At the Library 7/31/25

Making IT At The Washington Library

By Beth L Swift Technology Librarian

Pottery Owls created in the Make IT Place

We are just a bit past the one year anniversary of MakeIT Place at the Washington Public Library. It is truly hard to believe this much time has gone by so quickly. Refining procedures has been the focus for all of us here at the library in the past couple of months so we can make this incredible space accessible to Washington County. We have had many questions about what is available and how to access it. I thought now may be a good time to give a summary of how you, too, can utilize the creativity the Make IT Place has to offer.

Some of our spaces and equipment have required classes to take and some only require making an appointment to learn how to use a specific space in order to be “certified”. Being certified is what allows independent access.

The MakeIT Place is for certified adults aged 18 and up. Tween and Teen programs are offered as staff run events. You will notice an increase coming for Tween and Teen programs since we as a staff have become more comfortable in learning our specific spaces and equipment.

Requirements for ALL MakeIT Place access includes;

Adult age
A library card in good standing
Signing a user agreement which outlines procedures, policies and liability

found here;

https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/services/makeit-place

Going through the required certification for EACH of the specific equipment/spaces

Note: the use of the equipment and spaces are FREE.

Cost is for materials only except for the Pottery Studio which includes the cost of the instructor.

The following requires a specific class or classes to obtain certification:

Glowforge Laser Cutter/Engraver

1 FREE Glowforge Laser class offered twice monthly OR by appointment if needed (generally one hour)

Recording Studio

1 FREE Audio 101 class offered twice monthly OR by appointment if needed

(generally two hours)

Pottery Studio (cost varies)

Pottery Wheel - 3 wheel classes (now just $25 for each class!)

Handbuilding - 1 handbuilding class (now just $10 for each class!)

Along with the pottery class, you take 1 additional Glazing class (free)

*After certification, cost of using the studio is only $2.50 per pound of clay

Pottery created in the Pottery Studio

Class fees are payable in-person at the Washington Library.

The following only requires making an appointment to learn how to use the specific equipment:

Cricut

Beginners - classes are available, too!

Button Maker
Sewing/Quilting

Beginners - classes are available, too!

Poster Printer
Laminator
Memory Lab

Digitizing:

photos, negatives, slides, VHS, 8mm reel-to-reel, audio cassette, book scanning, CDs

*Each section of the memory lab requires its own appointment.

Call 319-653-2726 to make an appointment!

3D printing

printers are staff run only! (sorry)

Patrons send a file request on-line to be printed or bring the file in on a thumb drive.

Cost depends on the file/material size.

You can observe your print being printed by appointment but it’s not as exciting as

you may think.

Details, guidelines and videos for all this can be found at:

https://www.washington.lib.ia.us/services/makeit-place

Quick Tours are available every week!

Tuesdays at 5:30pm, Thursdays at Noon or by appointment

You can do this!

Ready.

Set.

MakeIT.

Pouch sewn in the Make IT Place

At the Library 7/24/25

Mometrix Test Preparation Launches at the WPL

by LeAnn Kunz

Are you preparing to complete the NCLEX as you work towards your nursing degree? Perhaps you are taking on a second career as a personal trainer and need to pass the CSCS exam? Or are you a high school student about to take your first round of the ACT or SAT tests? The Washington Public Library is launching a new, free test prep database to help you with that. Mometrix Test Preparation is now available on the library’s website.

The mission of Mometrix is to “educate and empower people to achieve their maximum potential, so they can serve others and provide for themselves and their families.” This database is comprehensive test preparation for 1000+ different standardized exams and the e-library includes study guides, flashcards, and interactive practice test questions. If you prefer, you can also print out the test questions. The database includes a search feature if you do not know the acronym for your test, a video library for visual learners, and a timer to simulate exam situations. In addition, this site has employment resources for those ready to take the next step and look for a job.

To set up your free account, WPL patrons should head to the database link on our website at www.washington.lib.ia.us under the Research & Learn tab and Learning Resources dropdown. You will be asked to provide an email and your own unique password. Then you are able to use this resource anywhere! Soon the links to specific study guides will also be on the library’s catalog of materials to make your discovery of these materials even easier.

The Washington Public Library hopes this new resource will make studying and learning easier for all our patrons and we are excited for you to try it and give us feedback.

At the Library 7/11/25

Upcoming Art Exhibits for July & August in Art Underground

by Tammy Valentine

Art credit: Mary Jones

The Washington Public Library is very fortunate to have wonderful art galleries for local artists to exhibit their work. The Art Underground Gallery, a new gallery on the lower level, was added when the library created the Make IT Place. The month of July the Art Underground features Mary Jones.

“I make mixed media artworks about urban walking. Images are collaged from drawings, writing, and ephemera gathered on walks taken in cities and towns of all sizes. Often works are dominated by a central figure personifying the journey taken with its mix of memories, dreams, hesitation and resolve. My quirky drawing style results from a belief that drawing is as personal as handwriting."

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mary Jones has lived in many places, including Washington, Iowa, between 1955 and 1958. She has an MFA in Printmaking from Indiana University and a BFA in Art History from the University of Illinois. She is included in the permanent collections of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the State Museum of Illinois. She was named a notable artist in New American Paintings, Midwest Edition #134. She currently lives and works in Indianola, Iowa.

Patrick Eldredge

In August we find photographer Patrick Eldredge in the Art Underground Gallery. His exhibit is titled “Travel in Black and White.” A Keota native, Patrick has traveled the world working and taking thousands of pictures along the way. Traveling the world, experiencing other cultures that are different from the norm, has been an inspiration to Patrick. Patrick’s artistic influence has been his travels.

“I’ve been fortunate. I travel the world and have been to countless museums in countless countries and viewed firsthand the masters/mistresses of historic photography. I view art in most forms as inspiration. The paintings before the 19th century (before photography) are the photographs of history. It’s how we know what George Washington or Marcus Aurelius or Queen Elizabeth looked like.”

He never forces his creative process, nor does he follow trends. He goes by what feels right while viewing the world with a photographer’s eye. He refers to his many photographs as practice, many times resulting in something new.

Be sure to go to our website and view the calendar so you don’t miss a thing!

Photo credit: Patrick Eldredge

At the Library 7/3/25

Summer Reading Club @ the WPL

by Alison Greiner

We have had a great start to our summer reading program so far this June! Jenisa and I always enjoy seeing the plans we've been making all year for summer reading come to life. It is truly our passion to make reading enjoyable and fun for kids and families. We love seeing the smiles, fun, and connections that families create while spending time at our library programs.

The library offers reading groups for all ages. The youngest groups meet every Wednesday. Babies and toddlers attend Wee Read from 10:00 to 10:30 am with their caregivers. Wee Read is a storytime that incorporates music, movement, scarves, and shaky eggs. This year-round program is an excellent way to introduce literacy skills to our youngest patrons.

After Wee Read, our next group starts at 10:30. This program is for children who have attended preschool but have not yet entered Kindergarten. Beyond the Book is similar to Wee Read, but it takes place in a classroom setting. The children can answer questions and express ideas about the stories we read. It's also an excellent way to reinforce the reading and behavior skills students worked on during the school year while enjoying storytime with friends.

The Kindergarten through second-grade children meet on Mondays from 10:00 until 11. Each week, we have a different topic. They listen to a story about the topic, and then we have activities for the remainder of the time. We enjoyed listening to Samantha Jamison from the Country Extension Office teach about Coding Across Iowa. We have done some coding with our Bee-Bot Robots and have also learned all about ants!

Students in grades 3 through 5 have scheduled activities that vary throughout the summer. So far this June, they have enjoyed painting bubbles with watercolor, making buttons, and fishing at Marr Park. It was a little rainy on the fishing outing, but I think all would agree the rain made it even more fun!

Our teens have enjoyed making buttons, Make-IT Monday, and a Bob Ross Paint Along. Adults can participate in various book clubs. All ages, including adults, are invited to track the number of pages they read for our reading challenge. We are hoping each person can read 750 pages. Our combined total goal for the end of the summer is 200,000 pages, and we are well on our way!

If you would like to join us for any part of the summer reading program, there is still time! If you have any questions, please stop in or call us at the library.

At the Library 6/26/25

Level Up this Summer at the Washington Public Library!

Will Vittetoe and Jenisa Harris fishing
at Marr Park SRC event

by Jenisa Harris

Summer is here, and that means it’s time for long, lazy days filled with adventure, exploration, and the joy of reading! This year, our local library is rolling out an exciting Summer Reading Program that promises to engage readers of all ages with fun, free events and a thrilling reading challenge—our goal is to read a combined total of 200,000 pages by the end of July!

Download the Beanstack Reading Tracker to your computer or mobile device (if you don’t want to track online you can pick up a reading log at the Library). A parent can create an account and then complete registrations for each child in the family. If you finish your reading challenge by July 31st you will qualify for a prize!

Pick up a calendar of events at the library or download it from our website at www.washington.lib.ia.us. Some programs require registration, so you’ll want to register soon to make sure you’re able to attend. Other programs are open to all and don’t require registration.

Join us for our free family events:

Saturday, June 28 @ 10am Cold Blooded Redhead, Library meeting rooms

Wednesday, July 9 @ 1:00 Movie Madness, Library meeting rooms

Friday, July 11 @ 1:00 LEGO Club, Library meeting rooms

Wednesday, July 23 @ 4:00 Pokémon Trading Card, library meeting rooms

Saturday, July 26 @ 10am Foam Zone at Central Park

Monday, July 29 at 10am, Dino Dimensions at Central Park Stage

Magician Makayla Oz, Jaxson and Lawson Harris at SRC event

So, what are you waiting for? Fill your summer with good books, fun programs, and a summer reading challenge!

Annabel Septer at Make IT Monday event

At the Library 6/19/25

Closing a Chapter at the Library

by Mia Schrock

As I write my final At the Library article, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you.

Thank you to all the wonderful staff I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past

three and a half years. I started this journey as a 14-year-old freshman in high school,

just a kid with her very first job. Now, as I prepare to head off to college, I carry with me

not only incredible memories but also the experience of a lifetime.

I’m endlessly grateful to the library team who supported me, taught me, and

made this place feel like a second home. Over the years, I’ve grown in ways I never

expected, gaining confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for what

libraries truly offer. I didn’t expect to find my best friend here, but the library has a way of

bringing people together. Everyone is kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. What

began as little sticky notes on our boxes turned into conversations while shelving, and

eventually into hanging out after work and spending weekends together.

That’s what makes the library so special: it’s more than just books. It’s a

community space where people of all ages connect, learn, grow, and sometimes even

find lifelong friends. Whether you’re coming in for a quiet place to study, a fun event, or

just to browse, there’s always something (or someone) worth discovering at your local

library.

To anyone thinking about working at the library, whether you're a student looking

for a first job or someone simply curious about getting involved, do it. You’ll gain more

than just work experience. You'll learn valuable skills, meet amazing people, and

become part of something truly meaningful. The library is a place where stories live, and

I’m so lucky that part of my own story was written here.

Thank you to everyone who made these past few years unforgettable. I’ll miss

this chapter, but I know the library will continue to inspire new ones for so many others.

At the Library 6/12/25

Happy Birthday to the MakeIT Place!!!

by Cary Ann Siegfried

Make IT Place Opened Last June

On June 11, 2024, the Grand Opening of the MakeIT Place was held! A lot has happened in the last year and we’ve enjoyed watching our community learn and grow in so many ways.

Since we opened the MakeIT Place:

 159 library patrons have become certified users of one of the MakeIT Place areas

 MakeIT Place program attendance totals 1,082

 MakeIT Place users have made reservations for 1,701 hours of use

What’s in store for NEXT year?

Pottery Class in the Make IT Place

Be sure to attend the MakeIT Place Birthday Open House on June 14 between 10 and 3 during Ignite the Arts Weekend here in Washington. You can create a quilted or paper bookmark on the sewing machines, cut out a flower on the Cricut, engrave a wooden bookmark on the Glowforge, do a drop-in recording in our recording studio, or watch demos on pottery, 3-D printing, and the memory lab.

In July, we’ll be purchasing an additional pottery wheel so that we’ll have a total of four wheels. We’ve found that often our pottery users like to “bring a friend” so having an even number of wheels will helpfacilitate that. In addition, users will find that the cost of our pottery classes will be decreasing, thanks to the generosity of the Washington Free Public Library Foundation. Our goal is to try to get as many people certified in wheel use as possible. After a user is certified, the only cost for pottery users is to purchase clay, glazing and firing ($2.50/lb of clay). We realize that the $50/class cost (which covers our instructor cost, clay and glaze) can be prohibitive for some so we hope this will allow for more users to participate.

The Memory Lab will be expanding equipment thanks to the grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. While much of the equipment purchased with the grant will assist with the Washington Evening Journal project, this equipment, which will make scanning slides and film much more efficient, will also be available for certified Memory Lab users with the appropriate training. We look forward to beginning to upload the WEJ images to the FortePan Iowa site.

Mark Keedy talks about the Memory Lab to patrons

Be on the lookout for our MakeIT Place Improvements survey. We’d love to have continuing feedback from the community on what additional classes we can offer, as well as what other equipment could be added in the future. Tell us what YOU want to make!