Library closed for staff training

Library closed Oct. 9 – 11

The Newton Public Library will be closed Oct. 9 – 11 for technology upgrades and staff training. The library will be open regular house on Saturday, Oct. 12.

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 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 and 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 two 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.