Garwin Public Library Director Danielle Dunning reads to GMG preschoolers during a recent Leap Day event. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GARWIN – On Leap Day, the Garwin Public Library hosted the third annual GMG preschool class field trip with two sets of roughly 20 kids in each set. Students learned about all of the free services a library offers, and each was able to check out a book to take back to school.

There was an illustration station available during their trip to the library, as well as an opportunity to make “noise” in the library. Compliments of the Area Education Agency (AEA), dozens of instruments have been made available for the past few weeks at the library for learners to explore their musical interests — ukuleles, drums, bells and more.

Starting in the fall of 2021 as assistant and since taking up director status during the summer of 2022 after a well-earned retirement of the beloved former librarian Lola Slingluff, Danielle Dunning dutifully pursues the future of the library.

Continuing the alliteration that has been known at the Garwin Library, and advocating for public wellness, along with her trusty sidekick, the newly hired Chloe Cornwell, both young ladies have been lifelong Tama County residents. Dunning is on track to complete librarian certification in 2024, works part time as a lactation support specialist, is a full time mother of three, fluent in Spanish, serves as secretary of the Tama County Library Association and is also pursuing Master Gardener training. Chloe recently returned from an adventure in California, loves to draw and is also a clerk at the local grocery store.

In addition to partnership with the local AEA and the school district, the library has also held public events hosted by the Garwin Library Foundation, the GEL (Garwin Enrichment League), ISU-EO (Iowa State University Extension Office), TCPH (Tama County Public Health), Tama Co. Conservation and 4-H. The library holds many camps, learning opportunities, craft sessions, movie days, games and they even have a STEM cart available for use!

“We do tie dye, dress-up dance parties, crack open geodes, polish and paint rocks, use clay, cardboard, string and all kinds of things,” Dunning said.

Coffee is served on Tuesdays and Saturdays as well as a story hour four days a week. Jenny Hulme from 4-H hosts an Early Out program for K-5th grade on the second Wednesday of each month. Over the fall, it was cooking classes. Now, the focus is fitness and crafts, with a story of course.

Cheryl Bruene from ISU hosts Words on Wellness each month, an adult program. The next group meets March 12 at noon. She will have sample Sloppy Joe recipes, fitness tracker info and recipes to cook for one or two.

A community newsletter written by library staff as well as a Seed Library, hosted by the Tama County Master Gardeners, will be just two of the many new things to keep your eye out for the next time you stop into the TGPL. Seed donations are accepted.