Washington library hosts first Photo Fest, and starts puzzle exchange

By Tammy Valentine

For this article I will tell you about an event that we had a few weeks ago, and I will tell you about new programs coming in February and March.

In late January, we had our first Photo Fest and it was a success! This was a collaboration with Art Domestique and the library. Six local artists gave very interesting presentations on their backgrounds, special techniques and the stories behind the photos. One thing, though, that was a common thread throughout the event was how much heart each photographer puts into their work. In this time of so much negativity, it was nice to hear how people give so much of themselves to make other people happy.

As the Adult Services librarian, I am the library’s representative for the library’s Art Committee. The other members of this dynamic committee are Cheryl Barnes of Art Domestique, Isabella Santoro of Dodici’s and Carol Ray, our resident art expert. The Art Committee is responsible for most of the displays you will find in the library. Feel free to go to our website to find out who is displaying each month.

Now, on to the new programs. Beginning Feb. 5 at noon, we will now have “Monday at the Movies,” instead of Classic Cinema and the Indie Film showing. Now, monthly on a Monday, I will be showing movies of different genres. The first “Monday at the Movies” will be a book-to-movie, titled “Julie & Julia.” This is about writer Julie Powell, cooking her way through Julia Child’s famous cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, in 1 year!

The next new program is called the Grow Freely Garden Club and it begins March 16th at 10am. This garden club’s mission statement is “To create a library community of gardeners who wish to improve their wellbeing through small-scale home gardening.” Our first meeting will be introductions and a calendar of what we will be doing over the next several months. Join us and see what grows!

Library begins puzzle exchange

By Beth Swift

New at the library, we have started a puzzle exchange! You can bring in your gently used puzzle (with all the pieces, please) and exchange it for another on our puzzle cart. There is no check out needed nor do you have to stop at the desk. The puzzle cart has a variety of puzzles ranging from easy to challenging which includes children’s puzzles and puzzles with 2500 pieces. Puzzles can be costly so this is a great way to exchange your beautiful puzzle for another without the expense.

Need help with your device but can’t make the Tech Thursday time work? No problem!

Tech Thursday has been expanded! You can now call the library at 319-653-2726 to set up an individual appointment during the following times.

Mondays 12pm - 3pm

Tuesdays 2pm - 7pm

Thursdays 10am - 12pm walk in AND 12pm - 2pm for appointment

Fridays 12pm - 4pm

Tech appointments are to help you access the library’s resources including accessing our digital library to read or listen to books on your device, or how to use our library printer from home to save you ink! I can also show you how to access Kanopy, a FREE streaming platform through your library card that has movies and programs not typically found on Netflix, Prime Video or other streaming companies. I can also help you set up a new iPad, tablet or Kindle.

Read it, make it, do it. What are you waiting for?

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