October activities at the library for all ages

Gory Stories Book Club

Tuesday, Oct. 1, Noon

Do you love true crime? Join our monthly Gory Stories Book Club! Bring your lunch and join other true crime addicts to discuss a new book each month and share our favorite books, podcasts, & documentaries! Copies of the book can be picked up at the library information desk. The October book selection is “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll.

Chess Club for Kids!

Monday, Oct. 14, 3 – 5 p.m.

Kids in grades 1st – 6th are invited to learn how to play chess and practice with other children their own age. This program is free to attend and will be held in the teen area. No registration is required.

Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Entries accepted Oct. 14 – 21

Our annual pumpkin decorating contest is back! Decorate a pumpkin or gourd as your favorite book character. Pumpkins may be painted, dressed, or accessorized, but not carved. Please note that pumpkins that have holes in them go bad really fast, so painting and accessorizing works best for this contest. Pumpkins will be divided into the following categories: Family/Classroom, Independent Child, and Adult. Independent child entries will be divided into additional age categories (4-7, 8-12 and 13-18) with prizes awarded to top three in each category. The public will vote for winners in all categories Oct. 22-30, with winners announced on Oct. 31.

Iowa’s Lost Titanic History

Monday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m.

What do an orphan train rider, a kidnapper, a missionary, and a farmer have in common? All had ties to Iowa, and all were passengers aboard the ill-fated Titanic on the fateful night of April 15, 1912, when the ocean liner sank. Join historian, Darcy Maulsby on a remarkable journey as she brings these unforgettable stories from the “ship of dreams” back to life. This program is free to attend and open to the public.

The Salem Witch Trials: History & Hysteria

Thursday, Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m.

In 1692 more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts; 20 were executed. Why? What happened to create such hysteria? Were the accusers possessed? Experiencing delusions caused by eating spoiled grain? Discover the real story behind the Salem Witch Trials with historian Kathy Wilson. This program is free to attend and open to the public.

Take & Make Craft Kit: Painted Ghost Rocks

Pick up a free take & make craft kit and paint your own spook-tacular ghost rocks! Registration is recommended to reserve your kit. Registration opens Oct. 14. Kits can be picked up Oct. 21 - 26. Call 641-792-4108 to register. Limit 2 kits per household.

Autumn Book Swap

Monday, Nov. 4, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Clean out your bookshelves and pick up some new-to-you books at our autumn book swap! Drop off your gently used books at the library Oct. 28 - Nov. 2 and pick up a book swap ticket for each book you bring in. Bring your tickets back on Nov. 4, between 5 and 6:30 p.m. to pick out new books from the swap to take home! Books should be in good condition, clean, and gently used.