families to make time for reading year-round, but particularly in the summer, so that children stay in the habit of reading, increasing literacy, fostering the love of reading, and keeping them on track for better academic performance when they return to school in August.”

This year, the Library is pleased to offer online registration for the SRP. Sign-up is as simple as visiting www.icpl.org/srp. Downloadable game boards and activities lists are also available on the website, in addition to the SRP schedule of events. Patrons are welcome to register in person at the Library, too. Please visit the Help Desk or the Reference desk and a librarian will be able to assist you.

In addition to the game board and activities list, the SRP is replete with wonderful events, including the annual Children’s Day in the Ped Mall, held this year for the first time on a Saturday (June 8, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Recurring events include Book Babies (Fridays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), Toddler Times (Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.), Stories in the Park (Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. at Willow Creek Park; Fridays, same time, at Mercer Park), and regular Thursday events for preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A, such as a Bob the Builder DUPLO event and digging for dinosaurs with a paleontologist.

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The Iowa City Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital History Project, a web-based archive highlighting historic Iowa City and Johnson County, this Thursday evening, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A at the Library. The public is welcome to attend to learn about the archive, as well as celebrate Irving Weber Days with Weber’s favorite treat, ice cream.

Featuring a growing collection of more than 300 photos and videos, the Digital History Project showcases significant moments in Iowa City’s past. Highlights from the collection include photos from the Iowa City Centennial Parade in 1939 and the 1970s urban renewal phase that razed buildings and made way for the Ped Mall, plus a video from the 1930s commissioned by a local group advocating for the construction of a high school, now City High.

Iowa City and Johnson County have a wealth of libraries, archives, and historical societies, many with their own local history collections. But while these groups have unique collections of photographs, films, and slides, they often lack the necessary resources to digitize them.  And that’s where the Library comes in. Combining the Library’s goal to enrich, inform, and entertain, with the objective to provide access to materials in diverse formats, and tech-savvy staff, the Library’s mission is clear: to expand access to local history materials by digitizing them and making them available online at history.icpl.org.

In the Project’s early stages of development, staff at the Iowa City Public Library partnered with two local organizations: The Johnson County Historical Society (JCHS) and the Iowa City Host Noon Lions Club. The JCHS provided a wide-range of materials from their own collection and the Lions Club donated a generous monetary gift the Library used to purchase a high resolution flatbed scanner. Without the help from our partners, the Digital History Project would not be launching this Thursday night. Thank you to the JCHS and the Lions Club!

Be sure to check back for announcements on upcoming scanning days, when members of the community will be invited to digitize their own materials. For more information, please email Candice Smith at Candice-Smith@icpl.org

Digital History Project Launch

Date: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room A

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There are two shifts, from 9:30-12:30 PM and from 12:30 -3:30 PM.  We will need 60 volunteers over the course of the day (30 per shift).  Volunteers would help at the art and activity booths.

If you’re interested in helping out, please sign up through the Summer of the Arts website:

Step 1:  Go to www.summerofthearts.org and find the box that says “Volunteers Needed!”
Step 2:  Click on “HERE.”
Step 3:  On the next page, click on “Sign Up!” under the box that says “I would like to volunteer.”
Step 4:  On the next page, choose whether you already have an account or not.  If not, it will walk you through signing up.  If you do, use the next page to sign in, with your username and password.
Step 5:  The next page is where you can indicate Children’s Activities.
Step 6:  Then, if you already have an account, it takes you to a page with information from your previous application.  If your information is the same, just hit “Save” at the bottom of the page to continue. If you don’t already have an account, there are a few pages of further information it walks you through.
Step 7:  After getting through your information, you have the option to log out or go to the “Sign-Up” page.  Choose the “Sign-Up” page.
Step 8:  The next page starts a long list of Summer of the Arts activities.  Scroll down until you see Iowa Arts Festival – Children’s Activities.  Here is where you can choose Children’s Day Booth Helper.

If you have any questions, or need assistance signing up for a shift, please contact Devyn Alexander, Volunteer & Community Relations Manager at devyn@summerofthearts.org

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At the Library, we have first-hand knowledge of our patrons’ willingness to dedicate their time and energy to making a difference in our community and in the Library. To show our gratitude, the Library honored 36 selfless volunteers at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.

Among the honorees was Dr. William Pontarelli, this year’s Nancy Sereduck Volunteer of the Year. Dr. Bill, as he’s affectionately known, has volunteered in the Community & Access Services department, checking in books, since 2004. Dutiful, precise, warm-hearted, informative, and helpful are just a few of the words used to describe our Volunteer of the Year. From offering sage advice and his professional opinion to making everyone he works with feel comfortable and welcome, Dr. Bill has carved a place not only in the Library, but in our hearts.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Pontarelli and all of the Library volunteers!

100 Hour Award
Sarah Burnett
Rachael Carlson
Michael Conlon
Linda Eastman
Philip Fontana
Kirsten Glover
Derek Gomer
Amanda Horn
Sara Kaiser
Eveling Rojas
Ellen Segar
Maggie Winegarden

200 Hour Award
Kelli Andresen
Wai Yin Chan
Mary Jo Dane
Kathy Mitchell
William Moorhead
Debra Pughe
Mary Siegel
Jane Singer

300 Hour Award
Elizabeth Carroll
Jim Davis
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Don Friedman
Candice Gordon
Catherine Morita
Abram Nothnagle
Al Paxton
Julie Spencer

400 Hour Award
Susan Brown
Lori Cochran
Karen Eichler

500 Hour Award
Roberta Holstein

1,000 Hour Award
Chuck Felling

2,000 Hour Award
Helen Baum

2,500 Hour Award
Susanne Humphreys

Nancy Sereduck Volunteer of the Year
Dr. William Pontarelli

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Take advantage of the bus system this summer to spend time at the Iowa City Public Library. The Library and City of Iowa City Transit have partnered again this year to offer free bus service to children and teens through grade 12.

Show your Library card upon entering a bus during the designated days and times and ride free. Any accompanying adults will also be given a free ride.

This service is available Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and will run from June 4 – August 15. Return passes are issued at the Library.

While you’re visiting the Library, be sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. Participants can earn a t-shirt and be entered into prize drawings for a Kindle Fire.

Find bus route information right here: www.icgov.org/apps/transitMap

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If you are a homeschool parent or student and have been wondering how to stay engaged this summer, join other area homeschoolers at the Iowa City Public Library on Tuesday, May 14 to launch #homeschoolers@icpl.

This new program is designed to connect homeschool families so they can exchange information on how to stay in touch and remain active over the summer break. Events begin at 1:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A, and run until 2:30 p.m. A full list of activities is below.

1. It all starts in Meeting Room A – Everyone takes a  behind the scenes tour of the Library.
2. Younger children work on a craft project in the Children’s Room  and learn about the summer reading program.
3. Older students get to hear about some great new children’s and young adult titles, learn how to search for books to read for fun and school, and find out all about the library’s summer reading program.

For more information, email Brian Visser at Brian-Visser@icpl.org.

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Specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, or other developmental disabilities, Sensory Storytimes is a warm, welcoming event that meets the first Saturday of the month in the Storytime Room at 1:30 p.m.

Activities include tactile books, songs, stories, and activities that will provide the opportunity for hands-on participation.  Friends and siblings are encouraged to come along. A caretaker must accompany each child with special needs.

Each storytime lasts for 25-30 minutes, with extra time at the end of each program for caretakers and children to socialize.

The next Sensory Storytime will be Saturday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. Summer dates are June 1, July 6, and August 3.

Before your visit, try using our “Child’s Introduction to the Library” social story to see pictures of our Children’s Room.

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The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation is hosting a raffle to benefit Building the Collection. The two grand prizes are a $1,000 Visa card and a 64 GB Apple iPad with retina display.

Tickets may be purchased at the Library’s Help Desk on the first floor, until May 4. Individual tickets are $10. You receive a price break if you buy in bulk, as three tickets go for $25.

Winners will be drawn May 5, at the 10^th annual Building the Collection auction event. Reservations and a fee of $50 per person are required to attend the event, but you do not have to attend in order to be entered into the raffle.

For more information about the raffle and the Building the Collection auction event, please contact Patty McCarthy in the Library Development Office at 319-356-5249 or email Patty-McCarthy@icpl.org

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Come close out National Poetry Month at the 2^nd annual Poetry Pro-Am. This four-hour event created specifically for teens features a performance master class, refreshments, and a blowout live show to cap the day. Start the day at 3:00 p.m. by participating in a master class that will help you develop your writing and performance skills.

This isn’t just poetry, it’s poetry amplified. Feel free to rap, rant, riff, and rave. After class, take a break and munch on free food to get you ready to get up on stage and do your thing at 5:30 p.m. All events take place in Meeting Room A, at the Library.

Please be aware that space is limited for this event, so register today. You may do so online at http://goo.gl/Twy5E

This event is sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa Youth Writing Project, the Frank N. Magid Undergraduate Writing Center, and Working Group Theatre.

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2013
Time: 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Staff or Desk Contact: Brian Visser
Contact Phone: 319-887-6076
Contact Email: teens@icpl.org

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Whether you received a tax refund or you had to pay a penalty, two upcoming events at the Iowa City Public Library should be on your radar. David Oppedahl, business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, kicks off the Library’s Money Smart Week activities on April 25, with a talk on small businesses from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Money Matters: A discussion about budgeting and making the most of your money, starts the next day at noon. Both events take place in Meeting Room A and will be broadcast live on The Library Channel, Iowa City cable channel 10.

Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance from establishing a budget to first time home buying to estate planning. The effort was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002. For more information, please visit www.moneysmartweek.org/

Oppedahl conducts research on the agricultural sector and rural development as well as conducting microeconomic research. He directs the Chicago Federal Reserve District’s survey of agricultural banks on agricultural land values and credit conditions and publishes the results in AgLetter—the Chicago Fed’s quarterly agricultural publication. In addition to his research, he regularly briefs the Chicago Fed’s president on the agricultural economy.
The Money Matters discussion is sponsored by ICPL and Bank of the West. Oppedahl’s talk is sponsored by ICPL, Iowa State University Extension of Johnson County, Small Business Development Center, and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

For more information, please call the Reference Desk at 319-356-5200, option 4.

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Bring the whole family to these exciting events, and then continue on to the stacks to pick up a few books. These special family events are open to the public.

Beats of the Gold Coast
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room A

Get on your feet and move to the Beats from the Gold Coast percussion ensemble! Learn about immigrant children in Iowa as author Carol Spaulding-Kruse shares stories from her book Zakery’s Bridge. Sponsored by the Provost’s Global Forum on Refugees in the Heartland, made possible by support of the Stanley–UI Support organization through the Provost’s Global Forum, organized by UI International Programs and UI Center for Human Rights. http://international.uiowa.edu/uichr/refugees-heartland-conference

Staff or Desk Contact: Vickie Pasicznyuk
Contact Phone: 319-887-6019

Dance Fest with Armando Duarte and “Clever Anansi” Puppet Show

Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Kidspectacular presents this traditional African tale…with a twist, as Anansi deals with bullies Elephant and Hippo. Then learn how to dance the samba to music from Rio with University of Iowa Professor of Dance Armando Duarte. Free bunny craft.

Staff or Desk Contact: Debbie Dunn
Contact Phone: 319-887-6028

Earth Day Fair

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2013
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C

Join the fun at one of 10 different stations celebrating creative ways to take care of  our planet. Stations include 100 Grannies, Local Foods, Budding Biologists, Bike Library, Biggers Family, Farm to School, and Bloomin’ Wooley Acres.  Free crafts and a bubble wrap relay.

Staff or Desk Contact: Debbie Dunn
Contact Phone: 319-887-6028

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OAKTech (Older Adults and Kids and Technology) is a series of monthly technology classes offering skills training in Skype, Google Maps, iPads, and other apps and devices. More than just an instructional series, OAKTech brings together children and older adults to spend quality time in a friendly learning atmosphere.

In a spin on the usual classroom environment, children work with the adult participants to show them how to use new technologies, helping to bridge the tech gap between several generations.

Classes are held in the Computer Lab at the Iowa City Public Library from 11:00am until noon (current schedule below). There is a 15 older adult limit per class, so please contact the ICPL at 319-356-5200 to register.

Class schedule
Saturday, March 30: Skype
Saturday, April 20: Google Maps
Saturday, May 18: iPads

OAKTech is sponsored by the ICPL, University of Iowa LEAP Program, Mann Elementary School Lego League, and Lemme Elementary School Lego League.

For more information on all of ICPL’s computer class offerings, click here.

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Events that day include Family Storytime from 2:00pm-2:30pm in the Storytime Room in the Children’s area.  Recommended for all ages, parents of younger children are asked to sit with them during the event.

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Susan Craig, Director of the Iowa City Public Library, has been named a 2013 “Woman of Influence” by the Corridor Business Journal (CBJ). Selected by an independent panel of judges, the award recognizes women “who have made a tremendous impact on the [Corridor] region,” according the CBJ.

Winners of the 2013 “Women of Influence” awards

In her speech at the awards ceremony on March 7 at the Coralville Marriott, Craig noted how diverse job responsibilities are for today’s librarians, “Part of the difficulty is you can’t define librarians because it’s difficult to measure what they do.”

Referencing recent Mastercard commercials, Craig listed several things librarians do on a daily basis that go beyond filing and checking out books: “As the credit card commercial says:

• Instilling the love of reading in a child … Priceless;
• Helping an out of work adult who has never used a computer get an email account and apply for a job online …  Priceless;
• Being the backup for when Google lets you down … Priceless;
• Providing open, free meeting space for the exchange of ideas and face to face interaction … Priceless;
• Offering a vibrant destination point that builds community and supports economic development … Priceless.”

More information about the award, as well as a slideshow of the awards ceremony, can be found here.

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Spring Break officially begins Monday, March 18 for students in the Iowa City school systems, but everybody knows it really starts the Friday before, once the final bell rings. This year, ICPL is offering a range of events for children and teens, including a concert, garden party, and screenings of the final Twilight movies.

Featured Children’s Events

Pied Piper Concert with Orchestra Iowa features classical music played by a woodwind quartet. Co-sponsored by Orchestra Iowa. Saturday, March 16, 10:30am – 11:00am, Room A.

Garden Party with Scott Koepke, the Garden Guru, who will demonstrate what it takes to plant a garden. From soil to plant to food, follow the red wiggler worms as they help create a pizza garden with everyone’s favorite foods: pizza and French fries! Join the garden parade and dance to the music of Kevin B.F. Burt and the Red Wiggler Worm Band. Tuesday, March 19, 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

There will be many other children’s events, including a dance extravaganza and another puppet show, as well as the regularly-scheduled Storytimes and Book Babies. Please check the online Kids programs calendar at http://www.icpl.org/kids/programs/.

Featured Teen Events

Teens in seventh to twelfth grades are invited to join our Anime & Manga Club. We’ll watch animé, talk about our favorite manga, draw and trade tips on cosplay on Saturday, March 23, 1:30pm – 2:30pm.

Want to revisit the epic conclusion to the Twilight movie series on the big screen? Join us after Anime & Manga Club that Saturday (March 23) to watch Breaking Dawn: Part 1 and Part 2. We’ll provide food and drinks. You just make sure you arrive by 3pm for Part 1 and stay for Part 2, which starts at 5pm. Both will screen in Room A.

We’ll also continue our Teen TechZones every day, all week. For more information, check out http://teens.icpl.org/.

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Contact:

Nick Twemlow
Iowa City Public Library
319-887-6216
Nick-Twemlow@icpl.org

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Do you write poetry?

Do you enjoy listening to poetry and perhaps sharing poems together?

Then this fun two-hour session is for you! Bring your library card so that you can check out some of the great poetry books available at the workshop.

All materials and refreshments will be provided.

New this year: Young poets may stay to read one of their poems for the library Channel 10 telecasting between 4:00-5:00p.m. with parental approval.

Registration begins March 1. Class size is limited to 35.

To register, call 356-5200, or stop by the Children’s Room Desk.

Workshop led by Katherine Habley, Children’s Librarian, Iowa City Public Library

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time: 2:00-4:00p.m.
Location: Meeting Room A

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It’s still not too late to pick up a Weapons of Mass Creation canvas bag at ICPL!! Only $10! Ask at the HELP Desk on the first floor and take your bag home today.

All proceeds benefit the Friends Foundation of the Iowa City Public Library’s Better Building, Better Service campaign. Learn more about it here: http://www.icpl.org/renovation/