At the Library 10/24/24

Making Pottery at Your WPL Offers Health Benefits

Jessi Tucci, pottery instructor and Wendy Heck,
Wilhelmina Laughlin, & Peg Harris

By Jenisa Harris 

    The library MakeIT Place Pottery studio has been a labor of love for me over the past year. Our pottery studio has 3 Brent B potter's wheels, an L&L E23S-3 Easy-Fire Kiln, and space for hand-building. Beth and I have learned a lot about clay, glaze, pottery tools, and techniques from some excellent pottery experts. I have also discovered the incredible health benefits of making pottery through my research. 

    Ceramic making can help relieve stress. When making pottery, the tactile sense is engaged, which promotes a profoundly meditative state, mimicking the simplistic childhood state of exploration through touch. As the rest of the world fades away, your blood pressure reduces, and your breathing regulates itself.

    Making ceramics can be a natural pain killer. Because of its stress relief qualities, making pottery can also be a natural pain killer for stress-related pain. 

    Making pottery with others can increase happiness. Engaging in social activities, such as taking a pottery workshop or class, can increase the level of dopamine in your bloodstream, causing you to feel happier.

    Making pottery can reduce symptoms of certain mental disorders. Forty-five minutes of working with the clay can significantly reduce these cortisol levels and minimize symptoms associated with certain mental disorders. 

    Pottery making can reduce arthritis symptoms. One good, low-impact exercise for the hands–a common area for joint pain–is clay throwing on a pottery wheel or hand-building ceramics. An indirect benefit of ceramic-making for arthritis sufferers is the stress relief component, which can also contribute to less inflammation in the joints.

    We offer fun and educational pottery programs in the MakeIT Place pottery studio, so you can reap all the pottery health benefits! You can register for the classes on the library website here: https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/events. 

Marissa Reisen, Bethany Langr,
 and Amanda Smith handbuild pots

Bella Gillispie, Emma Kaye, &  Erin Kaye create pottery
on the library pottery wheels

 

Beth Brooks & Sue Reed
handbuild some unique pieces

At the Library 10/17/24

 

 Learn a New Language Through Your Library Resources

  by Mia Schrock

Mango Languages

    Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? I know I have. Luckily, I have the option to take Spanish or American Sign Language classes through my school, but not every school offers those classes. Or most likely, you aren’t in school anymore. Well, we have a resource for you. In my last article, I wrote about sources to get help with homework, and you can go to the same spot to find Mango Languages. It's just the Research and Learn tab, then under Learning Resources on our website at www.washington.lib.ia.us.

    Mango Languages is a free site with over 70 world language courses. Each Language is split into a few different units, then each unit has chapters with different topics. Each chapter has about 10 lessons, and other studying options like listening, reading, vocabulary, and a recap. It is easy to set a goal to do a lesson each day, or two to three a week if you aren’t ready to commit to one every day. With 70 different languages, there are options for everybody. Some of the popular ones include Spanish, French, English, Japanese, Italian, and so many more. I was surprised to hear that some language learning apps don’t have English as a course. Not only does Mango Languages have an English course, it also has an English (Shakespearean) course.

    Now I have not tried it, but it looks really interesting. The options are endless with so many languages to choose from. I highly recommend looking into to learning a new language. It could help you talk to someone and make a new friend someday. Or you could make it a goal to finish a course in a language before you travel to a country that speaks that language. Overall, being bilingual is not only super cool, but also really helpful. While I can’t guarantee you will be fluent in a language after taking just one course of it, starting with Mango Languages can open you up to new possibilities to learn even more and eventually maybe become fluent.

Over 70 language options available on Mango

At the Library 10/10/24

 

3^rd Year of WPL Author Fest!

By LeAnn Kunz

    A few years ago the Washington Public Library started an annual Author Fest to celebrate local and Iowa authors. In 2022 our headliner was the best selling author Heather Gudenkauf! We felt so fortunate to host such a prominent writer who is a favorite of many of our readers at the WPL. Her reading was dynamic and she was gracious to everyone who wanted a signed copy of her book. We also had readings from our own Washington authors including John Bain, Julie Gentz, John Greener, Michael Kramme, Jean Wolf Logan, Corinne Stanley, and Dave Stoufer. It was a satisfying start to this yearly program.

Heather Gudenkauf signing books

Heather Gudenkauf reads

 

WPL staff Tammy Valentine, Mia Schrock, Author Heather Gudenkauf,
and WPL staff Jenisa Harris, LeAnn Kunz, and Cary Ann Siegfried

         

    Last year our headliner was Beth Howard, aka “The Pie Lady”. Not only did Beth read, she also did a pie demonstration! One lucky patron even won that pie. Again, we could not have picked a nicer person to visit us. Beth was lively, fun, and friendly to everyone. The other Iowa authors reading that day included Venise Berry, Eric Gapstur, Dan Henderson, and Leigh Michaels.

Sally Reighard wins a pie made by Beth Howard

Beth Howard demonstrates pie making

    

WPL staff Alison Greiner, Cary Ann Siegfried, LeAnn Kunz, author Beth Howard,
and WPL staff Jenisa Harris and Tammy Valentine

    We are delighted to continue the festival this year on Friday, October 18  and Saturday, October 19. Tammy Valentine and I like to try new things, so this year we are hosting a Friday brunch with Jennie Fisher at 11 am on October 18. Jennie was born and raised in Washington and moved back here in 2020. She works remotely as a book cover designer for the University of Illinois Press and was just recently promoted to Senior Design Coordinator. At the free brunch, Jennie will be speaking about her work as a designer and there will be refreshments. She is also displaying her work in the Helen Wilson Gallery on the 2^nd level of the library during the month of October. Don’t miss a chance to hear her speak and to view her unique artwork as part of Author Fest ‘24.

Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey performing

    The  following day we will kick off our Saturday morning with a special Washington Writers’ Workshop at 9 am with our headliner Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey. Caleb is a writer, film maker, and teacher who specializes in spoken word poetry. In this free workshop, he will be working with teens and adults who would like to learn the craft. Following that, Caleb will be performing at 10:15 am and will be available to sign his books. His performances are energetic and emotional and you won’t regret spending the morning with him. Our second performer, Chuy Renteria, who is an author, artist, dancer and teacher, will be reading at 11:15 am. Finally we will wind up the day at noon with Darcy Mulsby, who is an author, photographer, foodie, and is known as “Iowa’s Storyteller”. These three featured authors, as well as many authors from our past festivals, will all be available in the Author Room throughout the event to visit with you and to sign their books.

    Come out and celebrate the talent that Iowa can call its own! The WPL Author Fest is an excellent way to appreciate those authors who make us all happy to be readers.

At the Library 10/3/24

It All Started With A Library Card

By Beth L Swift 

    

“Why would you do that?” was the response I received from a (well-meaning) friend when I announced that after retiring from the school district, I would be working at the local public library.

    “Why wouldn’t I? I’ll be surrounded by books.  Who wouldn’t love that?”  

    I really couldn’t quite wrap my head around who WOULDN’T love that. My road to independence all started with a library card at age ten.  I could walk to the library ALL BY MYSELF and look at all the books. You couldn’t talk without being LOUDLY shushed. And the THOUGHT of toys in the library for little ones? Nope. That type of idea was as far fetched as watching Captain Kirk talking into his watch on Star Trek. Libraries have certainly changed since then.     

    The library was and IS a central part of the community for young and old alike.  Library programming exists for every age group. Littles have “1000 books before Kindergarten”, Wee Read and Bi-Lingual Story Hour. Tweens and Teens have Lego, STEM, Pokemon Clubs and weekly after school programming on early out Fridays. Adults have various book clubs and vintage movie viewings. Online help for just about anything you want or need.  

Want to learn a new language? Mango Languages

    Need help with homework or help with post-service life? Brainfuse

 

    Read or listen to a book online? Libby

    The bi monthly music concerts incorporate local musicians and partner with schools so the community teens can practice performing in front of smaller crowds. Libraries have indeed rolled with the times. 

 

    Washington Public Library’s new MakeIT Place for adults and specialized kids’ programming is where you can come and embrace your creativity ranging from 3D printers, to laser printing to graphic design to pottery and transferring precious memories from VHS, reel to reel and picture albums to a flash drive… for free. 

    Even though he had been to the library countless times since he was a baby, I was more than excited to show my (then) eight year old grandson all the things the library had to offer. A little ahead of himself, he couldn’t believe “all this” was free as we checked out a couple books and a movie. 

    “Really?  For free, Nana? And I just promise to bring it back…are you really, REALLY sure?” (eyeing me quizzically)

    “Yep.  You only pay if you lose or damage something you borrowed.”

    “And the library card …how much for that?” (smiling like he thought he had me)

    “Free, as well.”

    “Wow…who knew?” (as he skipped out the door with his treasures)

    And to think… It all started with a library card.

             

At the Library 9/26/24

 

First Friday Brunch program at the WPL

by Tammy Valentine

book cover design
by Jennie Fisher

    The summer has flown by, fall is on its way, and so is the Washington Public Library’s annual Author Fest!  LeAnn and I have been working hard for several months on organizing the event and we are excited to feature three wonderful authors. This year’s lineup is Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey, Chuy Renteria, and Darcy Maulsby.  Each will give a presentation on their work and after the presentations are completed there will be book signings.  This will include the three featured authors along with our previous years’ authors, so don’t miss your opportunity to meet these talented Iowans.

Jennie Fisher
(courtesy of LinkdIn)

    LeAnn and I are expanding the Author Fest this year to include a new program called “Friday Brunch”! The first Friday Brunch program will be given by Jennie Fisher. It will be on Friday, October 18th at 11am and no registration is required. Jennie was born and raised in Washington and moved back here in 2020. She works remotely as a book cover designer for the University of Illinois Press and was just recently promoted to Senior Design Coordinator.  She will be speaking about her work as a designer of book covers and she will also be displaying her work in the Helen Wilson Gallery on the 2nd level of the library during the month of October. Don’t miss these chances to hear her speak and to view her artwork at the Washington Public Library!

book cover design
by Jennie Fisher

book cover design
by Jennie Fisher

book cover design
by Jennie Fisher

    

    

At the Library 9/19/24

 Celebrating Fall With New Programs at the Library

by Jenisa Harris

Foam Party

The weather isn’t cool, and the leaves aren’t changing color, but we are celebrating the fall season as we begin our fall programs at the library. We enjoyed a fun and busy Summer Reading season. With many participants! We beat our goal of reading 100,000 pages during Summer Reading! We celebrated with an epic, Foam Zone in Central Park! Our end of the Summer Reading Celebration was generously donated by Washington State Bank. 

We also kicked off our FriYAY Funday’s this week. Every early out Friday the library will host a free early out program for grades K-12^th. The program will change weekly, we will rotate between, Movie Madness, Block Party, and Tinker Lab.

Block Party at the WPL

Participants enjoying the Block Party

Pokémon Trading Card night will resume Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4:00-4:45pm and is for grades K-12^th. No registration required. Pokémon Trading Card night will be on the 2^nd Tuesday of every month during the school year. 

Teen Advisory Board meeting will also resume this month! 6^th-12^th graders are welcome to join us Wednesday, Sept 11 from 4:00-4:45. Teens will brainstorm and plan library activities, suggest new books and movies, and earn silver cord hours. 

Teens can also join us Wednesday, Sept. 25^th from 4:00-4:45pm for Teen Button Making Hangout! Teens will get to create their own custom buttons! All materials will be provided. No registration required! 

Teens crafting at the WPL

All programs are free, and open to the public. Check us out on Facebook or stop by the front desk to see all that we will be offering this fall! Sign up for our Library’s newsletter so you can stay in the loop! https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/contact. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Library 9/12/24

 ¡Estamos emocionados de tener una nueva hora de cuentos en la biblioteca.
(We are excited to have a new story time at the library!) 

by Alison Greiner

    In addition to the Wee Read Storytime that meets each Wednesday at 10 am for ages birth-3 year olds, the Washington Public Library will also now offer Bilingual Storytime on Thursdays at 10 am. 

Annabel Ebecerril reads aloud
during Bilingual Storytime

    The Bilingual Storytime will be in English and Spanish. This storytime will be led by me, but we will also have native Spanish speakers leading, as well. Much like the Wee Read storytime we will be reading, singing, moving, and using scarves, egg shakers, and parachutes.  The main difference is that we will do these in Spanish and English. We will also include traditional Spanish children’s music as well as songs that translate in English and Spanish. You do not need to speak Spanish to attend and it is free and open to all children, ages birth-3 years old, and their parents.

    We are excited to be able to add this storytime to our weekly schedule. Early exposure to books, reading, music and movement has been proven to strengthen early literacy skills.  Story time is a great way to introduce learning to your child in a way that is relaxed and fun.  This bilingual exposure will also provide opportunities for learning and growth..

    Research has shown that children that are exposed to other languages often have better cognitive and problem solving skills. They can also have a greater sense of empathy because they are able to see themselves in someone else’s shoes. Playing, reading, and singing in a different language can also make a child brave and more able to try new things. This exposure to another language and culture can also give children insight about the world around them.  

    This is a great new opportunity we are excited to offer. We would be happy to see you at one or even both of our weekly storytime programs. Come join us in the fun!

Bilingual Storytime

Emiliano Ebecerril attends
Bilingual Storytime