Explore Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts

/in , , , , /by
Lake City author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will visit the Ida Grove Public Library on October 22nd to share her expertise on Iowa. You’re invited to attend her 5:30 p.m. program “Explore Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts”. This event is free and open to the public.
During her fun, interactive program, Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits about how the barn quilt movement started, how it spread to Iowa and how these distinctive quilts aren’t just for barns anymore. “‘Iowa’s Amazing Barn Quilts’ might inspire you to do a little gravel travel to see these rustic works of art for yourself,” Maulsby said.
Following the program, Maulsby will sell and sign copies of her non-fiction, illustrated Iowa history books, including Iowa Agriculture: A History of Farming, Family and Food; A Culinary History of Iowa; Calhoun County; Dallas County; Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes; Madison County; and The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History.
This presentation made possible by a grant award to the Ida Grove Public Library from Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society, Inc.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about Iowa’s fascinating barn quilts.

Hello from the Ida Grove Library!

/in , , /by

Happy almost September! Welcome fall, although the last few days haven’t been very fall-like. And welcome to the start of a brand new school year! We hope you’re loving these first few days of back to school and soaking in the excitement that fall and fresh starts always bring. Now’s the perfect time to build great habits and set inspiring goals for an amazing year!

We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming library program schedule, packed with fun and engaging learning activities for families and children. At your library, you’ll find a treasure trove of reading materials for kids of all ages, along with preschool story times, after-school special guests, STEM programs, movie days, and so much more! Libraries are incredible places for children to learn, explore, and grow.

Fun Fact: Did you know that our library has over 5,000 books just for children? That’s a lot of adventures waiting to be discovered!

Keep scrolling to check out our fall program schedule. PS…you can also find all of our programs listed on the events calendar on both the city website and the library website, www.idagrove.lib.ia.us

Remember, all our programs are free and open to every child in our community. We can’t wait to see you!

 

Read, Renew, Repeat!

/in , , , , /by

Read, Renew, Repeat 2024 Summer Program to be held at the Ida Grove Library

The Ida Grove Library is thrilled to announce our upcoming six-week summer reading program, which will run from June 6 to July 11, 2024. Our theme this year is “Read, Renew, Repeat.” Our mission? Keep children reading during the summer, ensuring they start the new school year strong.

Registration for the summer program starts on Monday, May 6th, and runs through June 15th. As part of our reading program, we’re excited to welcome special presenters to entertain and educate our summer readers. Special programs will be held at 10:30 am on Thursdays in the Library’s Heritage Room.

Thursday Programs held at the library:

June 6 @ 10:30 am – Jedi Adventures with Toby Kid and the Funny Farm

June 13 @ 10:30 am – Adam White Magic, sponsored by Shelby County State Bank

June 20 @ 10:30 am – Darrin Crow, Storyteller Extraordinaire

June 27 @ 10:30 am – Circus Pop! The Big Bubble Show

July 11 @ 10:30 am – Summer Reading Pool Party @ the outdoor pool

We are also excited to announce a special 5-week summer movie series, “Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat.” We’ll explore topics related to conserving and protecting our natural resources. Animated films will dominate the line-up, ensuring that all age groups can enjoy the cinematic experience together. Movies will be held on Tuesdays at 6pm, admission is free of charge and concessions will be available to purchase.

Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat: 

June 11 @ 6 pm – Over The Hedge

June 18 @ 6 pm – The Lorax

June 25 @ 6 pm – Happy Feet

July 2 @ 6 pm – Yogi Bear

July 9 @ 6 pm – Fly Away Home

The summer reading program is free to all children through age 12 and is supported through generous donations to the library from local individuals, businesses, and organizations.

While the summer reading program is geared towards children up to age 12, we invite everyone in the community to join us for “Movies @ The King: Read, Renew, Repeat.” Let’s celebrate the joy of reading, the magic of cinema, and the beauty of our environment!

For more information, stop in to see us, give us a call, or visit our website at www.idagrove.lib.ia.us.

Find Your Voice! at Ida Grove Library’s Summer Programs

/in , , , /by

 

 

The Ida Grove Library will launch the Find Your Voice! summer reading program on June 8. During June and July, the library will host a range of free activities for children to encourage and support a love of reading.

Programs will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 am, starting June 8th and running through July 13th.  The summer line-up includes a much-loved storyteller, Darrin Crow; Circus Pop! The Bubble Show with Logan Jimenez; Mimes, Masks & Magic with Fax Gilbert; Pint Size Polkas with Mike Schneider, and a fun-filled program with Laura from the ISU Extension office. The last program on July 13th will be a summer reading pool party and picnic!

Registration continues through June 16. To learn more about the summer reading adventure at the library, please call 364-2306 or check out the library’s website at  www.idagrove.lib.ia.us/services/programs

Spark Joy! Program

/in , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library is excited to announce a special Spark Joy! virtual program with Shannon Huneycutt. Shannon is the founder of Spark Joy® Charlotte and a certified Gold level KonMari® Consultant trained by tidying expert Marie Kondo. Marie is the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the creator of the KonMari Method®, which is a style of tidying focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only those items you love.

The Spark Joy! program will be available to registered participants from 5pm on March 10th through 5pm on March 12th. In addition, we will be hosting a special viewing of the program at 7pm on March 10th (at the library) to kick off our tidying journey! You are invited to sign up for this fantastic opportunity to learn how to Spark Joy! in your home, life, and work.

To register or find out more information about this program, please visit: Spark Joy! Program :: Ida Grove Public Library

 

Ida Grove Library Hosts Author Cullen Vane

/in , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library will host author Cullen Vane on Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Heritage Room at the library. Vane will provide a short presentation on his writings and experience as a missionary in Haiti, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale after the presentation.

A native of New York City, Cullen has lived on the East coast, the Midwest (Illinois and Wisconsin), and resides in California where he draws on the vast American landscape and personal experiences to write works of fiction that involve normal people in unusual circumstances. His novels and short story collections often have a quirkiness that his fans have come to enjoy, but always at the heart are core moral values and the constant reminder of what is most important in life, namely, the love of family. He does not limit himself to fiction and has written several sportsbooks, a book on parenting, three memoirs, several screenplays, a few plays, and even a rock opera.

In 2016, as he was approaching his sixtieth year, Cullen went to Haiti as a missionary for six months but stayed for three years. He has written seven books, including the acclaimed ‘An Unexpected Missionary,’ about his adopted little country.

Amazingly, Cullen has spent a total of four days in Iowa but has somehow managed to work the Hawkeye State, and Ida Grove in particular, into several of the 60 books he’s written. Although he has never stepped foot in Ida Grove and knows of it only through the magic of the internet, more than two decades ago he adopted it as his “go-to” town and it has become the primary setting in several of his stories. He comes to Ida Grove to see for himself what the town is and hopes that being here will allow him to continue writing about the town for years to come.

Cullen currently lives at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Roseville, CA, and his two sons, Tyler and Zachary, live nearby.

Ida Grove Library plans two Heritage Days Events

/in , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library is pleased to announce two special events to add to this year’s Heritage Days festivities. First, stop by the city park for a FREE, fun, family event with the Iowa PBS STEAM trailer.  All ages are invited to join us for exploration and play as we host the STEAM Trailer filled with activities centered around science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The Iowa PBS STEAM trailer will be located in the city park from 12 pm -4 pm on Saturday, June 26th.

Then, stop by the King Theater where we will be hosting special guest speaker, Dr. John Chase.  Dr. Chase will share memories and stories from his book “You What!? Humorous stories, cautionary tales, and unexpected insights about a career in medicine”. Dr. Chase will speak at 3:30 pm and a book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available to purchase at the event for $15 each.

We hope you’ll make time to join in these festivities and more to celebrate Ida Grove!

Preliminary Flood Maps

/in , , , /by

City officials participated in a Consultation Coordination Officer’s Meeting this week with members from Atkins, FEMA and IDNR regarding the Preliminary Revised Floodplain Maps.  Anyone interested is urged to review the preliminary maps at

www.IowaFloodMaps.org

On the left side of the screen under draft flood hazard maps, click the Green “view the maps” box.  Then on the right hand side, click the Red “view maps” box.  In the drop-down box, select Ida-Preliminary.  From there you can pan around the map or utilize the search box to find your property.

Due to COVID-19, there will not be a community meeting regarding the maps, however, anyone with questions will be provided an option to meet electronically, 1-on-1 with an IDNR representative to discuss their property.  Please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 if you would like to be contacted/scheduled a meeting with a IDNR representative.

It is imperative that residents review the maps as soon as possible as we will soon be entering a 90-day appeals period.  The official appeals period will be advertised in the Ida County Courier by FEMA and this will identify when the appeals period begins.  It should be noted that appeals related to the flood studies and flood hazard information on the floodplain maps must be supported by technical data and can only be submitted to FEMA by the City during the appeals period.  Comments such as clerical corrections not related to the flood hazard mapping can also be submitted before or during the appeals period.  If you have a question or concern, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 so we can assist you with determining if it would be a possible comment or appeal.  Comments and appeals submitted should be sent to the City so they can be coordinated with IDNR and FEMA.

 

Notice of Altered Hours of Operation

/in , , , , , , /by

City Hall will be closed on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 8 am – 10 am in order to facilitate required training of all employees.  We thank you for your understanding!

Ida Grove Library to offer No Contact Pickup

/in , , , , , /by

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ida Grove Library closed our building to the public on March 17, 2020. To minimize the impact that our closure is having on our community, we will begin offering an alternative way to check out materials for patrons who wish to utilize library service while maintaining a minimal risk of exposure for both staff and patrons.

Starting Friday, April 24, 2020, the Ida Grove Library will offer a No Contact Pickup of library materials following these guidelines:

  1. Pickup of items from the library will be held on Fridays from 9:20 am to 3:40 pm, in 20-minute intervals to ensure social distancing guidelines are met and allowing staff to clean and sanitize the pickup location.
  2. To find items, use the library’s online catalog by clicking on the ‘search catalog’ on the library website www.idagrove.lib.ia.us. Please note the title of the item and author when requesting items.
  3. To request your items and schedule a pickup time, call the library at 364-2306 or email [email protected] to schedule a time and provide a list of your requested materials.
  4. Cut off time is 4 pm on Wednesday before the pickup day.
  5. At the scheduled pick up time, items will be located in our new book house at the back entrance of the library allowing you to pick up items without contact with staff or other patrons.
  6. Staff will not be present at the pickup location in order to maintain social distancing guidelines.
  7. Returns will not be accepted at the back door, returns should be placed in the regular book return located at the front entrance of the library to allow staff to follow sanitization guidelines already in place for returned items.

Since the length of our closure is undetermined at this time and we have had many requests from patrons for additional reading materials, implementing this service at this time will allow us to serve our community through these difficult times. Depending upon the future situation and the length of our closure, we will re-evaluate at a later date to determine if we need to increase the number of days we offer the service or if any changes need to be made.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we try to navigate through the current situation and determine additional ways to serve our community until we can re-open our doors and see you @ your library.

IG Library Offering Digital Library Cards

/in , , , , , /by

Starting Tuesday, March 24, the Ida Grove Library will be offering digital cards for residents of Ida Grove and Ida County who currently do not have a valid Ida Grove Library Card. This digital card will allow access to online resources available through the library, including access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, databases, and other resources during the time that the library is closed to the public.

A digital library card will work as a temporary, three-month card and will need to be renewed in person at the time the card expires. To renew the card in person when the library reopens, patrons will need to verify identity by providing a valid driver’s license or ID card and proof of address.

More information about this new service and the online application is available through the library website: www.idagrove.lib.ia.us/services/digital-library-card

If you already have an Ida Grove Public Library card, you do not need a digital card to access digital materials. Please call 364-2306 or email [email protected] to request your current library card number.

Author Cheryl Mullenbach to visit Ida Grove Library

/in , , , , /by

Author Cheryl Mullenbach will be visiting the Ida Grove Library at 6pm on March 26th for a special program highlighting Iowa’s Misbehaving Women.

It’s been said that well-behaved women seldom make history. Author Cheryl Mullenbach has uncovered the stories of Iowa’s intriguing women and invites you to meet these heroic, amusing, imaginative, nervy individuals. Learn about Iowa’s female riverboat captain, livery manager/cigar seller, and Cedar Rapids’ “girl in the trenches.” And, of course, there’s Iowa City’s “first woman executive,” who boasted, “I am 52 years old, don’t care who knows it; and I’m going to clean up this town and then run it properly.” And certainly the woman who spearheaded a drive to provide “vermin-proof underwear” to World War I soldiers in the trenches will capture the audience’s attention. Although history has forgotten these misbehaving women, we’ll take time to remember.

Cheryl Mullenbach is an award-winning Iowa author of non-fiction books. The American Library Association, International Literacy Association, and National Council for Social Studies have recognized her young people’s books about World War II, the Great Depression, the Industrial Revolution, and women in law enforcement. C-SPAN’s “Book TV” series broadcast her talk at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum at Hyde Park, NY, for the Roosevelt Reading Festival in 2014. Cheryl’s latest book for adults, Stagecoach Women, has just been released; and her Iowa history column appears in Iowa History Journal. Learn more at www.CherylMullenbachInk.com

We hope you will mark your calendars and join us at the library to find out more about the misbehaving women of Iowa!

Savor Iowa’s Culinary History in Ida Grove on November 14

/in , , , , , /by

What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? Everyone has an Iowa food story, and Lake City, Iowa, author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby will bring these stories to life on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, at the Ida Grove Public Library in Ida Grove for a free Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History program and book signing starting at 6:00 p.m.

“From Iowa originals like Maid-Rites to kolaches to homemade cinnamon rolls—served with chili, of course—there are many remarkable stories behind Iowa’s tastiest traditions,” said Maulsby, Iowa’s Storyteller, who has been featured in the Iowa History Journal, Our Iowa magazine, Iowa Public Radio and more. “Pull up a chair, and relish what you missed in history class.”

During her fun, interactive program, Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits and cooking tips related to more than 150 years of Iowa cuisine and ethnic food traditions, from all corners of the state, with stories that include Iowa’s classic breaded pork tenderloins, church dinners, the historic Younkers Tea Room, Laura Ingalls Wilder and more. Discover how Iowa’s delectable cuisine is quintessentially Midwestern, grounded in its rich farming heritage and spiced with diverse ethnic influences.

Want to know where in Iowa you can dine at a James Beard award-winning steakhouse? Any idea where to find Iowa’s own distinctive style of potato chips, which might be the world’s best chips? What if you want to step back in time and enjoy a slice of homemade pie at an Iowa icon that first opened in 1852? You’ll pass the test with flying colors—and impress your friends—when you delve into Iowa’s culinary history.

“Even those who are well acquainted with Iowa food lore are sure to find something new and interesting,” said Julie Goodrich, who wrote a review of “A Culinary History of Iowa” in the Iowa History Journal. “Go on an adventure with this fun, fascinating and tasty tale of culinary traditions that weave through Iowa’s past and present.”

“I’m passionate about helping people make the farm-to-fork connection and reconnecting with Iowa history,” Maulsby said. “If you have an appetite for adventure, you can’t do better than Iowa when it comes to history, culture, and one-of-kind culinary experiences. ‘A Culinary History of Iowa’ offers a fun way to explore the world without leaving Iowa.”

Signed copies of “A Culinary History of Iowa” will be available during the event, along with Maulsby’s other non-fiction, illustrated Iowa history books (“Calhoun County” and “Dallas County”) and her postcard collections featuring rural Iowa images and postcards featuring favorite vintage photos from the Culinary History of Iowa book.

For more details, contact Angela Scales at the Ida Grove Public Library, 100 E 2nd St. (phone 712-364-2306), or Maulsby ([email protected]). You can also visit Maulsby online at www.darcymaulsby.com.

Ida Grove Library to host local author, Douglas Clough

/in , , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library is honored to host guest speaker, Douglas Clough, on Thursday, November 7th at 6:30 pm. Clough, local author, and Ida Grove resident will speak about his newly published books, Colorful Characters from Our Backyard: 2009-2019 and Life, Love, and Laughter from My Backyard: 2009-2019.

Clough, a freelance writer since 2009, has been published in multiple local and regional publications, including the Ida County Courier, The Iowan, Farm News, Boating World, and Midwest Living magazine. Colorful Characters from Our Backyard is a compilation of Clough’s “From our backyard…” column, interspersed throughout with correspondences between Clough and Farm News. Life, Love, and Laughter from My Backyard is a collection of stories reflecting on his wonder years, married life, and life with his children and companion dogs.

Starting at 6:30 pm, Clough will share selections from his writing with the audience. Book sets will be available to purchase for $20; Clough will sign copies for those in attendance.

For more details, contact Angela Scales at the Ida Grove Public Library, 100 E 2nd St. (phone 712-364-2306). You can also visit Clough online at www.iowabackyard.com.

Mini-Mystery at Ida Grove Library

/in , , , , , /by

 

Reserve your time now! The library will be hosting a murder-free, family-friendly mini-mystery party on Friday, October 25th, from 11 am -3 pm.

Friendly monsters work together to solve a Halloween mystery. Every year, the monsters open their home on 213 Elm Street to the public on Halloween for a fright-filled haunted house tour. They use the proceeds from the haunted house to buy household supplies for the rest of the year, during which time the house stays boarded up and they stay inside. If the townspeople ever discovered the monsters in the haunted house were real, they would certainly drive them away – or worse.

Advertised for hundreds of miles on every billboard in every direction – “See The Thing!” “What is The Thing? See for Yourself!” – thrill-seekers and the merely curious come from distant cities to see The Thing, and it never disappoints. Those who have seen The Thing eagerly attest that it is the scariest sight they have witnessed in their entire lives. No one seems able to describe The Thing, and they all agree: you have to see it for yourself.

On the night before Halloween, the monsters just discovered that the key to the cellar where The Thing is kept is missing – someone has stolen it! Without The Thing, the haunted house will be a failure, the monsters’ reputations will be ruined, and they won’t have enough money to buy supplies for the rest of the year. How will they live and keep their identities secret? They have to find the key!

Are you ready to help them find the key? And figure out what The Thing in the cellar is? If you are adventurous and like a good mystery, sign up today! Your group must have 8 or more players. All ages are welcome to sign up, but independent reading skills are required to participate.  Call 364-2306 to reserve your spot!

 

Ida Grove Library to host Iowa Author Linda McCann

/in , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library will host Iowa author, Linda McCann, for a special program about POWs in Iowa on Wednesday, October 23rd at 2 pm.

From 1943-1946, Iowa housed approximately 25,000 German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners of war. While Algona and Clarinda were the main camps, and there were about 17 branches or short-term camps throughout Iowa; including a camp in Storm Lake. The POWs worked in farm fields and canning factories, often taking the place of young men off to war. Linda has spoken with people who worked directly with the POWs, gotten to know them, and will share their memories throughout the program.

Copies of McCann’s new book, POWs in Iowa, will be available to purchase after the program.

Ida Grove Library to host guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry

/in , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library will host special guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry, for “Nancy Drew: Iowa’s Heroine to the World” on Thursday September 19th at 6:30pm in the Heritage Room of the Ida Grove Library.

Nancy Drew is the most popular female detective in fiction. Today she even outsells Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s venerable heroine. More than 200 million copies of Nancy Drew mysteries have been sold, and she has been translated into 17 different languages. Few know, however, that Nancy is an Iowa heroine and that her creator was Mildred Augustine of Ladora, Iowa. Augustine’s authorship of the first Nancy Drew mysteries—and single-handed creation of Nancy’s admirable character—were kept secret for more than 50 years. Equally distressing is the fact that as Nancy grew in popularity, her Iowa roots were disguised.

Nancy Drew and her creator are extraordinary role models for Iowa girls and boys, women and men. Augustine was herself an intrepid Nancy Drew-like figure. An academic pioneer (the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism), Augustine earned 6 airplane pilots licenses, including one for sea planing; wrote 130 books for young people; and continued her newspaper column “On the Go” through her 96th and last year of life. The presentation “Nancy Drew: Iowa’s Heroine to the World” is designed to fortify Iowans young and old.

Guest speaker, Barbara Lounsberry, was born and raised in Iowa and retired recently as a Professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She has written books on literature and writing, and had the fun of editing three mystery novels set in Iowa, with each chapter written by a different Iowa author. Lounsberry’s latest books are a trilogy on Virginia Woolf and diaries. Lounsberry was named UNI’s Distinguished Scholar in 1994 and Outstanding Teacher in 1998. Lounsberry is the president of the Ruth Suckow Memorial Association and believes Iowa culture, like its soil, is incredibly rich.

We hope you will mark your calendars and join us for this program!

Ida County Sets Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting for July 24 – Public Invited

/in , , , , , , /by

Iowa’s Hidden Treasures with Dan Kaercher

/in , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library will be hosting a special event during Heritage Days weekend with Dan Kaercher, retired founding editor-in-chief of Midwest Living magazine and Iowa Public Television host. The event will take place on Sunday, June 30th at the Depot in Moorehead Park with a start time of 2pm. The Ida County Historical Society will be providing tours of the Stagecoach Inn, Barn and School on Sunday afternoon as well. Mr. Kaercher spent years traveling in almost every one of Iowa’s 99 counties in search of close-to-home attractions and getaways to share with his loyal readers and viewers. You’ll be amazed to learn what surprises you don’t know await right in your own backyard – Iowa.

This event is sponsored by a donation from the Heritage Days Committee to the library. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you come out to celebrate not only Ida Grove, but Iowa as well.

Looking for a weekend getaway?

/in , , , , , /by

Look no further than your Ida Grove Library Card! The library has purchased annual memberships to four organizations in Iowa that will jumpstart your weekend (or weekday) adventures! The Iowa Libraries Adventure pass is available free of charge to Ida Grove library cardholders and will allow admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children at the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa and Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, all located in Iowa’s state capital, Des Moines. If a weekend trip isn’t in your plans, why not try a day trip to Sioux City and visit the LaunchPAD Children’s Museum; where your pass will allow admission for 2 adults and up to 6 children.

The Adventure pass is available through reservation only with our online reservation software. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance; each cardholder (18+) can reserve one pass per organization every 365 days. To reserve your adventure pass, visit the library’s website (www.idagrove.lib.ia.us) and click on the adventure pass logo! If you have questions about the pass or how to reserve your dates, just stop in to see us or give us a call!

We hope you take time this summer to enjoy some of Iowa’s great destinations and spend the day or weekend with your loved ones.

Ida Grove Library to Host 2019 Summer Library Program

/in , , , , , , /by

Ida Grove Library presents…A Universe of Stories!

The Ida Grove Library is getting ready to kick off the 2019 Summer Library Program on June 11, 2019. This year we will explore the universe and all things related to space!

The Summer Library Program is open to all ages and is provided free of charge. We have some great events planned for this summer and are excited to see all of our summer readers again this year. The children’s program is open to children of all abilities through 5th grade. All programs are scheduled for Tuesdays starting at 10:30am. This year’s schedule includes:

June 11th @ 10:30am – A visit from the Sanford Museum
June 18th @ 10:30am – A visit from Laura with Ida County ISU Extension
June 25th @ 10:30am – A visit from Darrin Crow, Tale spinner and Troubadour
July 2nd @10:30am – Science Center of Iowa presents…Outer Space Odyssey!
July 9th @ 10:30am – Summer Library Party with special guest Jim Perry Magic

Make sure to stop by and register for the summer program, either at the library or check the library’s website at www.idagrove.lib.ia.us for a printable registration form and summer schedule.

We will also have a self-guided program for teens; make sure to stop in to pick up review forms and your daily scratch ticket for a chance to win prizes.

Adults are welcome to participate as well with a book bingo sheet, for each bingo sheet returned you can enter your name for our prize drawing at the end of the program.

For more information, call the library at 364-2306 or visit our website, www.idagrove.lib.ia.us

All programs are held at the Ida Grove Library and are free of charge.

Ida Grove Library to host local photographer Don Poggensee

/in , , , , , /by

On Thursday, November 15th at 6:30pm, the Ida Grove Library will host a guided exhibit of the photography of local photographer Don Poggensee. The exhibit, guided by Don, will showcase a variety of photographs taken throughout his career and will feature photographs of the Amish, wildlife, nature, star trails, northern lights and other special images. The guided exhibit will be held in the Heritage Room of the Ida Grove Library, coffee and cookies will be served.

 

Ida Grove Library to host University of Iowa’s Mobile Museum

/in , , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library is set to host the University of Iowa’s Mobile Museum on Monday, September 24th from 10:30am – 4pm. The Mobile Museum will feature three physical exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The three featured exhibits are:

Discover, Develop, Deploy
This exhibit highlights work on nutrition, hearing loss, and supporting healthy families. From printing devices that help the hearing-impaired to creating eyeglasses and beyond, this partnership shows that translational science is only limited by your imagination!

A Matter of Scales: Pangolins in Peril
Pangolins are amazing scale-covered mammals from Africa and Asia. Unfortunately they are critically endangered because of illegal hunting and trade. Pangolins aren’t the only animals in trouble. There are more than 25 endangered species right here in Iowa. Learn about some of the simple steps everyone can take to help.

Wild Iowa: Awareness, Appreciation, and Action
Wild Iowa highlights UI Recreational Services’ outdoors programs including the Iowa Raptor Project, School of the Wild, and Wildlife Camps. Iowa is arguably one of the least “wild” states due to the loss of native habitats, but the UI’s outdoors programs work to awaken Iowans to the importance of our native habitats through research, educational programs, and the savanna restoration project.

The Mobile Museum also includes two interactive digital touchscreens let visitors learn about research and creative activity happening in a variety of UI units.

Make sure to stop by to see what’s happening at the University of Iowa and some of the great projects they have going on!
(source: https://discover.research.uiowa.edu/mobile-museum)

Ida Grove Library Receives Grant Award from Ida County Community Betterment Foundation

/in , /by

The Ida Grove Public Library Board and Staff would like to extend our sincerest thank you to the Ida County Community Betterment Foundation for the $7,000 grant we recently received to help update and modernize the children’s and young adults spaces at the Ida Grove Public Library.

The grant award will be combined with donations and fundraising efforts to help fund the grant proposal “Modern Designs to Inspire Minds”, set to begin after July 1, 2018. This project will help ensure that the youth in our community have a safe, inviting, comfortable space to meet, engage and explore their ever changing world.  Plans are underway to update the children’s library with additional shelving to create a dedicated space for ages 8-12, as well as create a brand new maker space for children to explore and invent. Additional updates planned include the creation of a young adult reading area in the main library as well as an update to the adult reading area.

The support of the Ida County Betterment Foundation through this grant award and grant awards received in the past have allowed the library to make many updates, ensuring that the library is an open community space accessible to all ages and abilities.

Battle Creek – Ida Grove Community School District participates in the Summer Food Service Program

/in , , /by
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. This summer, USDA plans to serve more than 200 million free meals to children 18 years and under at approved SFSP sites.
Delicious and nutritious meals are provided to all children age 1 to 18 years old FREE without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis at the site and times as follows:
Battle Creek-Ida Grove Elementary School, 403 Barnes Street, Ida Grove, Iowa
 
Monday through Friday, beginning June 4, 2018 and serving through July 27, 2018
 
Breakfast will be served each day from 8:30 am to 9:00 am
Lunch will be served each day from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
 
No meals will be served Wednesday, July 4, due to the Holiday.
 
Adult meals are available for a small cash fee – $2.00 Breakfast and $3.75 Lunch
 
For additional information please contact Mary Renze at 364-3371, or by email [email protected].
BCIG Community School District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

“Libraries Rock!” 2018 Summer Library Program at Ida Grove Library

/in , , , , , /by

 

Are you signed up for the Summer Library Program? We are currently accepting registrations and encourage all children to attend, we  have some great programs lined up for this summer and can’t wait to see all of our summer readers!

The children’s summer library program will kick off on Tuesday, June 12 and includes brand new presenters along with a few seasoned veterans from previous years. Registration for the children’s summer program is now open and all children are welcome! The children’s schedule of events is as follows, all programs begin at 10:30am:

Tuesday June 12 – Fonziba Drums

Tuesday June 19 – Darrin Crow, Storyteller

Tuesday June 26 – Aspen Black, the Singing Cowgirl

Tuesday July 3 – Craft & Movie Day (Rock Dogs – PG)

Tuesday July 10 – Lisa Laird & Pockets Full of Fun Party and Picnic

We will also host a weekly Friday Morning Movie Matinee from June 8th through July 27th. Every Friday morning at 10:15am we will be showing a great family movie, and most are suitable for all ages. Make sure to stop down to pick up the summer schedule and get registered for these free programs. All programs are open to children of all ages and abilities, we welcome you to stop down and join in the summer fun!

The teen summer library program will welcome back Maker Camp. Maker Camp will run from June 28th – July 19th. Programs will be held each Thursday starting at 10:30am. All teens ages 11 and up are welcome to register for the program. Each week will bring new projects to make and ideas to explore! Registration for Maker Camp opens on June 1st.

The adult summer library program starts on June 1st, and this year we will host a special “Books to Movies” series! The “Books to Movies” series will feature a weekly movie at the library. This series kicks off on June 4th and runs through July 30th, movies will be shown every Monday starting at 1pm. We have a great movie line up and hope you will join us! Schedules for adult summer programs are now available and registration is open.

We encourage all of you to stop down and see what the library can offer you, both during the summer months, and throughout the year.  Another great way to find out what’s going on at the library is through our website (www.idagrove.lib.ia.us), the library’s Facebook page, and the city’s website (www.idagroveia.com). Of course you can always give us a call for more information as well!

Library hours are: Monday 10-6, Tuesday 11-5, Wednesday 12-5, Thursday 12-7, Friday 10-7, and Saturday 9-2. Please stop by and see us or give us a call at 364-2306 for more details on the services we provide or with any questions you may have. We hope to see you soon at the library! Happy Reading!

Ida Grove Library Debuts Adventure Pass Program

/in , , , , , /by

 

Library users in 16 cities and towns statewide will soon have the option to take advantage of an extraordinary new program, the Iowa Libraries AdventurePass.

As a partner of the Iowa Libraries AdventurePass program, the Ida Grove Library will offer all cardholders the option to check out a free family pass to participating museums and attractions in the State of Iowa, starting on May 7, 2018.

With the AdventurePass program, cardholders will have access to passes for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Des Moines Blank Park Zoo, and Sioux City’s LaunchPAD Children’s Museum.  Some restrictions do apply, so please check with the library for program rules.

“The library board and staff at the Ida Grove Library are very excited to bring this big city amenity to our small hometown library” said IG Library Director Angela Scales. “The AdventurePass is a fantastic opportunity for all adult cardholders at the Ida Grove Public Library, and will provide free access to great destinations in the State of Iowa.”

For more information on the program or for instructions on how to reserve passes, please contact the Ida Grove Library staff at 712-364-2306 or email [email protected]

Ida Grove Library joins NASA and other organizations in celebrating the celestial event of the century

/in , , , , , , /by

The Ida Grove Library has joined more than 1,000 libraries across the country to participate in the celestial event of the century, the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse. During this national event, the shadow of the moon will sweep across the United States in a narrow band from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle that hasn’t occurred in decades. In fact, the last total solar eclipse for the United States was nearly 40 years ago. The rest of the U.S. and North America will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering up only part of the Sun. It is aptly named the Great American Eclipse.

This will be a great opportunity for our community to celebrate science with fun, hands-on activities, culminating in the eclipse event on August 21, 2017.

On Monday August 21st, the library will host an Eclipse viewing party from 11am-1pm. During the viewing party, the library will be distributing solar viewing glasses along with information on safe eclipse viewing. The Grout Museum will be in attendance during the viewing with a special hands-on “Outreach to Space” exhibit for all ages, and there will be a live stream of the total eclipse from NASA.   NASA’s live stream will include a wealth of images captured before, during, and after the eclipse by 11 spacecraft, at least three NASA aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons, and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station – each offering a unique vantage point for the celestial event.

The Ida Grove Library will also offer a range of public programs during the week of August 14, 2017 to bring the excitement of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to children, teens and adults.   Our schedule of events includes daily craft activities (while supplies last) as well as two special movie viewings. Scheduled activities the week of August 14th include:

Monday August 14th 1-2pm: Sun Catchers

Tuesday August 15th 1-2pm: Solar Art Prints

Wednesday August 16th 1-3pm: Eclipse Coloring

Thursday August 17th 1-2pm: Sundials

Thursday August 17th @ 5:30pm: Movie Night showing Apollo 13

Friday August 18th @10:30am: Children’s movie showing E.T. & a special solar s’mores making session after the movie

“We are excited that the Ida Grove Library will have the opportunity to participate in this national program,” said Angela Scales, library director.  “We have received tremendous support from the Shopko Foundation to help our community prepare for and enjoy this amazing astronomy event. We think people of all ages and backgrounds will find the solar eclipse to be an experience they will remember the rest of their lives.” More information on the scheduled events and safe eclipse viewing can be found on the library’s website at www.idagrove.lib.ia.us.

Ida Grove Library is located at 100 East 2nd Street.  All of the scheduled eclipse programs are free and open to the public during library hours. Solar viewing glasses will be available free of charge as well during the eclipse viewing event.

Ida Grove Library has joined the STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net) and its NASA@ My Library initiative, which is providing resources and STEM activities to libraries across the nation related to the eclipse. Partners include NASA, the American Library Association, and many other organizations. This project was made possible through support from the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Google, and the National Science Foundation.

Fireworks Use in the City Limits

/in , , , , , /by

The Battle Creek 4th of July Show is one of the best ways to enjoy fireworks

While fireworks are nothing new to Iowa small towns around the 4th of July holiday, capitol hill legislation has made sales and use of certain fireworks legal this year. Here are some tidbits of information for all Ida Grovians to consider this inaugural year:

– The legislated fireworks can only be displayed/set off on the user’s property or another private citizen’s property who has agreed to the use.

– Our city’s noise ordinance is still in effect and applies to fireworks use; no noise-oriented fireworks after 10pm per our noise ordinance.

– Fireworks cannot be used in city parks or other public areas unless allowed by city council decision.

Safety is also a key factor in using fireworks; local hospitals see a rise in burn victims during this time of year. Use common sense and caution.

 

Relay Iowa Is Coming to Ida Grove!

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Relay Iowa Comes through Ida Grove

Runners and support staff participating in Relay Iowa will be in Ida Grove on Friday, June 9th, 2017.

Relay Iowa is the World’s Longest Relay Run! Teams of up to 12 participants run 339 miles to cross Iowa over a long weekend. Runners build their own team and then work together to break down the distance into segments of their choice.

There will be many people and extra vehicles in and around Ida Grove for this event. The route from Anthon to Ida Grove can be seen at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859820157. The route from Ida Grove to Lake City is shown at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/859995567. Please watch for the runners and their support on your way to and from work to help keep them and yourselves safe.

Keep your eyes peeled for runners during this special event

Ida Area Farmer’s Market Makes 2017 Debut Thursday, June 1st!

/in , , , , , , , , /by

It’s starting again this upcoming Thursday, June 1st! Come to the Ida Area Farmers’ Market, located east of our downtown Main and 2nd Street intersection. Fresh produce Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. June 1 through September 28, 2017. It’s local, it’s fresh, it supports our community members. Vendors and their wares include Cherri Sloan, baked goods; Cocoa Bellissimo, artisan chocolates (part time); K & S Produce (Kenny Tietsort & Doug VanHouten), produce; Lakefront Gardens & Gifts (Genevieve Voss), home decor, jewelry, misc.; Faith Johnson, fresh flowers; Shettler’s Gardens, produce; Old Town Vineyard & Winery (John & Lenee Sinnott), wine & wine tasting; Thankful Harvest (Tom & Grace German), organic meat, produce, & baked goods; Quimby Street Creations (Gloria Sykes), knitted items (part time); Susan Spotts, produce; and Golden Horizons will be there the last Thursday of every month selling handmade crafts. Some of the produce available the first day will be asparagus and rhubarb. The Heritage Days Board will also be on hand to grill out as a fundraiser for our hometown celebration occurring the final week of June.

It’s fresh. It’s local. It benefits our community!

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Home Repair Loan and Grant Program

/in , , , /by

The USDA has announced a housing program for low income individuals

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development administers a home repair program for very low income individuals. The goal of the program is to make sure homeowners have safe and sanitary living conditions. An added benefit of this program for the community is an improvement to the current housing. Another benefit is the ability to allow elderly residents to stay in their homes longer by making improvements. Details of the program can be found at Ida Grove City Hall or the following website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

 

Trace’s Buseum Exhibit, “At Home in the Heartland” comes to the Ida Grove Public Library

/in , , , , , , /by

bus-eum2TRACES will bring its mobile exhibit “At Home in the Heartland: Forgotten Stories of How Iowans Got to be ‘Us’” to the Ida Grove Library on Sunday, October 2nd 2016. It is housed in a retrofitted school bus, the “BUS-eum.”

TRACES Center for History and Culture doesn’t have all the answers, but it does have many questions needed to help find them. From queries like: Who are “we” as Iowans and as a nation? How’d we get to be the way we are? How have we changed over time—or not—and how might we change in the future?

The Iowa that existed as little as 35 years ago is gone. Sweeping, long-term changes in the region’s agriculture, economy, technology, politics and its ethnic, age or other demographics have altered the ways we live. In the process we have lost old treasures even as we have gained new possibilities. All this can be examined, together.
The exhibit curator holds that “While the failure to transfer practical information hobbles young people’s later job skills and economic performance, the failure to transfer cultural information erodes their social skills. Cultural competency understands how we became who we are, how we changed over time—or not—and how humans change at all. It informs us how we behave as individuals, how we live together and how we govern ourselves.”
Between now and Election Day, TRACES will take its exhibit to all 99 Iowa counties on three different tours, showing at diverse venues: schools, libraries, colleges, museums and other institutions. The public exhibit showing of the Bus-eum in Ida Grove will begin at 2pm on Sunday, October 2nd at the Ida Grove Public Library with the workshop to begin at 2:30pm in the Heritage Room of the Library.

Michael Luick-Thrams is a Ph.D. historian (Humboldt Universität, Berlin), educator and speaker. While the overall tour focuses on Iowa history, his forty years of family research has yielded hundreds of photos, maps or other documentation that offer a narrative look into Iowa history. Docent Irving Kellman guides visitors through the BUS.
Luick-Thrams says, “TRACES gathers, preserves and presents stories of people’s lives, past and present–many of which have lain beneath dust left by time’s passage. By learning lessons from the past, we might rise above what otherwise could demean us and keeps us from moving forward as individuals, families, communities and a nation.”
Founded in 2001, TRACES brings people of different backgrounds and perspectives together to speak with each other, openly and respectfully, in order to exchange experiences and opinions. In the process, old stereotypes and current ideological limits shift, making space for new possibilities when people humbly encounter one another. It taps the past for clues about what to avoid repeating in the future, as well as what has worked well in the past that might serve us well now as we seek a better way forward towards a more sustainable and peaceable world.
TRACES first focused on WWII history. Now that that generation mostly is gone and new crises face us, however, it is shifting its focus from preserving “traces” of WWII to issues of civic life: What have been our strengths and weaknesses over time as communities; what resources do we possess at present; what futures are open to us—solo and as a society—as we face numerous trials and grope forward? In response to current challenges, TRACES focuses on issues of family history juxtaposed over that of communities as a fulcrum for deliberate social change.
Admission is free, in part with support from: Humanities Iowa, the John K. & Luise V. Hanson and the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundations, Chester P. Luick Memorial Trust, Vander Haags Inc. and local hosts. Details about both the tour and TRACES can be found at: http://roots.traces.org/at-home-in-the-heartland or [email protected]