October 2024

Thanks to a grant from Libraries Transforming Communities, we were able to purchase and now install a privacy booth in the library! It comfortably fits two people and is a perfect quiet space for everyone. Call us at 319-848-7616 or email rachel@elyiowa.com to reserve time in the booth. We also accept walk-in use as long as there are no current reservations.

Our annual costume exchange is set up! Bring in gently used costumes, and bring home another!

We welcome donations. An exchanged costume is not required to bring one home.

Friday, October 11

7pm

You won't want to miss out on the fun! The Friends of the Ely Public Library will be hosting another BINGO fundraiser at the Ely Legion! Doors open at 6:30pm, games start at 7pm, and cards are $1 for 3 game boards. The bar will be open and snacks available for sale!

Bingo Dates: November 8, December 13, January 10, February 7, March 14, April 11

Saturday, October 5

1-3pm

Join us for a special celebration as we mark 50 years of stories, learning, and community at our library! This milestone birthday party is all about fun and excitement for kids of all ages. We'll have classic party games, plus a Cookie Decorating Station where young bakers can get creative with frosting and sprinkles.

Tuesday, October 22

5-7pm

Join us in celebrating the spooky season at the Spooky Walk! The Ely Public Library and the businesses along Dows St. will be handing out goodies to all the trick-or-treaters! Come in to the library for some treats.

Saturdays 9:30am-11am

October 5-November 23

This fun playgroup series is designed for families with young children. Kid Connect is open to parents/caregivers and their young children (5 years and under). Sessions include playful learning opportunities for families, educational circle time, a snack, and meeting other parents of young children. Sign-up is required

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG0AdHwcf0DdNDT8GaX53IwpUOT3IpCm1bd_VDfgaV8x-RuQ/viewform

Monday, October 21

2-5pm

Join us for a creative crafting session where you’ll make personalized bookmarks using plastic canvas and yarn stitching! Learn simple techniques to weave colorful designs, perfect for keeping your place in a favorite book or giving as a handmade gift. All materials will be provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your creativity!

Saturday, October 26

2pm

Paint a pumpkin with us! We will provide mini pumpkins and paint while supplies last.

Thursday, October 10

6pm

May the Force be with you at our epic Star Wars Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away, and relive the adventures of your favorite characters. Join fellow fans for a night of fun, laughter, and Jedi-level challenges!

Saturday, October 19

12pm

Join us for a captivating showing of "Oppenheimer," a gripping journey into the life of the man behind the atomic bomb. Witness the groundbreaking science, intense drama, and moral dilemmas that shaped history. Don't miss this thought-provoking film that explores the brilliance and controversy of J. Robert Oppenheimer's legacy.

Who: Anyone age 17+ (space for only 20 attendees!)

When: Friday, October 25th at 6:30 pm

Where: Ely Public Library

Space is limited and registration is required!

Don Breathin, owner of the popular theme park, The Frightening Fair, has been found dead – on board his very own Ghost Train ride!

Foul play is suspected and the staff of the Ghost Train ride have all been called together as suspects.

The question is, which one of these strange creatures did the dastardly deed?

Enjoy Fair Themed treats while being a part of the mystery! Call 319-848-7616 to register today!

Tuesdays in October

6:30pm

October 1: Growing in a Hoop House- Are you looking for a way to extend the growing season? One option may be a hoop house. A hoop house can be a relatively inexpensive way to get an early start on vegetables and to extend the growing season well into fall and winter. In this discussion, LCMG Phil Pfister will provide ideas for materials used to construct a hoop house, plants that work well, and growing and insect management tips.

October 8: Spring Bulbs: Spectacular Signs of Spring!- Planting spring blooming bulbs in the fall lets you get some of your gardening work out of the way for the following year. Most spring bulbs bloom in early spring and offer a glimpse of warm spring days ahead. We will discuss some of the most popular spring bulbs, a few select varieties of each, how to plant and protect those bulbs.

October 15: Alliums: The Art & Soul- Flowering Onions are rabbit-, rodent- and deer-resistant, and are seldom affected by disease. Bees, butterflies and pollinators, love them. Allium extend the spring flowering season with bold, dramatic color and statuesque garden architecture.

October 22: Native Bees for Gardening

October 29: Deer: Stop Grazing on my Property- Suggestions for plantings which are less appealing to our four legged neighbors. If they are hungry, they will eat but some plants are less appealing. Learn more about what might work in your yard and garden.

Friday, October 11

2pm

Come try out our VR Headsets! We have all sorts of games, travel activities, and exercise programs that we would love for you to experience.

Tuesdays 5-7pm

Crafters are invited to bring your own crafts and socialize with other crafters.

Thursday, October 24

7pm

Join us as we peacefully discuss challenged and banned books. In person and on Zoom.

Zoom link

This month we will be discussing "The 57 Bus" by Jodi Dashka Slater

November 21: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

December 19: "Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Mondays 10am

Toddler Time features stories, rhymes, songs, and interactive activities designed to get babies and toddlers acclimated to loving the library. Big siblings are welcome to join the fun!

Thursdays 10am

Come listen to stories, sing songs and make a craft! Preschool Story Time is intended for ages 3-5, but younger siblings are welcome to join the fun!

Mondays and Wednesdays

8am and 1pm

This is a FREE health and wellness opportunity. Geri-Fit classes improve strength, balance and arthritic conditions for people 60 and over. Additional benefits include increasing flexibility, balance and mobility as well as helping prevent osteoporosis.

Tuesdays 8am

Come gather with Tom for a relaxing morning session of Tai Chi! Please consult your physician before beginning an exercise program. Zoom Link

Thursdays 8am

Paula is back with Morning Stretch on Thursday mornings. This group exercise will incorporate elements of yoga in a way that can be accommodated to any mobility level. Please bring your own yoga mat if possible as we have a limited number.

Every month we will be giving away Ely Public Library branded items while supplies last. Ask at the desk for your free swag!

Still want to participate in a reading challenge after summer reading? We have two going on until the end of the year!

Cupcake Reading Challenge

Read 10 books and come in to receive a prize!

50 States Reading Challenge

Read across the country, every time a character in your book visits a state, mark it off. We will have prizes all year!

Changes Every Month

Every month guess how much candy is in the jar for a chance to win the candy! You can guess every day that you come into the library.

Every Tuesday on Facebook

Throughout the year, we will be sharing facts about our library's history, what we offer our community, and so much more through our Facebook page!

Wednesday, October 2

7pm

The Library Board of Trustees holds meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Ely Public Library. The public is welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.

Wednesday, October 9

7:30pm

We are looking for some good friends to help us plan some fun upcoming programs! We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7:30pm. Join us and learn how you can be involved!

Vox Books are books that talk! Combining audiobooks with traditional books, vox books read the story to you as you follow along. Our library has picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade chapter books of amazing stories!

The Ely Public Library is open and that means our seed lending library is available for self service. Free garden seeds are available and you simply sign out the number of seeds you take. We do take seed packet donations .