Lakin Library & Envisioning Center

10/15/2026

Afterschool today we visited the Netherlands. First we watched a short video to learn some interesting things like Gouda cheese comes from a town named Gouda, there are lots of canals and windmills. Then we tried 13 different snacks from the Netherlands. We tried cookies, chips, candy, crackers and more. We are showing our favorites in the pics below. Our snacks were purchased from Universal Yums. Most of the snacks were “Lekker” which is Dutch for Yum!! And we are excited for next months box.

10/15/2026

This morning at toddler and preschool time we read “Pumpkin Day at the Zoo”, listened to animal sounds and guessed who made them, took turns making animal sounds, played a game feeding pumpkins and the correct foods to the correct animal, explored with a sensory bin and played with the Nex Playground to end our fun.

10/13/2026

Ann Hanigan Kotz presents Iowa Rogues and Heroes.

10/13/2026

Join us at noon as Ann presents Iowas Rogues & Heroes at our Lunch & Learn.

We have an extra Lunch & Learn this month and we would love to have you join us as we welcome Ann back for her newest program

10/09/2026

Last week was FM Homecoming and lots of library friends shared pics of our float with us. The theme was All American so we chose the signing of the Declaration of Independance. Our slogan was “Signing for a Win, We Declare a Knights Victory!!!

It must have worked as they won big.

Thank you Trevor for driving us and Josh for being our Cowboy.

10/09/2026

What a great time making our fall arrangements yesterday. Special shout out and thank you to Rachelle Hayes Schroeder owner of Bizzy bees floral for offering this program at the library again. We had 43 beautifully original fresh flower arrangements leave the library with their creators. Rachelle also left her big beautiful centerpiece for the library to display. FYI for anyone interested we are talking about doing a spring arrangement next year. Thank you everyone for coming and creating with us.

10/08/2026

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries' (ARSL) analysis of the IMLS public library data revealed that approximately 40% of public libraries in the United States are operated by solo librarians, which ARSL defines as a library having three or fewer full-time employees covering all open hours.

ARSL considers this finding an important opportunity to elevate the needs of these professionals. Our ongoing solo research study will help identify and address professional development barriers so these essential library professionals can continue building their skills and providing strong service to their communities.

Read the full press release: https://www.arsl.org/pr-solo-40

10/08/2026

This morning at Toddler time we read The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott. What a fun great book! We talked about how to be a good friend. We made a black cat bag, danced to the Skeleton Dance Song, colored a skeleton and enjoyed the sensory garden bin! And enjoyed some jokes….Knock, knock. Who’s there? Bat. Bat who? Bat-ter not forget my invitation to the Halloween party! 😂🎃🤣

10/08/2026