Summer's coming, and we're hiring! We're looking for an energetic individual who loves kids to join us as our Children's Summer Reading Program Assistant! Applications are available at the library or by visiting cityofvinton.org and selecting the Government tab. Turn in your completed applications to Kelly Henkle at the library by April 30th, 2025.

Your feedback is important to us! Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VS35KJ to take our brief survey! Your responses will be used to guide future programming and services here at our library.

• 'The Butcher's Masquerade' by Matt Dinniman
• 'The Maid's Secret' by Nita Prose
• 'The Book That Held Her Heart' by Mark Lawrence
• 'The Matchmaker' by Aisha Saeed

• 'The Float Test' by Lynn Steger Strong
• 'The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits' by Jennifer Weiner

We have the entire Murphy Shepherd series by Charles Martin available to check out at the Vinton Public Library.

"With Martin's trademark lyricism and poignant prose, The Water Keeper is at once a tender love story a heartrending search for freedom, and a reminder that the needs of the one outweigh those of the ninety-nine."

Source: Goodreads.com

If you're looking for a light, large type series of books, and you enjoy stories set in a small town, check out the 'Lumby' series by Gail Fraser. Longtime Library Director Virginia recommends these books, and we have all 6 available in our collection! Happy reading!

I was so excited to find out that there was a second book after I read 'The Light We Lost' by Jill Santopolo. 'The Love We Found' by Jill Santopolo is a heartfelt novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexity of relationships. Ten years later, Lucy navigates the challenges of life and love after the sudden death of her forever love, Gabe. The book delves into Lucy's emotional journey as she reflects on her memories with Gabe while trying to move forward. As she faces the difficulty of letting go, Lucy also learns about herself, the importance of healing, and the different kinds of love that shape her life. The novel highlights the impact of love on personal growth and the power of connection, even in the face of grief. Ultimately, 'The Love We Found' is a poignant story about finding hope after heartbreak and learning to love again.

~Kellie

Julia Bartz takes on abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying in 'The Last Session' and how childhood trauma can shape our sexual identity as adults. Thea, a psychiatric hospital social worker, who is dealing with her own unresolved traumas, meets a catatonic patient who bears an uncanny resemblance to her and even has the same exact birthday. When the patient suddenly becomes lucid, she mysteriously vanishes with a couple posing as her parents. Thea finds her at a cult-like sexual healing retreat in New Mexico where she ends up having to face her own childhood traumas. Lots of mystery in this one! Sometimes almost corny but always entertaining. Happy reading, friends! ~Heather

I recently watched the 2014 documentary 'Alive Inside' with the hopes of gleaning some insight into how to incorporate music into our library's Memory Cafe. The film follows one man over the course of three years as he brings customized music playlists to nursing home residents as a form of music therapy. He found that by playing music from their youth, the residents were able to access memories, feelings, and joy unlike anything they had experienced in years. Viewers get to see first-hand as many remarkable individuals light up when they recognize favorite songs. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone whose life is impacted by dementia, including healthcare providers and caregivers. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.

The film received the Audience Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, and we have it available on DVD to checkout at the Vinton Public Library.

Happy viewing!

Kelly Henkle, Library Director

This friend has read 900 books; keep up the great work!

Our Annual Community Survey is a great time to give us your questions, ideas, and feedback! Click on the following link to take our survey today! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VS35KJ

Annuals won over Perennials in our last challenge! Check out our latest THIS or THAT Challenge: Baseball Game or Soccer Match ? Stop in and vote today!

Journaling is a wonderful way to clear your mind, clarify your goals, and record your thoughts. Our library is forming a summer guided journaling course for adults. Interested? Email khenkle@vintonia.gov and include your preferred days/times for meeting. Space is limited so reach out today!

Krista S. took home a Vinton Public Library swag bag today after winning a giveaway at Brickside Brew- N-Chew during our Community Outreach for National Library Week! Congrats!

Adult readers have logged 9,890 so far this month in our April Library Love Reading Challenge! Have you tracked your reading today? Sign up in Beanstack or pick up a paper copy at the library!

Have you taken our annual community survey yet? It only takes a few minutes; your responses help us plan future programming and services here at the Vinton Public Library! Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VS35KJ to complete the survey today!

Congratulations to our Books and Cooks Cooking Contest Winners!! Our next competition will be in the Fall, featuring tailgating foods!

Let's chalk the town green! VPL is partnering with Benton County Public Health and Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May! Stop into the Vinton Public Library or Benton County Public Health starting April 15th, 2025, for your free green chalk. Use it to color the sidewalks of your home or business and help raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Mondays: 9a-5p

Tuesdays: 9a-8p

Wednesdays: 9a-5p

Thursdays: 9a-8p

Fridays: 7a-4p

Saturdays: 9a-Noon

Sundays: Closed

Copy services: $0.20 per black and white, $0.25 per color

Fax services: $1.00 for 1-2 pages, $2.00 for 3+ pages

Notary services: No charge, call 319-472-4208 for availability

Free Wifi

Boardroom available at no charge; reservations required

Email: library@vintonia.gov
Website: vinton.lib.ia.us
Location: 510 2nd Avenue, Vinton, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 472-4208
Facebook: facebook.com/heartofvinton