By Leah White
The Waukee Public Library is proud to offer a variety of programs and classes for all ages this fall!
LOCAL HISTORY SERIES
Have you attended one of our year-long Local History Series programs yet? In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society, the Waukee Public Library is offering unique history presentations on a variety of topics.
Finding Your Roots: A Beginner’s Guide
Sunday, Sept. 10; 1 p.m.
Presented by Theresa Liewer from the Iowa Genealogical Society
This class covers organizing your information, how to research, and where to go for genealogy information. Attendees are encouraged to bring birth and death dates, and locations of their ancestors so we can try to locate more information about them.
Bonnie & Clyde Shootout in Dexfield Park
Sunday, Oct. 1; 1 p.m.
Presented by Rod Stanley
Relive the biggest shoot-out in Dallas County history. In July of 1933, Bonnie and Clyde, with the notorious Barrow Gang, were found at the old Dexfield Amusement Park outside Dexter. With some gang members captured and another mortally wounded, this is the fascinating story of the Iowa connection to this famous duo.
Superior Popcorn Company of Waukee
Sunday, Oct. 8; 1 p.m.
Presented by Rod Stanley
The popcorn industry has a history in Dallas County, including that of a wholesale popcorn business in Waukee. In the 1930s, the Superior Popcorn Company was established. In 1941, a popcorn plant was built in Waukee, and the wholesale popcorn business was developed.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Kids in the Kitchen
Thursday, Sept. 14; 6-6:45 p.m.
K-3rd graders are invited to join Iowa State Extension Outreach staff to learn about kitchen safety, food groups and to make and taste a recipe. Registration is required at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.
Movie Matinee: Going in Style
Thursday, Sept. 14; 10 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. All movies are free and popcorn and lemonade will be available. No registration is required.
Roll & Read
Saturday, Sept. 16; 9-11 a.m.
Bring your wagons, skates, and strollers to Fox Creek Park for Roll & Read. Parents and children ages 0-5 years are invited to participate in a special walk around the park trail, followed by the opportunity to register kiddos for the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Special guests will be reading stories at certain stops along the trail, and community businesses serving families with young children will hand out information and small prizes at the finish line.
Participants are welcome to park in the lot at Grant Ragan Elementary School.
No registration is required for this event.
*In case of stormy weather, special storytimes will be held at the library instead, beginning at 9:15 and 10:15 am.
Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History
Tuesday, Sept. 26; 6:30 p.m.
What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? During her fun, interactive program, Iowa author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits and cooking tips related to more than 150 years of Iowa cuisine and ethnic food traditions. She will share stories that include Pella’s famous Dutch letters, Iowa’s classic breaded pork tenderloins, church dinners, the historic Younkers Tea Room, Laura Ingalls Wilder and more. Signed copies of Darcy’s book “A Culinary History of Iowa and Dallas County” will be available. No registration required.
STEAM Sensation & Perception
Various dates and times throughout September through October – check our online calendar
Be amazed as we explore how the brain interprets all the sensations we experience on a daily basis, including sight, touch and hearing. Through a series of fun demonstrations and optical illusions, learn about blind spots, afterimages, color vision, and proprioception (the sense of body perception and movement). Registration is required at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.
OCTOBER EVENTS
Fall Crafts
Saturday, Oct. 7; 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Get ready for a creative hour of crafting! Spend an hour letting your creative juices flow and make cute fall crafts. Recommended for students in grades K-5. Parents of younger students are encouraged to remain in the program to assist as needed. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.
Movie Matinee: Wonder Woman
Thursday, Oct. 12; 10 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. All movies are free and popcorn and lemonade will be available. No registration is required.
Fall Book Sale
Friday, Oct. 20; 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Are you ready for the the Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation Fall Semi-Annual Book Sale? Become a Friends Foundation member to shop the Members Only Sale on Friday and get first dibs. Not a member? You can join before you shop. There will be great deals on used books, magazines, movies and more!
Home Brew Basics
Tuesday, Oct. 24; 6 p.m.
Members of the Iowa Brewers Union will share tips and tricks for making your own beer at home. They’ll discuss the basic brewing process and share an equipment checklist you will need to get started. Attendees can taste small samples and will be entered into a drawing for a Beer Crazy gift card and home brewing books. No registration is required.
Not So Scary Storytime
Tuesday, Oct. 31; 6 p.m.
Families are invited to wear their costumes to the library for a special Halloween storytime and craft. Don’t worry, the books won’t be too spooky! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.