The Newton Public Library offers more than just bookks

Bookish Birdhouses Art Show

Birdhouse Pick up Begins Aug. 1

Display your artistic talents and celebrate the love of books at our Bookish Birdhouses Art Show! Pick up a decorative birdhouse at the library with a $1 deposit, and decorate it in honor of a favorite book or author. Return your completed birdhouse by Sept. 7 to have your deposit returned and be included in the art show. The decorated birdhouses will be on display inside the library Sept. 16 - 30. Submissions should be family-friendly. One birdhouse per person, please. Supplies are limited and we are unable to provide birdhouses to classrooms and businesses. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate!

Country Music Memories with Darla Knutson

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Throughout her career as an Account Manager for KIX101.1 and KFJB in Marshalltown, Darla Knutson had the opportunity to meet over 150 country music artists, athletes, and celebrities. The memorabilia collected over the years includes photos, autographs, programs, posters, t-shirts, scarves and much more. All these items come with fun memories she’ll share about shows, artists, and experiences throughout her radio career of 32 years. Plan to come a bit early (up to 1/2 hour prior to the program start time) to look at the many collectible items in Darla’s collection. This program is open to the public and free to attend.

Mental Health Matters: Managing Anxiety and Depression

Thursday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m.

Join Sarah Meeker from Angel Care Home Health to learn about understanding and managing anxiety and depression. Learn tips for caring for your mental wellness and more! This program is free to attend and open to the public.

Newton Public Library Fall Plant Swap

Plant Drop Off: Sept. 7 - 11

Plant Swap: Thursday, Sept. 12, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Clean up your flower beds, split those overgrown houseplants, and prepare for autumn planting at our fall plant swap! Drop off your extra or unwanted plants and bulbs at the library Sept. 7 - 11 and pick up a swap ticket for each plant you bring in. Donations may include houseplants, perennials, and bulbs. Bring your tickets back on Sept. 12 between 5 - 6:30 p.m. to exchange them for new plants to take home! Plants should be rooted in soil (excluding bulbs) and labeled.

September Mystery Bag

Wondering what to read next? Check out our FREE monthly mystery bags for adults! Mystery bags have a different theme every month and contain a surprise selection of 4-5 books and an adult craft. Return the library books when you’re done with them - keep the craft! The September theme is “Feels like Fall” and includes a selection of cozy mysteries, moody novels, and books inspired by the changing seasons. The craft is mushroom button art. Registration opens Aug. 26. Please call the library at 641-792-4108 to register. Ages 18+

Swedish Death Cleaning 101

Monday, Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m.

Swedish death cleaning is the thoughtful and effective method of organizing and decluttering, made popular by Margareta Magnusson’s best-selling book and television series, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.”

Although the process is often done to lessen the burden of your loved ones after you’ve passed, people of all ages and life stages can use these techniques to calm the clutter chaos in their lives. Join professional home organizer, Carrie Blackburn, for an introduction to Swedish Death Cleaning, as well as tips and tricks for decluttering and downsizing your own home. This program is free to attend and open to the public.