The Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation funded the transformation of a former small children’s restroom to a new mother’s room at the Waukee Public Library!

Library staff noted a greater need for a mother’s room as they see many new moms in the community visiting the library. Staff members have also been welcoming new babies. It made sense to convert the existing bathroom into a dedicated mother’s room for nursing, diaper changing, or quiet time.

New paint, furniture, and a change to the sink now make this space more welcoming and useful for families. If you need the mother’s room, you can find it in the children’s section near the audiobooks.

‘Tis the season! There’s a fresh batch of cute mitten ornaments hanging in the Book Nook. They look pretty good on the WPLFF Giving Tree, but…they would look even better on your tree! Grab a mitten, make a donation, and support your favorite Waukee Public Library.
There are suggested giving amounts on the “library card” in each mitten, but any gift you can give makes a big difference to the readers and learners in the Waukee community. Merry Christmas! And Thank you!

The newly wrapped Waukee Public Library Outreach Van is on the move in a neighborhood near you! The Chrysler Voyager van and the library’s Outreach staff are getting acquainted and getting out into the community. Bad news is that Volkswagen just wasn’t coming through with the manufacture of the ID.Buzz vehicle as anticipated. Good news is that the Voyager was two thirds the price of the planned-for Volkswagen vehicle, so your WPLFF donations and Outreach Van Fund gifts made the purchase possible now. The WPL Outreach Van was a shiny new (but not so exciting) white. But you can’t miss it now that Kit’s riding along on the colorful new wrap! Kit sure makes the van stand out as it travels around town and highlights the services our wonderful Waukee Public Library provides.

So much is going on right now, so let’s check in on each other.
Daylight Savings ending. That’s a biggie. It’s a rough adjustment for everyone, and especially those with SADD. Make the most of the daylight you have. Does it help to know days will start getting longer December 22? That’s “only” 7 weeks away.
Halloween came and went. I hope you had some spooky good fun if that’s in your wheelhouse. I went with the happy jack-o-lantern face this year. Just what I needed. I’m trying to keep that leftover candy as a treat. Moderation in all things, right?
Ok, I know there are people who love it, but some of us get a little grumpy seeing Christmas foisted on us the day after Halloween. How do you deal? Maybe Thanksgiving is your jam and you’re concentrating all your efforts on family, friends and thankfulness. Good for you. Or maybe you’re just trying to stay afloat with the big “Holiday Season” approaching. Strength and peace to you.
AND, the elephant in the room. Yes, I am writing this the day before election day. Vote, and then…
Keep calm and carry on. See the human in every being.
And remember you can always rely on your Waukee Public Library! It’s there for you with informative or entertaining resources that can help you through today and tomorrow. Reach out to friends, family and neighbors to lend a hand, or ask for help. Peace to you all.

Summer officially begins today but Waukee Public Library’s summer reading program began June 1. How did your first 3 weeks go? Follow Waukee Public Library on facebook or instagram to cheer on each week’s prize winners. ALL readers are winners 🙂
Have you been reading instead of doing your summer chores? Deck maintenance here has been sidelined by books and rain, oops. And those spent blooms never did get pruned away. The new flowers and the pollinators don’t seem to mind though!
Timely rain has really punched up the gardens this year. The Blue Globe Thistle and Cupid Culver’s Roots from last year’s FlowerPower sale are looking great. May your garden and your reading logs grow well this summer!