Library News Podcast: November 2023

Join library staff for November’s Library News podcast which features:

  • A Thank You
  • Mailing Library Materials Update
  • Top Ten Fiction Books Downloaded from BARD
  • More about this month’s NLS virtual programs
  • November’s Makerspace Monday
  • Friends of the Library Holiday Concert on November 17th
  • And more!

March Makerspace Recap and What’s Next in April

Makerspace Monday @ The PlaygroundImagine this, just a few days ago parts of Iowa, not only had measurable snow fall, but 35 mile an hour winds. Mother nature must have received our blog post that we were making Soundful Memory Wire Wind Chimes! It was an absolute great time together, listening to the sound of wind chimes while putting together, colorful beads and jingling jangling bells. Did you know that when you hang a wind chime in your space it promotes calmness, and healing. This would be called the Feng Schui way, Chinese culture believes that wind and water promote good health and positivity!

In the month of April, we are inviting nature to be our guest! Makerspace is all about molding a ball of beautifully colored clay into an uniquely designed pinch pot. The scents of mixed potpourri will be sprinkled on top to embrace nature as an added touch! April showers bring in May flowers! By the way, have you ever enjoyed the taste of a flower, if not, stop by and enjoy a delicious edible flower sugar cookie as a tasty scrumptious spring treat!

Coming up next month in April
Date: April 10th
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Activity: Nature Made Pinch Pot!
Where: 524 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration

If you are unable to join in person, no problem, just complete the online registration form and choose “mail activity kit and video link” directly to your preferred address. 

Makerspace Monday Workshop

Makerspace Monday
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Ages: All Ages
Location: Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration

NOT ABLE TO JOIN…
If you are unable to join in person, no problem, just complete the online registration form and choose “mail activity kit and video link” directly to your preferred address.

Please contact Denise Bean at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us or 515-452-1338

Makerspace Monday Workshop

Makerspace Monday
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Ages: All Ages
Location: Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration

NOT ABLE TO JOIN…
If you are unable to join in person, no problem, just complete the online registration form and choose “mail activity kit and video link” directly to your preferred address.

Please contact Denise Bean at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us or 515-452-1338

February Makerspace Monday Recap and What’s Next in March

Makerspace Monday @ The PlaygroundWhew! The braille chocolate molds were delivered to our library just in time for the yummy chocolatey braille bar activity. Guest were able to choose between the uncontracted message “thank you” or have a nice day” in braille.

After the chocolate bars were cooled down in the freezer, we began to mix up a colorful batter of paint, water, glue, and flour and made our very own recipe of plaster that covered a canvas board that turned into a collage of art that included copper wire. Hey, by the way, did you know the Statue of Liberty is made from copper? Yes, this is true!  We topped off our canvas collage with wooden hearts, glitter, and copper wrapped into a shape.

In the month of March, spring is going to be sprung on us soon enough. March winds can only mean one thing, time to make wind chimes! Did you know that when you hang a wind chime outside of your home it promotes calmness, and healing. This would be called the Feng Schui way, Feng means wind and Shui means water. Chinese culture believes that wind and water promote good health and positivity!  

Coming up next month in March

Date: March 13th
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Activity: Soundful Memory Wire Wind Chimes!
Where: 524 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration

If you are unable to join in person, no problem, just complete the online registration form and choose “mail activity kit and video link” directly to your preferred address. 

Please contact Denise Bean at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us or 515-452-1338 

 

January Makerspace Monday Recap and What’s Next in February

Imagine this, a room saturated with the smells of lavender, lemon, peppermint, and the sweet zest of orange. Roller-tubes were filled with grapeseed oil and essential oil to create a stress-free meditation tool. We discovered mediative techniques such as the Bear, Whale, Birthday Cake and Box Breathing. Our night ended, with a little science. Mixing and stirring cocoa powder, bees wax and coconut oil together to make lotion bars!

Coming up in February

Date: February 13th
Time: 6 – 7:30pm
Activity: “Chocolate & Art!”
Where: 524 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Online Registration

Are you curious about how to mix a little braille and chocolate together? Or do you want to learn about copper wrapped into a sculpture? Then you better sign up quick! In February, you will turn chocolate into a chocolate bar, however, this chocolate bar will be in braille! Topping off the night with Copper Art Designs.

If you are unable to join in person, no problem, just complete the online registration form and choose “mail activity kit and video link” directly to your preferred address. 

Please contact Denise Bean at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us or 515-452-1338 

Check out the Makerspace Mondays page!