At the Library 5/28/26

 Happy Birthday to The MakeIT Place!

Next month, we’ll be celebrating the second birthday of The MakeIT Place — and what an incredible two years it has been!

When we first opened the makerspace, we hoped it would become a place where people could learn new skills, explore creativity, and try out equipment they might not otherwise have access to. What we’ve discovered is that The MakeIT Place has become something even more important: a place where community is created alongside the things people make.

Over the past two years, certified users have logged an amazing 4,648 hours using the space. We now have 328 certified users, and 3,255 people have participated in programs, workshops, and classes connected to The MakeIT Place.

Those numbers represent far more than pottery pieces, laser-cut projects, or 3D prints. They represent conversations, friendships, collaboration, and the confidence that comes from learning something new. We’ve seen people teach one another techniques, share ideas across generations, and discover talents they didn’t know they had.

The impact of The MakeIT Place has also extended far beyond the walls of the makerspace itself. The 1,264 volunteer hours logged at the library in the last year have been primarily connected to MakeIT Place activities and projects. That spirit of volunteerism and shared ownership has helped us begin one of our most exciting community history initiatives: the Washington Evening Journal photo digitization project. Volunteers and makerspace tools are helping preserve and share local history for future generations.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. Makerspaces (and public libraries!) are always evolving, and we want The MakeIT Place to continue growing in ways that serve our community’s interests and needs.

What would you like to see added, changed, or expanded in The MakeIT Place? Are there classes, tools, technologies, or creative opportunities you’d like us to explore? We’d love to hear your ideas as we plan for the future.

Thank you to everyone who has taken a class, volunteered, experimented with a new tool, or simply walked through the door curious to learn. The MakeIT Place belongs to the community, and its success over the past two years is something we’re proud to celebrate together.

At the Library 5/21/26

 Another Successful Sinking

by Beth L. Swift

The Washington Public Library hosted its second memorable evening of history, music, and dining on April 14, 2026, with “Titanic Dinner: A Night to Remember.” Held on the 114th anniversary of the infamous Titanic tragedy, the event welcomed 45 guests, many dressed in the persona of an actual Titanic passenger whose name and brief biography they had drawn in advance.

Upon arrival, passengers were greeted by the Captain, Mark Keedy, while Newsboy Casen Randall distributed copies of the April 16, 1912, Post St. Louis Dispatch newspaper reporting the ship’s tragic sinking. Fortunately, this evening’s headline was much happier.

A live band performed authentic period Irish music arranged by Randy Swift, helping transport guests back to 1912. Passengers mingled over light hors d’oeuvres, introduced themselves by their historic identities, and likely discovered that making small talk is much easier when one arrives with a ready-made backstory.

Guests then enjoyed a modern interpretation of meals inspired by Titanic’s First, Second, and Third Class dining experiences. Catered by Mary Blosser, the menu offered a creative and flavorful glimpse into life aboard the famous ship, without requiring anyone to actually cross the Atlantic.

Clyde Pearce presented a fascinating slideshow on Iowa’s connections to the Titanic, sharing stories of both survivors and victims of the disaster. His program added depth and local meaning to an already immersive evening.

The night also featured an unexpected twist when two tornado warnings sent everyone to shelter in the library’s lower level. While it was not part of the original itinerary, the delay gave guests a chance to tour the Art Gallery and MakeIT Place downstairs, spaces many had not previously explored. One might say the evening included a brief, unscheduled “lower deck excursion.”

Despite the weather interruption, the event was widely regarded as a success, blending education, community, music, food, and just the right touch of adventure into a truly unforgettable night.

Many thanks to the volunteers who made this successful:  Mark Keedy (Captain), Casen Randall (Newsboy), Ruth Jones (server), Clyde Pearce (presenter)  Randy Swift, Tom McNamar, Byron Stevens, Scott Teater, Holly Rehyner, (live music) Nancy and John Faselt for their display, Jess McClelland (photographer) James Erbacher (displaying of his Lego Titanic ship) (and photographer and he who named this article) and Tammy Valentine whose work behind the scenes made this huge event possible.

At the Library 5/14/26

Iowa Author to Visit the WPL!

Many of you may recall the fear and uncertainty that swept through Iowa when two local Des Moines paperboys were abducted in the 1980s. Johnny Gosch was abducted in 1982 while delivering papers and he was one of the first missing children to ever appear on milk cartons. Eugene Martin went missing in 1984 and both cases are still opened, but unsolved. Despite the tragedy of these crimes, these cold cases helped shape national missing children policies and the creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Iowa author Kali White VanBaale was a child visiting the Des Moines area when the second abduction occurred and recalls in staying a hotel across the street from where Eugene Martin was taken. She distinctly remembers being frightened and worried, knowing that someone was stealing children, and that memory haunted her for years to come. From this came the idea for one of her most popular novels, The Monsters We Make.

Kali White VanBaale is the author of three novels including The Monsters We Make, and the newest collection Release of Information and Other Linked Stories. She’s the recipient of an American Book Award, the Iowa Author Award, and two State of Iowa major artist grants among others. She’s the editor-at-large of The Past Ten essay journal and print anthology, and writes the column Minding the Gaps for the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Kali is a core faculty member of the Lindenwood University MFA in writing program where she was named adjunct professor of the year in 2022. 

Join us on Saturday, May 30 at 10 am as Kali White visits the Washington Public Library as our May Author Spotlight. She will read from her new short story collection, answer audience questions, and sign books. Copies of her work will be available for purchase.

www.kaliwhite.com

Facebook&Instagram: @kaliwriting

Substack "Minding the Gaps": @kaliwriting

At the Library 5/7/26

 Pivot!

by Tammy Valentine 

PIVOT! This is the word of the day, everyday, here at the Washington Public Library. It seems when a plan is made, something comes up requiring last minute changes. The team I work with every single day is the best at making those changes positive, always resulting in a better version of the original idea.

Pivot number one. As the library representative for the art committee, I am usually the first to hear from artists about any changes with their exhibit schedule. I received last-minute exhibit changes, which ended up with the LIBRARY STAFF stepping up in a big way! We will be creating an art display in the Wilson Gallery for the months of May, June and July. “Summer Reading Through the Years” is the title of the exhibit. We will be documenting the creation of this exhibit, as it will be done piece by piece instead of installing the complete work. This will be our very first exhibit as a team and I am so excited to see what we come up with.

Another pivot is that the art committee has a new display space that we are responsible for, which is the Dallmeyer Display Case on the 2 nd level in the Dallmeyer Reading Lounge. This display case is original to this building and previously held the Scofield collection and the Native American collection, both of which moved to our new display cases. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Fred Stark offer to fill the empty case with items from his very extensive collection of Washington historical memorabilia. As a side note, Mr. Stark was my band teacher so must be called Mr. Stark by me. Just like the library staff exhibit, due to the very short notice Mr. Stark will be working on this display over the course of a few weeks. But we are fortunate that this exhibit will be up through December of this year, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy it.

Our last art committee pivot is for the Art Underground Gallery. When the artist scheduled for May and June wasn’t able to share their work I reached out to the current exhibitor, Donavon Swift, and he offered to extend his scheduled time for us. Because I’ve heard how much people have enjoyed artwork for tattoos, I am excited that Donavon’s work will stay up longer.

The one thing that worked out according to plan is Clyde Pearce’s foyer display! The display is about radiation, based on a lifetime of working in this complex field. Clyde will also be giving a program titled “Radiation Art” on May 4 th at 6pm. I know that by the time you read this May 4 th will have passed. But don’t miss this amazing display!

Keep your eye out for the development of these exhibits!

At the Library 4/30/26

 Rewards for Volunteering

by Alison Greiner

There’s something special about a library that goes far beyond books. It’s a place where stories are shared, ideas grow, and connections happen in the most unexpected ways. And one of the best ways to be part of that magic is through volunteering.

People sometimes think volunteering at the library means quietly shelving books in the background.  While that is part of it, it’s just the beginning. There are so many meaningful and fun ways to get involved. 

If you’re someone who loves a little order and finds comfort in neat rows and organization, shelving books might be your thing. It’s a behind-the-scenes role, but it makes a huge difference. When everything is in its place, it helps every single person who walks through the doors find what they need more easily. There’s great satisfaction in that for the library workers as well as our patrons.

If you’re like me and more of a people person, you may want to help teach or lead a program.  We’ve had volunteers lead everything from craft sessions to hobby demonstrations, and each one brings a unique energy that we simply can’t replicate on our own.

Then there’s the MakeIT Place, which is such a creative and growing space in our library. If you have a skill—whether it’s crafting, technology, design, or something completely unexpected—you can teach a class and help others discover something new. It’s one of those spaces where you can almost feel the ideas bouncing around the room, and volunteers play a huge role in making that happen.

And of course, summer reading. If you’ve ever been around the library during the summer, you know it’s a little louder, a little busier, and a whole lot of fun. Volunteers help us keep things running smoothly, encourage young readers, and celebrate those small but important milestones along the way. It’s joyful, a bit chaotic at times, and incredibly rewarding.

One thing that’s important to us is making sure our volunteers feel like they’re in the right place. That’s why we ask everyone to come into the library, pick up a volunteer application, and turn it in. It’s not just paperwork.  We truly use it to match people with opportunities that fit their interests and strengths. When someone is doing something they enjoy, it shows, and it makes the experience better for everyone.

Volunteering at the library isn’t about filling time.  It’s about being part of something meaningful in your community. Whether you have a few hours to give or a specific skill you’d love to share, there’s a place for you here. And chances are, you’ll walk away with more than you expected.

At the Library 4/23/26

 

Plant a Seed, Read!

By Jenisa Harris

This summer, the Washington Free Public Library invites the community to dig into stories, grow imaginations, and cultivate a love of reading with its 2026 Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed, Read. Families are encouraged to get a head start by attending the Summer Reading Sneak Peek on Thursday, April 30 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the library. This fun, informational event will give participants a first look at upcoming programs, STEM activities, and how to get involved in a summer full of reading and discovery.

Register & Read Big! Summer Reading registration opens May 1, 2026, with the official program running throughout June and July. This year’s community goal is to collectively read 450,000 pages—a challenge that invites readers of all ages to grow their reading habits one page at a time. The Plant a Seed, Read program is packed with engaging, family-friendly events—many of which are free and open to all. Highlights include:

 Paws and Pages at Paws and More Animal Shelter

Wednesdays, June 3 & 17 and July 8 & 29 at 1:00 PM
Practice reading skills alongside friendly shelter animals.

 Read Around the Square

Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Bring a book and help fill the square with readers of all ages.

 Ocean Odyssey: Stingray Exhibit (from the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium)

Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
Dive into an interactive ocean experience—no travel required!

 Skippy the Human Drum Machine

Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
A high-energy, music-filled performance that gets everyone moving.

 Root and Read at P.L.A.N.T. Community Garden

Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM
Combine gardening and reading in this hands-on, community-centered program.

 Magician David Casas

Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00 AM, Central Park Stage
Prepare to be amazed with this interactive magic show.

 Red Blooded Reptiles

Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
Get up close and learn about fascinating reptiles.

 Juggler Jason Kollum

Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 AM, Library Meeting Rooms
A lively performance full of laughs, tricks, and audience participation.

 End of Summer Reading Bash

Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 AM–Noon at Central ParkCelebrate a summer of reading with a community party you won’t want to miss!

Grow something great this summer. Whether you’re reading to a furry friend, exploring ocean life, or enjoying live performances,Plant a Seed, Read offers something for everyone. The program encourages not only literacy, but also connection, curiosity, and community growth.

Mark your calendars, gather your books, and get ready to watch your reading—and your
imagination—bloom this summer at the library!

At the Library 4/16/26

 The life cycle of a library book

New books ready for checkout

by Marissa Reisen

Have you ever wondered just how the book that you check out at the library got to the point where you can check it out? Today I’m going to walk you through the process!

Our librarians are responsible for a designated section, and they have many resources available to them to help decide which new books to purchase for the library. They take into consideration what our patrons are most likely to read (and we do even take requests) as well as what reviews are saying about particular books. Some adult fiction authors are automatically ordered when they have new books come out (think James Patterson, Nora Roberts, etc.).  Each section has a budget that they have to stay within for the year; we have multiple vendors who we order books from, and libraries usually don’t pay cover price for the books.

Once ordered, books arrive anywhere from a week later to a few months later. Upon arrival, they are checked for damage and, just like with any order, we make sure that what they sent is what actually arrives in the box. Books are checked in and marked with the date they arrive, as well as the company they were ordered from and the price. Next up is cataloging! This is when all the important information about the book gets entered into our system and an ID number is assigned to the book. Every book is labeled with their call number (for non-fiction books, this means their Dewey number, and fiction books are labeled with the author’s name and their section). At this point, we also put subject and other identifying stickers on the books, so that you have as much information as possible before you even pull the book off the shelf.

For some books, they are ready to head to the shelves at this point, but others need some cosmetic touches! All hardcover books with a dustjacket are covered in a protective plastic, and we use special tape to attach them, so that we do as little damage to the book as possible. Paperback books get clear tape along the edges to protect from all the potential wear and tear that could happen. 

At this point, books are ready to make their debut on our shelves! All new books are identified with a sticker that has the date one year from the month they arrived - they will stay on the “NEW” shelf for one year before they’re relocated to what will become their home shelf for the rest of their life here at WPL. 

Of course, in order to make room for all the wonderful new books, we do have to get rid of others along the way. Our librarians evaluate many things, like how many times a book has circulated and its condition to determine when it’s time to weed them out. But this isn’t the end! Our books have the opportunity to continue bringing joy to readers as they make their way to ReBook, where you can buy them at a steep discount.

Books waiting to be catalogued