June 2016

This Pleasant Hill Public Library's newsletter is packed with information about community activities, new items available for patrons to checkout and activities for youth to get involved in. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Stop in and help complete the community puzzle

Putting together a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to relieve stress and get to know others within the community. The library has a community puzzle located in the reference section. We encourage you to stop by and help with the puzzle.

New items at the library

We are always adding new items to our library collection. A few new materials include fiction, nonfiction and teen books. Stop in today and check one of these new items.

Fiction books

A Few of the Girls by Maeve Binchy
A Friend of Mr. Lincoln by Stephen Harrigan
The Dog Who Saved Me by Susan Wilson

Nonfiction books

The Legends Club by John Feinstein
Love that Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me about a Parent’s Expectations by Ron Fournier
The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington
Conviction by Juan Martinez

Teen books

The Isabel Factor by Gayle Friesen
Salt to the Sea by Ruth Sepetys
Thanks for the Trouble by Tommy Wallach
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Book discussion group

Would you like to expand your reading horizons and meet new people? If so, the library’s book discussion group is for you.

Meeting's are held the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the library. A new book is discussed by the group each month.

Recently discussed books include:

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simpson
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
A Christmas Blizzard by Garrison Keillor
An Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear

All genres of books are discussed – fiction, nonfiction, and mysteries. For more information or to get your name on the list, contact the library at 515.266.7815.

Your feedback matters to us

The Pleasant Hill Public Library values your feedback. Whether you would like us to add a particular item to the library, host a class on a subject, talk about the library at your club or organization or add access to any type of media, please let us know! Your suggestions are appreciated.

Tuesday's in the Park at Doanes Park Youth Center

The library is hosting Tuesday's in the Park at Doanes Park Youth Center. On Tuesday's beginning at 10 a.m., families can enjoy free entertainment.

A list of entertainment includes:

JUNE 15 The Magic of Mike Prestby: Comedy magic, story-telling, live animals, puppets and tons of audience participation.
JUNE 21 Debbie Doo Wop & Dynamite Dan: Sing, dance, laugh & learn while enjoying this dynamic musical duo.
JUNE 28 Pleasant Hill on Wheels (In the parking lot west of the library): Touch a truck, honk a horn, and sit behind the wheel of your favorite city vehicle.
JULY 5 Pockets Full of Fun: Participate in the Olympic FUN & Games with Lisa and her puppets.
JULY 12 Blank Park Zoo: Meet four of our animal friends & find out why they would make great team mascots.
JULY 19 Dino O'Dell: Music & fun! Proudly tricking kids into learning since 2003.
JULY 26 Magician Rick Eugene: Magic fun for all ages with lots of crowd participation.

We hope to see you at a few or all of the events. Read more

Creative kid's craft on Wednesday's

Enjoy a variety of crafts at no cost this summer. Kids signing up must be able to work independently or be accompanied by a helper. Activities begin on Wednesday's at 4 p.m. Call the library at 515.266.7815 to register.

A list of summer activities include:

JUNE 1: Sports ball tie dye jewelry
JUNE 8: Sport jersey key ring
JUNE 15: Shoe wings
JUNE 22: Jump rope
JUNE 29: #1 Foam game hand
JULY 6: Pom poms
JULY 13: Double catch-it game craft
JULY 20: Sports sand art board
JULY 27: Craft prize bingo

Stories with the Mayor on Monday

Our very own Pleasant Hill Mayor, Sara Kurovski will be a monthly guest reader for family story time.

Mayor Kurovski will be reading fun books that are new library additions and some personal favorites. The Mayor will be reading on Monday, June 20, July 18 and August 15, beginning at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Avoid the summer slide

A student can lose 2.6 months in math skills during the summer months. Avoid the summer slide by joining the Council of Chief State Schools Officers’ summer reading and math challenges.

It is easy, fun, and ensures that students will not fall behind during the summer break. Read more

Get your Ticket to Read

During our Ticket to Read program, kids will be exposed to a variety of literary genres and also receive a free book at completion.

Visit the library's circulation desk for more information and get registered.

Make a handmade quilt in a day

On July 28th and 29th, children age 10+ will have the opportunity to complete a handmade quilt in a day with the help of expert quilters. Registration is limited to first-time participants. Call the library at 515.266.7815 to register.

Read 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Encourage vital early language and literacy through this fun program that challenges you to read 1,000 books with your child before they begin kindergarten.

Upon registration, your child will get a library browsing bag to gather books for checkout. We will cheer you and your child on along the way - with recognition at each 100 book milestone and a free book at completion. Read more

Register to read and earn prizes

The Summer Reading Program has begun. Registrants have until July 31st to register and all ages are encouraged to participate. Those registered will keep a record of their reading logs through the end of August. Upon completion of the child's log, return it to the library to be entered to win great prizes. A prize drawing will be held the first week of August and you will be contacted, if you win a prize. Read more

Volunteer your time at the library

Volunteers make our community a better place and we encourage you to consider volunteering your time at the library. There are several opportunities available including:

Adopt a shelf: Tidy & organize an assigned stretch of shelf every one or two weeks.
Children's programs: Assist Krista with coordinating children's programs.
Summer reading program: Assist registering children for the summer reading program and hand out prizes to reading recipients .

If you are interested, sign up at the library's circulation desk. A pizza and ice cream party will be offered to those who volunteer on Friday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Teen game night at the library

On Thursday, June 30 and July 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., bring your teen to the library for game night. The games played will depend on how many people show up.

We encourage you to pre-register by calling the library at 515.266.7815 so we can plan the games that will be played.

We encourage you to stop by the library to see us soon at 5151 Maple Drive.
If you have questions, please contact us at phlib@pleasanthilliowa.org or 515.266.7815.

Also, be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter!

Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m.