LIBRARY NEWS

Fall leaves bring fall programming

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As the crisp fall air sets in, the Fort Madison Public Library is unveiling two new programs designed to cater to diverse interests and enhance community well-being. This season, library patrons can look forward to Geri-Fit, a specialized exercise program for older adults, and a monthly Spanish conversation class. These programs aim to foster both physical fitness and cultural engagement, providing valuable opportunities for growth and connection.
Geri-Fit: Energize Your Fall
Geri-Fit is a new exercise initiative tailored specifically for older adults, designed to improve physical health and foster a sense of community. As we age, staying active becomes essential for maintaining overall health and independence. Geri-Fit offers a solution with its low-impact, high-benefit workouts that focus on enhancing core strength, balance, and endurance.  Each session aims to improve mobility and strength while also offering a social component to engage participants in a supportive environment.
Classes will be held three times a week in the library’s multipurpose room on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am to 11pm.
Monthly Spanish Conversation Group: Connect and Converse
In addition to Geri-Fit, the library is launching a monthly Spanish conversation group designed to promote language learning. This group is perfect for both native speakers and those looking to practice their Spanish skills in an interactive and supportive setting.
Learning a new language, especially one as widely spoken as Spanish, opens up numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. This group offers a platform for participants to practice speaking, listening, and comprehension skills through structured conversation and cultural discussions.
This group meets on the second Monday of each month at 6pm in the library’s conference room.  This is not a Spanish language instruction class but a chance for those learning Spanish to practice conversations and those who already speak Spanish to keep their skills sharp.  We do not currently have an instructor and will just be talking amongst one another and possibly watching a brief Spanish language video.  If any fluent (or even advanced) Spanish speakers are interested in helping out, contact Sarah Clendineng (319) 372-5721.
Join the Fun
Both Geri-Fit and the Spanish conversation class offer unique ways to stay active and engaged this fall. For more details on how to participate, contact the Fort Madison Public Library at (319) 372-5721.  Don’t miss out on these, and other exciting programs for all ages—your library has something special for everyone this season!
Some Books to Try During National Hispanic Heritage Month

  1. The Sons of El Rey by Alex Espinoza (F ESP)
  2. The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castor (F CAS)
  3. The Dangers of Smoking in Bed: Stories by Mariana Enriquez (F\PB ENR)
  4. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (F MOR)
  5. Tu Casa mi casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook by Enrique Olvera (641.5972 OLV)
  6. Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico by Rick Bayless (641.5972 BAY)
  7. Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America (YA F LON)
  8. Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna Barba Higuera (JF HIG)
  9. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan (JF RYA)
  10. Danza!: Amalia Hernández and el Ballet Folklórico de México y Duncan Tonatiuh (EF TON)
  11. Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto (EF SOT)

 Upcoming Events at the Fort Madison Public Library –
The library will be closed on September 2 for the Labor Day holiday.
Pre-School/Toddler Story Hour –Wednesday morning at 10:30 beginning September 4.
Teen Volunteer Opportunity – Tuesday, 3:30-5:00 for ages 12-19, except for September 10.
Minecraft –3:30-5:00, all ages on Mondays.
Once Upon a Wednesday –Join us for a variety of adventures on September 11 from 3:15-4:15 on September 25 from 1:00-2:00.
Thursday Crafternoon –Thursday, 3:00-5:00, for ages 14-adult.  This program is an opportunity to spend some time working on an in-depth project for the whole month. 
All Booked Up! - The library's book discussion group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.  On Thursday, September 5, we will be discussing "Lessons in Chemistry” by Betty Garmus.  October’s book will be “Devolution” by Max Brooks.
Spanish Conversation Group – An informal Spanish conversation group will be meeting at the library on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6pm beginning September 9.  This is not a class but a chance for people who are learning to speak Spanish or already speak it to practice their conversation skills.

director, library, Fort Madison, public, events, happenings, Sarah Clendineng, column,

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