Go to the Library

A major highlight of my growing up years was the weekly (Really? Weekly?) trip to the library. We had two–Covina and the Los Angeles County Library in West Des Moines. The LA Library opened when I was older, and seemed just huge. Mom read to me and my brother every night long after we could read to ourselves. Then I went to bed and read to myself. The book I remember best was Palace Wagon Family, about the Donner Party crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

I just got home from the AVID (Authors Visiting In DesMoines) launch of Sara Gruen‘s new book, Ape House. Gruen’s talk was wonderful. It’s a good thing, since I am running on 4 hours of sleep in the last 24. As soon as I finish writing this, I’m going to bed with my new copy of the book. Ape House is a novel loosely based on the Great Ape Trust right here in Des Moines. It’s not an easy place to visit, but Gruen’s talk certainly piqued my curiosity.

The AVID book launch took me back to the libraries of my childhood. When we spent summers on our grandparents’ farm, the Bookmobile dropped off the only books available at the little store in Woodlawn. I’m sure Braxie’s business really picked up when our family was visiting!

I loved going there with grandpa to pick out another week’s worth of books. He usually bought me an orange soda too! I got in trouble many times for hiding out on the couch with a book when there were tomatoes to be canned.

So, tonight I got in touch with my inner “Library Geek” and intend to stay that way! What are YOU reading?

Reader interactions

5 Replies to “Go to the Library”

  1. Just got the Des Moines Public Library news; here are some opportunities for teens–
    Tuesday, September 28, 3:15 PM – Teen Gaming
    Do you like to play the Xbox 360 and Wii? Come to the Grand Meeting Wing at the Central Library and have fun playing games on our BIG screens.

    Wednesday, September 29, 2:00 PM – Make-It-And-Take-It Craft
    Come to the North Side Library to create your own eraser kit. Be the envy of all your friends with your very own unique eraser creation. Preregister.

  2. I just found out that October 17-23 is Teen Read Week. Join more than 5,000 librarians and educators who will encourage teens to read poetry, audio books, non-fiction, novels, and more. Here’s what’s going on at the Des Moines Public Library in October–

    Tuesday, October 5, 3:00 PM | South Side Library
    Teen Gaming: (Ages 12-18) It’s Wii time! Come play at the library. Snacks provided.

    Tuesday, October 5, 4:00 PM | East Side Library
    Teen Make-It-And-Take-It Craft: Extreme Makeover Locker Edition. Make magnets, mirrors, or picture frames. Preregister.

    Tuesday, October 5, 3:30 PM | Central Library Meeting Room Three
    Teen Writers’ Workshop: (Grades 6-12) An informal writers’ workshop. Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

    Tuesday, October 5, 4:00 PM | Forest Avenue Library
    Teen Book Discussion: (Ages 13-18) Pizza & Pages. Students will discuss Tyrell, by Coe Booth. Copies of the book are available at the desk. Pizza will be available to discussion participants.

    October 6, 2:00 PM | Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
    Teen Gaming: It’s Wii time for teens! Come play at the library. Snacks provided.

    Wednesday, October 6, 2:00 PM | North Side Library
    Teen Activity: The Lounge. Play games, read magazines, check e-mail, or work on homework using one of our wireless laptops.

    Tuesday, October 12, 3:00 PM | South Side Library
    Teen Activity: Game time at your library: Apples to Apples! Snacks provided.

    Tuesday, October 12, 3:30 PM | Central Library, Meeting Room One
    Animanga Club: (Grades 8-12) Teens are welcome to come and watch anime episodes on the BIG screen, talk about manga, and have snacks. Anime episodes are rated TV14. For more information contact Brenda at bkhall@dmpl.org.

    Tuesday, October 12, 4:00 PM | Forest Avenue Library
    Teen and Tween Internet Café: (Ages 12-18) Students are invited to use our laptops to work on homework or get extra Internet time. Hurry, because the café is limited to fifteen students.

    Wednesday, October 13, 4:00 PM | Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
    Teen Advisory Board: Suggest and discuss new books for the teen area. Snacks will be provided and new members are always welcome!Wednesday,

  3. The Des Moines Public Library is showing the amazing movie, Iron Jawed Angels, a 2004 award-winning motion picture. It is the true story behind the movement that won women the right to vote less than 100 years ago. Hilary Swank plays Alice Paul.
    The film will be shown at the East Side Library Saturday, November 6, at 2:00 PM. The showing is sponsored by the 50/50 in 20/20 Political Equity for Iowa.

  4. Here’s the latest list of teen activities at the Des Moines Public Library–
    Pages, Preparation, and Presentations for Teens!

    Pizza and Pages: Book Discussion, Tuesday, February 1, 4:00 Forest Avenue Library. Discuss the book “Acceleration”, by Graham McNamee. You can check out a copy of the book at the desk. Pizza! (Ages 13-18)

    Explore Chinese Culture —Tuesday, February 1, 3:00 PM, South Side Library
    2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with crafts, games, and snacks (Ages 12-18)

    Teen ‘Zine — Wednesday, February 2, 2:00 PM, Meeting Room 3, Central Library
    If you enjoy writing or drawing and want to share your talents with others, bring your poems, stories, pictures, comic strips, and put them together to form a ‘Zine! If you have questions, e-mail Brenda at bkhall@dmpl.org.

    Candy Love: Teen Craft, Tuesday, February 8, 4:00 PM, East Side Library
    Make candy to celebration chocolate month. Enjoy it yourself or give it to your Valentine! Preregister online.

    Come CHILL with us — Wednesday, February 9, 2:00 PM, North Side Library Lounge
    Play games, read magazines, check e-mail, or work on homework using a wireless laptops (Limited to ten participants).

  5. This spring break, have a “stay-cation” at the library. Here are some teen programs–
    Tuesday, March 15, 4:00 PM, East Side Library
    Grades 7-12 discuss “The Hunger Games,” by Suzanne Collins. Copies of the book available starting Feb 15. Pizza and beverages!

    Think Spring: Tuesday, March 15, 4:00 PM, Forest Avenue Library
    Ages 12-18 celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness! Decorate cookies and pick up March Madness brackets.

    Wacky Crafts: Wednesday, March 16, 2:00 PM Central Library
    Make scrapbook journals! All supplies provided. Preregister.

    Teen Zone: Wednesday, March 16, 2:00 PM, Franklin Avenue Library
    Play Wii(TM), munch on snacks, and check your e-mail. FREE for teens!

    Pizza and Pages: Wednesday, March 16, 2:00 PM, North Side Library
    Ages 13-18 discuss “Bang,” by Norah McClintock. Pizza.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *