March 2023

ELY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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Spring Break

Join us Monday - Thursday at 2 pm. All activities are free and open to the public.


Monday - The movie Strange World and and a snack will be offered in the library conference room.


Tuesday - At the library you can hunt for leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold. Prizes will be given to all participants.


Wednesday - Lego day at the library. We'll have a list of creation ideas just in time for spring!


Thursday - At this make-and-take crafts event, we'll have the materials available to make two fun St. Patrick's Day crafts.


SPECIAL TEEN PROGRAM - THURSDAY MARCH 16 AT 3 PM. Ages 13+ are invited to join Sydney and she will teach you how to make a candle you can take with you.

Spring Break Evening Hours

While we will still be open our normal hours during the week of March 13th-17th, please note that in the evening hours our normal library resources will be limited. This is to allow our staff time off during the school's Spring Break. Patrons will only be able to check out materials, access computers, and use the library space in the evenings.


Thank you all for your understanding!

Spring Break Story Time Changes (March 13-17)

Monday (March 13)

10 am Special guest story time

No babygarten or toddler time


Thursday (March 16)

No storytime

New Geri-Fit Exercise Class Time!!

Mondays and Wednesdays

8 am and 1 pm


This is a FREE health and wellness opportunity that will be held on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8 am. Geri-Fit® classes improve strength, balance and arthritic conditions for people 60 and over. Additional benefits include increasing flexibility, balance and mobility as well as helping prevent osteoporosis. Stop in or call us at 848-7616 to register.


Please note there will be no Geri-Fit on March 13th or 15th.

Together We Read

March 1st-15th


Join #TogetherWeRead Mar. 1-15 and borrow ‘River Woman, River Demon’ by Jennifer Givhan with no waitlists or holds through Libby.


togetherweread.com/us

Linn County Master Gardeners Series

Tuesdays in March

6:30 pm


7th- Growing Herbs: Simple discussion of the history, growing tips, harvesting and nutritional facts for using herbs as food. Ecological and beneficial possibilities of herbs in the garden will be discussed . We will talk about 5-10 herbs such as Rosemary and Mint as time allows.



14th- Heirloom Veggies and Flowers: What is an heirloom, anyway? Why does it matter? Are they harder to grow? If I wanted to get started with heirlooms, what are some of the best veg to start with? How about flowers? Where can I find seed? How can I save seed from heirloom plants?



21st- Micro Prairie Gardening: You can have an impact on pollinators by creating a micro-prairie in your small yard and incorporating native plants in your existing gardens. Learn how to get started, learn plant recommendations, and more.



28th- Butterflies of Iowa: How to identify them and how to get involved in the Iowa Butterfly Survey Network.

BINGO!

Friday, March 10th

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm


Ely American Legion

1545 Main St. Ely


You won't want to miss out on the fun! The Friends of the Ely Public Library will be hosting another BINGO fundraiser at the Ely Legion! Doors open at 6:30pm and cards are $1.


Last Bingo Date is on Friday, April 14th.

Well Read Book Club

Monday, March 13th

6:00 pm


Come join us for the Well Read Book Club! Every month we choose a new topic for participants to read from. This month Book Club participants will be reading books for Women's History Month.


Trouble choosing a book? We have a display in the library that you can choose from.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

Wednesday, March 22nd

5:00 pm

In Person and Zoom


Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement while using hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.



Join Zoom Meeting


Meeting ID: 884 6578 1562

Passcode: 384198

Chatty Crafters

Tuesdays from 5-7 pm


Crafters are invited to bring your own crafts and socialize with other crafters. We'll provide the tea and coffee! Not currently working on a craft project? No problem! We will have colored pencils, coloring sheets, and other crafting supplies available.

Banned Books Club

Join us to peacefully discuss banned/challenged books! Our next selection will be "Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews.


When: Thursday, March 23, 2022 at 7 pm.

Where: Ely Public Library OR via Zoom

Join Zoom

Blood Drive

Wednesday, March 29th

3-6 pm


Call 319-848-7616 to sign up.

SAVE THE DATE- Easter Bunny at the Ely Community Center

Saturday, April 8th

10-10:30 am


Join us at City Hall on April 8th. From 10-10:30 am, Ely Public Library will feature the Easter Bunny at the egg hunt by City Hall. Be sure to stop by to say hello and bring your cameras!

SAVE THE DATE- Ely Garage Sales

Saturday, May 6th

8 am - 3 pm


Rain or Shine! Register with the Friends of the Ely Library sale map to have the best chance of getting people to your sale. $5 to register and you will receive a sign.

SAVE THE DATE- Ely Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale

Friday, May 5th

5 -7 pm


Saturday, May 6th

8 am-3 pm


Friends will be selling their delicious Cinnamon Rolls on Saturday morning again!

Now Accepting Book and DVD Donations

The Friends of the Ely Public Library are now accepting donations of books and movies for our Spring Book Sale.


Make an appointment with Clary 319-848-4963 or Cheryl 319-848-4348.


We will not accept books and movies without an appointment.

EXERCISE OFFERINGS

Tai Chi with Tom

Tuesdays at 8:00 am


Tai Chi will be only virtual January-March.


Join us through Zoom!

Come gather with Tom for a relaxing morning session of Tai Chi!

Please consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.


Please note there will be no Tai Chi on March 14th.

EARLY LITERACY OFFERINGS

Babygarten

Mondays at 9:00 am

1595 Dows St., Ely, IA 52227


Babygarten is an educational curriculum for babies featuring songs, movement, literacy tips, and free play. Recommended for children under 3 years of age.


Please note there will be no Babygarten on March 13th.

Toddler Time

Mondays at 10:00 am

1595 Dows St., Ely, IA 52227


Toddler Time features stories, rhymes, songs, and interactive activities designed to get babies and toddlers acclimated to loving the library. Big siblings are welcome to join the fun!


Please note there will be no Toddler Time on March 13th.

Preschool Story Time

Thursdays at 10:00 am

1595 Dows St., Ely, IA 52227


Designed for kiddos aged 3-5 but open to all, Preschool Story Time is a half hour of books, songs, and activities followed by a craft.


Please note there will be no Story Time on March 16th.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Get FREE BOOKS for your child! Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five! The Ely, Iowa, Friends of the Public Library partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ensures all children in our community, with a mailing zip code of 52227, can have a great selection of books at home.


Sign up for this new partnership in-person at the library or online here: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/IAELY/

Ely Food Pantry

The food pantry that we started for the derecho is continuing to serve the community through a partnership with HACAP. Items are available in the lobby for anyone who needs them. Neighbors Helping Neighbors!


We are accepting the following items:

  • Unexpired, non-perishable food items
  • No-heat meals
  • Peanut butter
  • Fruit in squeeze pouches
  • Diapers, wipes, formula,
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Toiletries, paper towels, and cleaning supplies
  • Water


We are no longer accepting shoes and clothing.

1 on 1 Computer Help

Do you need help with something on your computer, phone, tablet, or e-reader? Schedule a time to come in, and we can help you with it!


Phone: 319-848-7616

Email: rachel@elyiowa.com

Bridges E-Book and E-Magazine Collection

Check out magazines, audio-books, e-Books, and movies right from your smart phone, tablet, or computer using your Ely Public Library card!


HOW DOES IT WORK?

You can access the collection by:

  1. Going directly to the Bridges website
  2. Clicking "Sign-In"
  3. Selecting "Ely Public Library" as your library
  4. Enter your Ely Public Library card number


OR


You can access the collection by:

  1. Downloading the Libby App
  2. Open the app and follow the prompts!
  3. You will search for "Ely Public Library," enter your library card number, and click "sign in."


This service is available for residents of Ely and rural Linn County.

Stop in or give us a call for assistance.

Hotspots

Going on a trip? Know you will be without internet for a few days? We have hot spots available! Hot spots can be checked out for a week at a time, with an option for renewal depending on supply and demand.

DIY Depot

We have new crafts to pick up in the DIY Depot this month. Pick one up and lure your children away from their screens!

Help Now

HelpNow - Your library card is your ticket to learning. Get your Ely Public Library card and use HelpNow for free access to online tutoring, homework help, practice tests, writing reviews, study tools, and more!

LearnNow

LearnNow - Test anxiety is real! But it doesn't have to be. With your Ely Public Library card you can access practice tests, preparation guides, and study materials. Simply visit www.ely.lib.ia.us and access LearnNow.

JobNow

JobNow - Did you know that with your library card you can get FREE job coaching? Visit www.ely.lib.ia.us to find JobNow for professional assistance with all stages of job hunting including online applications, resumes, interviews, and more!

VetNow

VetNow (VetNow/JobNow) - Are you a veteran, or do you know a veteran, who is transitioning from military to civilian life? Visit www.ely.lib.ia.us to find VetNow to connect with a live veteran navigator and get free assistance from a veteran with your VA benefits. You can also get help with job hunting, resumes, interviews, and building your academic skills.

Hoopla

Digital Movies, Music and More – Instantly Available – 24/7 – Free with your Library Card!


We are excited to announce Hoopla Digital: a new digital media service provided to you through which you may access and enjoy nearly half a million titles, from six different formats: Movies, TV, Music Albums, eAudiobooks , eBooks, and Comics/Graphic Novels. All in one location, from your computer, tablet or Smartphone!


This service is available for residents of Ely and Rural Linn County.

Stop in or give us a call for assistance.

OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Library Board Meeting

The Library Board of Trustees will hold their meeting on Wednesday, March 1st at 7:00 pm at the Ely Public Library. All are welcome to attend. Those wishing to attend virtually can use this zoom link:


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82612735222?pwd=SFkxdlFkR0Mxb2F4QmhqeHlUZzRmUT09


Meeting ID: 826 1273 5222

Passcode: 502545

Friends Membership

Friends will meet on Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30 pm

1595 Dows St., Ely, IA 52227


We are looking for some good friends to help us plan some fun upcoming programs! We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm. Join us and learn how you can be involved!

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Take a minute to learn more about the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program. Here’s why every child in preschool and younger should join!

1. Children who are read to at an early age become more successful in school.

2. Children’s brains develop most rapidly before the age of 4.

3. Reading together helps develop bonds with parents and caregivers.

4. Listening to stories helps children’s brains grow.

Incentives you’ll receive:

1. A reusable book bag

2. Stickers and reading logs for every 100 books read

3. A prize at the ½ way point of the program

4. Recognition at the library

5. A free board book and book plate in a library book when completed

How to sign up:

1. Go to the library and tell them you’d like to sign up. They’ll give you the details. It’s that easy! You don’t have to live in Ely to participate.

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