Youth Services

News

 

 
 
 
 
I FINALLY got to see our newest library member today!
Just look at this cutie patooty! Just about a few weeks from the oven.
I cannot wait to hold this sweet little one.
Welcome, little one, to the library family.
~Ms. Lesa
May be an image of baby
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Did you know….that monarchs taste with their feet?
Did you know….that a group of monarchs is called a flutter or a kaleidoscope?
We had 2 monarchs emerge at the library this week. It took 13 and 14 days respectively for the process. The first one wiggled it’s way out yesterday and was tagged by Casey Diver and released. The second one emerged yesterday while we were in storytime. That one was tagged today and will be released tomorrow with the First Friday storytime littles. Thank you Casey @ Diver K-State Extension Southwind District.
They will be traveling to Mexico. Let’s hope they make it safe and sound.
If you are not aware, there is a program called Monarch Watch. https://monarchwatch.org/
If you happen to find a fallen monarch butterfly that has a tag on it. (it’s a tiny sticker on the wing), visit the above mentioned site and log its location. If it’s healthy, do let it return to it’s trip.
You never know what you’re going to learn at the Iola Public Library!
 
It is time once again for our Stuffy Sleepover at the library!
This is our 3rd year in doing this and I am hoping for another excellent turnout again this year.
Kiddos can bring their stuffy or friend to the library anytime on or before the 23rd. They will recieve an ID.
Kiddos can bring their stuffy or friend to the library anytime on or before the 23rd. They will receive an ID. ies get into. In previous years, they have been quite mischievous during the sleepover, but all in good fun.
There will be updates generally on the quarter to half hour so kiddos can see what their buddy’s are doing.
They can come to collect their friends the next day or at a time that is convenient for you.
~Ms. Lesa
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I wanted to share with you, the photos of the Summer Reading Wrap up/ Parents as teachers collab that we had on the square last week.
It was TOUCH A TRUCK and food sponsored by Community National Bank. Popsicles provided via Parents as teachers. Water provided by Rotary.
Thank you to all that made this possible. We appreciate you so much.
Thank you to Parents as Teachers – Allen County. Your help was very much appreciated.
Thank you to the parents that brought your children in to the library and to the programs throughout the summer to participate.
Thank you to the kids that participated and read those books!
Thank you to Iola Fire Department, Iola Police Department, Allen County Kansas Sheriff’s Office, @Iola Kiwanis, Lilly’s Towing Service and more!
I can’t wait for Summer Reading 2026. The theme will be Unearth A Story.
So much fun will be had!
Just because Summer Reading is over, that does NOT mean that you should halt coming in to the library. It makes my day when y’all visit! Your happy faces make ME happy!
Have a great school year and keep on reading!
Ms. Lesa
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I apologize but Water Wednesday has been cancelled and postponed due to the weather.
In place of the cancellation, we will be showing a movie in the meeting room at 3pm.
Thank you for your understanding.
Ms. Lesa
May be an image of 1 person, drink, body of water and text that says 'IOLA PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES EVENT Sorry, but because of 4 inches of rain yesterday causing the backyard to flood and a 40% chance of rain & thunderstorms today, WATER WEDNESDAY IS POSPONED Projected rescheduled date is June 25" Things just got little more despicable. In place, pleasejoin join US fo the movie Despicable Me 4 in the meeting room today (June 18th) at 3. Bring a blanket to sit on and a covered drink if you like. ILLIMISATION'S DESPILABL MEA'
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Youth came and made a Father’s Day gift.
 
Working those hand muscles with playdough and threading.
Patrons are working on the community  art project. It’s coming along very well.
 
 
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Play Space 2025 Here’s what is happening in Youth Services in the month of APRIL!
SPRING IS HERE!
April is Child Abuse Prevention month – CAP.
Show your support by wearing blue on April 4th.
Join us on April 9th for a CAP event. After Storytime, children can plant their own flowers that they will take home and grow. After that, we will go outdoors and “plant” blue pinwheels to show our support of CAP.
Flowers, greenhouses, Spring fun and a Bear Hunt!
I hope to see you and your littles!
~Lesa
BTW, if you are seeing this post, please come see me on April 1st for a prize between 11:30 am to 8pm.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month. April. Boy silhouette with pinwheel on blue background. Stop child violence. Template for banner, card, poster with text inscription. Vector illustration.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

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March has come in like a lamb. Yay!
Here are the things that are going on in the month of March in the Youth Services department.
We hope you will bring your kiddos to join in.

Come and have some silly fun with us!

Welcome to the new Youth Services page – one spot for news, pictures, events, and more from Miss Lesa.FEBRUARY 2025 YOUTH events.STORYTIMES in February -5th at 10:30 am7th at 10:30 am [First Friday ]19th at 10:30 am11th at 6pm – FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT IN THE LIBRARY. We will be showing the movie IF FEBRUARY 18th -PICKLE AUTOPSY – 10 years old or over “coroners” needed for sign up. Join us for this silly and fun event.February 25th at 6pm. – LEGO Play! Open LEGO play in the library! Come and create whatever you like. We have LEGO, DUPLO and more.Coming in JANUARY 2025.I have some fun things planned for January in the YOUTH DEPARTMENT.Here are some that are happening in the beginning of the month.Be sure to sign up for those that require it.~Lesa

DECEMBER events coming!

 

In December, we will have several fun events. It’s holiday time, so it’s holiday events!

Storytimes will be on the 6th, 11th and 18th. There will be no storytime on December 4th due to a staff get together for the holidays.The 6th is the First Friday Storytime at 10:30 am. Following this storytime will be a parent cafe where parents and I can chat about programs. Let me know what you would like to see offered here at the library. Share your thoughts and ideas. Refreshments will be provided.On the 21st is our monthly Stay Play – LET’S PLAY! day at 1pm in the meeting room. This is geared toward children, birth to age 5 and their grownups.At 2pm on the 21st, we are having a KIDS IN THE KITCHEN event. Let’s make cookies! Sign up is required for this event by December, 14th.On the 23rd, we will have a movie in the afternoon since it’s a no school day. We hope you can come and enjoy the events.

New activities are always on the horizon at Iola Public Library. We are excited to announce a special art workshop for kids in March where they can unleash their creativity and make their own masterpieces. Stay tuned for more details and be sure to check back often for updates on all our youth programs. We love to see our young patrons engaged and having fun while learning. Remember to bring your friends along for even more fun!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Iola Reads: Ranger in Time

Iola Reads: Ranger in Time

2024 Iola Reads selection for young readers is the Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner. Visit the Allen County Historical Society Museum on Saturday, November 2 to learn about General Funston & the San Francisco Earthquake from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and see Moose, the dog.

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GOT CABIN FEVER YET? We're here all day, 9-5:00. Just come on in and see us. Work on the new holiday-themed community puzzle or pick up a free houseplant cutting, rooted and ready. We have lots of new titles to browse. Just added shelves of non-fiction videos, too--think documentaries, PBS. If you just need some peace and quiet to get some paperwork done, call ahead and reserve the Roger Carswell Study Room. -- Jen Tarter ... See MoreSee Less

GOT CABIN FEVER YET? Were here all day, 9-5:00. Just come on in and see us. Work on the new holiday-themed community puzzle or pick up a free houseplant cutting, rooted and ready.  We have lots of new titles to browse. Just added shelves of non-fiction videos, too--think documentaries, PBS. If you just need some peace and quiet to get some paperwork done, call ahead and reserve the Roger Carswell Study Room.  -- Jen Tarter

A NEWS CREW FROM KOAM TV, Pittsburg, Wednesday filmed an interview with Darrin Daugherty (lower right), SEKLS tech consultant and project manager of a grant to provide digital literacy training and mobile maker-space equipment for libraries in a 14-county area. For IPL that includes a stock of 3-D printers, laser engravers, Cricuts, robot and drone kits, and other items to teach emerging technologies. Iola will share them on rotation with other libraries in Allen, Bourbon and Neosho counties.

Digital literacy is focused on enabling ages 55+ to use digital technology in everyday life--cell phones, texts, emails, for example. Ryan Jernigan, Iola, has joined the SEKLS tech team to be the "digital navigator" for IPL. Watch for announcements of scheduled consulting times or call for an appointment (620-365-3262).

The federal government funded the grant to the Kansas Department of Commerce, signed by Governor Laura Kelly.
... See MoreSee Less

A NEWS CREW FROM KOAM TV, Pittsburg, Wednesday filmed an interview with Darrin Daugherty (lower right), SEKLS tech consultant and project manager of a grant to provide digital literacy training and mobile maker-space equipment for libraries in a 14-county area. For IPL that includes a stock of 3-D printers, laser engravers, Cricuts, robot and drone kits, and other items to teach emerging technologies. Iola will share them on rotation with other libraries in Allen, Bourbon and Neosho counties. 

Digital literacy is focused on enabling ages 55+ to use digital technology in everyday life--cell phones, texts, emails, for example. Ryan Jernigan, Iola, has joined the SEKLS tech team to be the digital navigator for IPL. Watch for announcements of scheduled consulting times or call for an appointment (620-365-3262).

The federal government funded the grant to the Kansas Department of Commerce, signed by Governor Laura Kelly.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Library's closed today. Open 9-5 on Saturday. ... See MoreSee Less

... See MoreSee Less

OLD-TIMERS TALKING recently recalled the days when pie suppers led to sweet talk. Joe remembered when he had to bid $40 to win the privilege of eating his pie with the girl who brought it, as was the custom; she was his girlfriend. Hellen said that her brothers coached a naive young man to run up the bid on her pie, so she had to eat with him, not the boy she hoped.

For the uninitiated, during the early 20th century--especially during the Depression--and until the 1950s, homemade pies and fried-chicken suppers were auctioned off in decorated boxes in one-room schools or country churches as fundraisers. Much merriment and good-natured ribbing ensued as young men vied for the package prepared by the prettiest girl. The highest bidder for each offering then ate with the girl who brought it. Often a program of music or recitations followed the meal. Sometimes there was dancing.

While reminescing, the Old-Timers enjoyed homemade mock apple pie made with saltine crackers, a Depression-era specialty; pumpkin pie with whipped cream; and a mixed berry pie by IPL assistant director Laura Force, whose pie won first prize at the Allen County Fair. Piper Weilert, Humboldt, entertained with such old-time tunes as "Turkey in the Straw". She is a music student of Betty Cunningham.
... See MoreSee Less

OLD-TIMERS TALKING recently recalled the days when pie suppers led to sweet talk. Joe remembered when he had to bid $40 to win the privilege of eating his pie with the girl who brought it, as was the custom; she was his girlfriend. Hellen said that her brothers coached a naive young man to run up the bid on her pie, so she had to eat with him, not the boy she hoped.
 
For the uninitiated, during the early 20th century--especially during the Depression--and until the 1950s, homemade pies and fried-chicken suppers were auctioned off in decorated boxes in one-room schools or country churches as fundraisers. Much merriment and good-natured ribbing ensued as young men vied for the package prepared by the prettiest girl. The highest bidder for each offering then ate with the girl who brought it. Often a program of music or recitations followed the meal. Sometimes there was dancing.

While reminescing, the Old-Timers enjoyed homemade mock apple pie made with saltine crackers, a Depression-era specialty; pumpkin pie with whipped cream; and a mixed berry pie by IPL assistant director Laura Force, whose pie won first prize at the Allen County Fair. Piper Weilert, Humboldt, entertained with such old-time tunes as Turkey in the Straw. She is a music student of Betty Cunningham.Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
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Iola Public​ Library

218 E. Madison
Iola, Kansas 66749

► Hours

Monday: 9:00 – 8:00
Tue – Wed: 9:00 – 6:00
Thur: 9:00 – 8:00
Fri & Sat: 9:00 – 5:00

Fax (620) 365-5137

► Phone

(620) 365-3262

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