Zach Stier, Ericson Public Library, August 21, 2026

On our program today talking about the Ericsson Public Library. Well, I told everybody that I didn't Mr. Z here Hi, good morning, and I said hopefully we'll have Kelly and Tammy troop I didn't know if Tammy was coming in with you or she was gonna be on the phone But we are having a few telephone issues So don't worry. We'll do what we need to do in the meantime Hopefully we can get them connected and get them online, but sure First of all, thanks for coming in here. We are getting ready for the month of September, but you still got you still got things going on here yet We do it so, you know kids programming does take a pause During this month just to kind of help us get a transition not only for us But for families, you know, it's a busy time with those that you know enjoy our our state fair and need last-minute vacations Just get ready for school But I know that Rhonda and Tammy have been, you know, busy with with programs for young adults and adults So it's been great. It's been been a Again, it's our transition months. We call it. So yes, we're getting ready to go in to September and And we've got a couple of days off with that right away. Yeah, so September 7th is a Monday And that is Labor Day. We are closed and then on the 19th, which is a Saturday We're closed because that's for Puffer Billy days. I said our annual days off Yeah, very much so so just a few days off there So just of course monitor our Facebook We will make those announcements again because we know how life gets busy. So yeah, we keep working out. Yeah, so I Guess I'll just get started with with the kids programs. Let's go with mr. Z. Here we go Yeah, yeah, so with with Storytimes, they're they're coming on back on of course Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m It's always nice to to to get those launched again. So we're really excited So our first one for the fall will be on September 2nd at 10 a.m. And then There is a change with our music and movement Program which begins on Fridays And the new changes I used to do it the 2nd and 4th But I'm actually gonna do it every Friday except for the 4th Friday of each month So starting Friday September 4th at 10 a.m We'll have music movement, but we've added a new thing. We were gonna do music movement and play. Oh Yeah, so we're gonna play well We celebrate play at our library But a lot of my friends that visit and attend that program are much, you know Smaller and you know need some time to explore and to try some things and to socialize So there will be some play components and activities Might be some new Play, you know toys and stuff like that that will go along with that So we'll have that on September 4th at 10 a.m September 11th at 10 a.m. September 18th at 10 a.m And then on the 4th will be sort of that transition between one month to that to the next so pretty excited About that is that because that age group attention span is sometimes it goes, you know possibly Yes, and yes, yes, but also, you know just really leaning into development and and Really trying to give them some opportunity to not only move And to participate with music, but you know trying some new play activities and really elevate that part of Early literacy as well. So so yeah, I'm pretty excited about that change and then on Tuesday September 8th. That's when we begin our family fun program For the fall season. So our first one is called lights out at the library And that is on Tuesday September 8th at 6 p.m. And so it's just a Really cool program with family fun, you know, of course, that's a story time But we've really elevated those programs and really kind of selected some some more and I guess in depth So with this one there, we're gonna turn the lights down for some fun And we're gonna have a special flashlight story time and we'll explore, you know with books and play and They'll get a little flashlight to borrow and so kind of just you know talk about shadows and those type of concepts, too So pretty excited about that and then on Tuesday September 22nd at 6 p.m Adding again some new elements to our family fun programming and this one is going to be specific to an art Creative activity called lie back and paint. It's a Michelangelo art adventure So for those that may not know Michelangelo actually laid, you know, on his back To to paint the Sistine Chapel. So I thought well, I'd be kind of well Let me just say this if your kiddo can recreate the Sistine Chapel hats off. That's amazing And so but we're gonna use our activity room space. We're gonna put paper Underneath a table and we're gonna use Markers to to do it, but we have an amazing local artist Her name is Nava Monterrey and she also is a library volunteer and she is gonna facilitate that program So all ages are welcome artistic abilities are welcome come learn about Michelangelo and enjoy an art activity with that as well So those that that will be family fun And then I'm pretty excited because Rhonda and I are kicking off, you know our after-school programming With the change I know this year. We both know that early outs especially for public Isn't going to be what it was, you know on Wednesdays So a lot of our after-school programs are going to be on Thursdays With the occasional, you know one on or two, you know, it just depends on the month. So for myself I'm introducing a new after-school. I I love my science programs and I take a pause on science Really hone in on literacy And so I'm going to focus on what's called pages and play Which is on Thursday the 17th at 4 p.m. So with pages and play It's a new elementary after-school. So it's open to elementary-aged children So books selected for the program will be geared towards sometimes second through fourth grade It's an interactive way to experience a story. I mean stories are amazing and great So we'll throw in some games sometimes some creative activities. Maybe you're writing activity even a play activity Around a book and so this this coming month in September Jack and Annie who are famous characters in the Magic Treehouse series that will be our our book for the month I'll select that book. I'll read from it and then we'll have an activity. So Really want to encourage again You know elevating and connecting to to literacy at the elementary level as well So pretty excited about about that too. So a lot of some newer programs coming in the children's Area and then I'm going to be doing hopefully in October as well Another few story time at Herman Park Pavilion That was successful over the summer So we'll have that on the 25th at 11 a.m. At Herman Park, you know folks and the story is giraffes can't dance So they can bring a lunch or a snack blanket and just enjoy a good time. So we'll see what the weather's like Yeah, see what the weather. It's a pavilion. So, you know, I know that I've been out there for minutes So bull and there's been storms and stuff. But yeah, hopefully we'll have a good time with with that as well I'd be a little cooler. Yeah. Yeah, I want to mention our wonderful friends at Domino's We've partnered with them for You know August through September. They have a reading challenge program They're we love our partners and these these folks are quite amazing So they have created a punch card program or for the program one per child And if they visit the library five times and get their punch card punch those five times Then they get a free medium to topping pizza and that's one card per child So if your family has four children, that means you got four pizzas to enjoy. So it's a really nice just an amazing opportunity to to build that connection and While we want to encourage reading and checking out our materials what I like about this program is they're encouraging visiting the library Which is really cool because it's an experience to not only discover new books But also resources and toys and puppets and just all the things that are available. Yeah, and then additional programs Additional programs and so we've had a I will say this we were able to get rid of not rid of we were able to hand out 174 within a week Wow, and I paused because of course it didn't have any and we obviously don't want to overextend our our Reach and asking for more but when they found out that we had none They of course were amazing and sent me a little over 200 more So we will be reopening the registration today and it runs until September 30th as well Again, it's one of those things a little incentive a little incentive when we appreciate that and then I know our director Will be back on the 18th of this month to talk and to remind folks about what's going on the week of the 28th Because we are celebrating 125 years And we have lots going on the week of the 28th And I'll just mention on the 28th, which is a Monday at 5 30. There will be a vintage ice cream social Which I've looked at it. It's um, you know, it's do we have to dress in period, you know, that's up to you Oh, it says here travel back to 1901 enjoy ice cream friendship and music and the prairie garden So we're really excited about that There'll be trivia on the 29th at 5 30 and then I'm doing a special story time with Navab on the 30th Of September and then there will be a few other things Because of course October is that that week as well. So we'll talk about that too. We get there Yeah, no, we're gonna get there. It's gonna be a lot of stuff That was just for kiddos and I know my amazing team, you know, Rhonda Kelly who does young adult programming and Tamatroup who does adult programming have a lot going on a lot more a lot more We'll let you cover some of them. Yeah, I'll do that because So far we can't get connected. Yes. Sorry And I don't know if I should say this on here. It seems like calling in is also yeah some challenge there So my friends, I'm gonna do my best to cover what I can and of course visit our website come into the library and Talk with them too. So All right, so we'll start with young adults and Rhonda Has some really exciting programs too. One of the new ones for after school will begin on September 8th called snack attack I love the titles of these programs We recognize she does them to attract attention by that 100% 100% her and I have always talked about how food draws Everybody in but especially young adults. So this one is for young aspiring chefs in grades 5 through 12 Exploring and creating fun and hands-on snack food So there is registration and once they register they will be sent the ingredient list to ensure there are no Conflicting food allergies. So we do understand, you know, that that does happen So we're gonna be cooking and so we'll be able to register You know young adults for this program and it will take place in the activity room So the first one will be on September 8th and she'll do that once a month for that too, which is great and then She has Going to start a really cool after-school program on Thursdays will be on the second Thursday. So this one is on September 8th 10th September 10th at 4 p.m. Called I survived. It's a vape. It's a very popular series called I survive And she actually received a bunch of material from the publishing house So this month they're going to Obviously, we can believe it. It's been 25 years since 9-11 So it's going to be focusing and reading on I survived the attacks on September 11th So copies of the that will be available to pick up on September 3rd in the children's department And then on the 10th they'll meet to in the story time room to chat about the book There's some activities and watch videos related to the historical event And there will be snacks to go along with that as well So I'm really excited with the the connection to a real historical For that age group really I'll tell you you know nonfiction it is picking up a steam which I love and so I'm really excited for for that that Connection as well. So a lot of really great after-school programming coming And of course we'll have our Lego club on the third I'll mention that at 4 p.m. And then we've had an amazing turnout with Pokemon hangout It just I've I used to trade cards when I was a kid and it's just it keeps picking up and so are you surprised Um, I you know You kind of know it's sometimes there's a low and

Look what I thought and it's really cool to watch the adults because like my age because that's what we used to do as well So it's really great opportunity to to connect and to engage so the next one of that program is on the 24th Which is a Thursday at 4 p.m. As well and then Rhonda will continue her yoga programs I know that those happen on some Wednesdays at 10 a.m. And then Fridays at 10 a.m. As well And we've got our mindful Monday mindful Monday Which I'm excited for this coming one because this month is on mr. Rogers And in kindness which is which is really great as well And so yeah a lot of really great things she will be having our teen advisory board tag on Tuesday September 22nd That is also for grades 5 through 12 So we're always wanting to make sure that they have space and a voice to Connect and and to participate and to come up with some programs for our library as well So yeah, that will there are some of the highlights for young adults and adults. Don't worry. Yeah, he hasn't forgotten about you Yeah, all right. Like I said, I'm going to do my best to cover as much as I can Please visit our website or come into the library so Tammy The the second of this month Will be focused on the best marketing decisions start before you hit post so for that program We will This workshop will explore how understanding your audience voice values and visual identity can take the Best work of how your business shows up. So that will be on the second at 6 p.m. In the second floor Meeting room as well. So sounds like Those that might have a business or a consent is considering it hundred percent. Yeah, it's really great to have those those skills And um, those workshops, you know, those programs are laid out very well, um, you know You know, so you can come in even if you don't Know that much about marketing, you know, this will, you know Be sort of like a beginner And kind of work you through that process as well And then on the ninth, um, which is a Wednesday at 6 p.m. It will be because we're celebrating 125th This will be a 2001 craft cardboard loom and weaving This is why we have these descriptions because Mr. Z needs them cardboard loom is a quintessential millennial craft Um, uh make a simple square a funky shaped loom and weave a coaster a pouch or a wall hanging Join us in the second floor meeting room. So that's on wednesday september 9th at 6 p.m. So very very creative Program there and then on the 12th, um, which is the second saturday at 9 30 a.m. Is the writer's workshop Which is always ever so popular um, and then On the 14th, which is a monday will be books downtown at yoke's railhouse. So used to be at You were at bottled bliss. Yeah Yeah, it's going you moved around a couple moved around there. So that will be the new location For the book club there and then of course our monthly book discussion That's ran by ann giezel is at the 15th, which is a tuesday at 7 p.m. And then pretty excited to Learn that we're going to have tamis has started or we'll be starting a practical skills Workshop, which is on wednesday of the 16th at 6 p.m. And so this one will focus. Um, we'll have master license the electrician david trunkamiller and he'll describe the basics of gfci Secretory and safety around electricity And he'll answer questions about home electricity and help troubleshoot your issues as well. So thank goodness There will be an expert on that. So don't ask me I was just gonna say I have visions of Tool time. Oh, yeah. Oh 100 percent 100 percent. And um, just let me try these two wires Yeah, oh, I would do that most definitely Um, she also will have her good games company program at 2 p.m. On the 17th Which is a really great time for socialization and playing, you know board games and such And then on the 21st, which is a monday at 6 p.m. Who gets grandma's yellow pie plate? Really cool, um collaboration and partnership with our friends at boone county iowa state extension and outreach Um, so that will be a focused on legacy planning workshop and that is um, Going to be facilitated by ben wilson who is the executive director over there. So very important Um topic and you know something that we all have to you said it's one of those things where you don't think about it until all of a sudden Yes, I can attest to that very much. So and that same night at 7 p.m. Will be a tech night that will be focused on smartphone accessibility features Which is really great and then on the 22nd will be on At which is a tuesday at 6 p.m. Is the honor in place? um And so that's been ever so popular um for adults. Um, and that will be held on Here we go the 22nd at 6 p.m. Join us in In this month of gratitude for our first responders to learn about the dangers of early railroads and to honor the people Of our place who acts of courage and response contribute to safe travel. So Um, the last thing i'll say is on the 23rd is bad art 101 at 6 p.m. This will be focused on Join them for how you learn to reject rules and create bring a photo your home Of your home a favorite pet or your favorite person and that will be in the activity room So lots going on and like I said the last week we'll be focused on Celebrating our 125th. So and that's one thing you've done all year Pardon me all year has been yeah picking out a couple of decades To kind of cover. So what are we we're gotta be towards the end right? Yeah, we most definitely are that's why on the 9th of september we'll be focused on 2001 because of course we're picking up the last 25 years on on that and Really want to give thanks to rebecca who works at the library Who's been digging through archives and newspapers and being able to post those and it's pretty exciting just to travel back And i'm truly um, I know all of us at the library. We're just really honored to continue to celebrate The library and we appreciate the community and and their celebration of our library and continuing to to use the library So thank you all for that. I know our library director and administration and our library board appreciates it too We have a lot of things coming up yet to celebrate for that. Yeah, very much. So so we look forward to it Mr. Z on our program today. Thanks for joining us. Thank you so much