By Leah White

The Waukee Public Library is kicking off the new year by offering a variety of new and exciting programs and classes for all ages! Stop by the library or visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES

Our popular year-long Local History Series is back for 2018! In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society, the Waukee Public Library will be offering nine unique history presentations. All programs will be at the Waukee Public Library.

One-Room Country Schools in Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Feb. 4 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa’s Misbehaving Women
Presented by Author Cheryl Mullenbach
Sunday, Mar. 25 – 1:00 p.m.
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Presented by Richard Chapman, President of AAGPBL
Sunday, Apr. 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Interurban Railroad – Perry to Des Moines
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, May 6 – 1:00 p.m.
Nile Kinnick, Hal Manders & Bob Feller of Dallas County
Presented by Rod Stanley
Sunday, Aug. 5 – 1:00 p.m.
Jack Trice – ISU Football
Presented by Bradley Kuennen, Iowa State Archivist
Sunday, Sept. 9 – 1:00 p.m.
Shuler Coal Mine
Presented by Bruno Andreini
Sunday, Oct. 7 – 1:00 p.m.
Iowa Connection World War I
Presented by Fort Des Moines Education
Sunday, Nov. 11 – 1:00 p.m.

UPCOMING ADULT PROGRAMS

Helping Hands: Valentine’s Day Cards
Jan. 2 through Feb. 12

Drop by the library to make a Valentine’s Card for residents of an area senior living center. Help us make enough cards so that each resident receives a one-of-a-kind handmade card to show that their community loves them. All supplies will be provided.
Afternoon Book Club: “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood
Thursday, Jan. 4 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Bird-Watching Basics
Sunday, Jan. 14 – 1:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to connect with nature? Come learn the basics to identifying birds. Dallas County Board naturalist Mike Havlik will guide you through field marks, behavior and calls to help take the mystery out of backyard birds. We will also take a trip outdoors to look for live birds at the library.
Books on Tap: “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend” by Katarina Bivald
Tuesday, Jan. 16 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
Yoga
Friday, JAN. 19 – 10:00 a.m.

Take time to breathe, move, stretch and relax in this beginners’ yoga class. This class is scheduled on the same day and time as our Snow Much Yoga Fun kids’ event with parents’ needs in mind! (However, any adult may attend.) Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Crafternoon
Saturday, Jan. 27 – 2:00 p.m.

Adults need crafty time, too! Get together with your friends and neighbors to have some crafty fun creating one craft. All supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Afternoon Book Club: “Major Pettigrew’s Land Stand” by Helen Simonson
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
Won’t Chew Be My Valentine
Thursday, Feb. 1 – 6:00 p.m.

No matter what you’re planning for Valentine’s Day this year, nothing says “I love you” like delicious and decadent desserts. We’ve rounded up three sweet treats that will make your heart melt! Whether you’re single or taken, enjoy these easy-to-make desserts with your sweetheart or pals this Valentine’s Day. Samples will be served! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Craft Workshop: Heart-Felt Needle Felting
Sunday, Feb. 11 – 1:30 p.m.

Discover the pure magic of needle-felting! In this beginner’s class, we will make a sweet little penguin holding a heart. You won’t believe how easy felting really is–no sewing or patterns involved! No prior experience required. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Books on Tap: “My Lady Jane” by Cynthia Hand
Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 6:00 P.M.

Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 2:00 p.m.

Come learn the ins and outs of wildlife photography! Dallas county resident and national magazine editor Marlen Kemmet has worked for years photographing Central Iowa and several national parks. Get tips and techniques aimed at making you a better wildlife photographer. Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to practice their new skills on library grounds and around the Waukee area for a chance to have their pictures featured on the library’s Facebook page! Submissions may be sent to: AskMe@waukee.org

UPCOMING KIDS’ PROGRAMS

Sensory Playtime
Friday, Jan. 5 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Jedi Training
Saturday, Jan. 6 – 10:00 a.m.

Young Padawans (K-5th grade) are challenged to attend a Jedi Training Session at the library. Construct your own droid, take down Storm Troopers, make Jabba slime, meet R2D2 and more! A light snack will be provided. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Jan. 12 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Jan. 13  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Jan. 13 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Snow Much Yoga Fun
Friday, Jan. 19 from 10:00 – 10:40 a.m.

Join best-selling local author Sara J. Weis of “Go Go Yoga for Kids: the Complete Guide of Using Yoga with Kids” for a fun and engaging yoga class for 3-6 year olds. We will have fun celebrating the winter season with yoga poses, games, stories and snowballs. Bring a beach towel or yoga mat. *There is an adult yoga class for adult caregivers paired at the same time as this event. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
S.T.E.M. Lit with Iowa State Extension – Super Sled
Thursday, Jan. 25 – 4:30 p.m.

Kids in grades K-5 are invited to hear a story about a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) topic followed by a related experiment. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Sensory Playtime
Friday, Feb. 2 from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

Stay as little or as long as you wish to explore different interactive sensory stations each month with your child. Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Decorate a Valentine Box
Saturday, Feb. 3 – 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Students in K-5 are welcome to design their own boxes for upcoming Valentine’s Day parties. All boxes and decorating supplies are provided.  Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
Dallas County Conservation
Friday, Feb. 9 -10:00 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to Critter Cindy from Dallas County Conservation for stories and activities to learn more about the natural world around us. No registration required.
Brick Builders
Saturday, Feb. 10  from 10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Children of all ages are welcome to join teen volunteers to play with the library’s LEGOs and complete optional engineering challenges. No registration required.
Songs & Stories
Saturday, Feb. 10 – 9:30 a.m.

Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to enjoy 20-25 minutes of fun songs and stories with one of our youth services librarians. No registration required.
Dr. Mayank K. Kothari S.T.E.A.M. Expo
Saturday, Feb. 24 – 10:00 a.m.

Families with children in grades K+ are invited to a morning of exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) at the library. A generous donation has been made in memory of Dr. Mayank K. Kothari to increase the number of kits in our STEAM Library. Hear a presentation about the new STEAM kits followed by the opportunity to see each kit in action. Kits will be available for check-out the Monday after the event. No registration required.

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library, visit www.waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact the us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.