Welcome!

We invite you to spend a few moments looking at our new library Web site. With help from the State Library of Iowa and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation we are able to create a place on the Web where you, our customers, can explore, learn and get help with all your information needs.

Announcement: New Resource for Career Services, Test Prep, Software Tutorials for Iowa Libraries

Brainfuse has been selected as the new online resource provider for career services, test prep, and software tutorials for Iowa libraries. About Brainfuse From academic tutoring to career coaching, Brainfuse offers innovative services designed to meet patron needs. Users decide how they want to acquire a skill or grasp a concept, and Brainfuse gives them the tools to master it. Iowa libraries will have access to the Brainfuse suite of academic and career resources including: JobNow:?one-of-a-kind career assistance that covers all major aspects of job hunting. LearnNow:?a library of self-study lessons, videos, practice tests, and more with the option to connect with a live tutor. Adult Learning Center:?providing academic assistance designed for adult learners. VetNow:?supporting the community?s veterans and their families with locating eligible benefits, live online academic tutoring, employment transition assistance, and finding community resources. Background Previously the State Library and Iowa Workforce Development provided online learning resources through EBSCO's Learning Express. After the initial three year contract followed by three one-year extensions, state purchasing rules required a new competitive bidding process. Last fall, with input from public and academic librarians, the State Library posted a request for proposals for a career services online resource. Four Iowa librarians along with State Library staff reviewed and evaluated the proposals and determined Brianfuse offered the best components and value for the resources needed. Transition Process Libraries will continue to have access to Learning Express through January 31, 2019. The State Library's implementation team is hard at work with Brainfuse on the rollout of this new service to Iowa libraries. Libraries will soon receive information on how to make the new products available to patrons and students. Watch for more information on Brainfuse and the rollout process coming soon.

Christmas Craft and Cinema in December

Do you have some shopping, gift-wrapping, baking, cleaning or other Christmas-related tasks to complete? Need a few hours without the kiddoso to get things done? The Blakesburg Public Library can help. The Library will host a "Make-It Take-It" Christmas craft and Saturday Cinema on two Saturdays in December to give parents some time to finish up last-minute projects.

What: Create Christmas-themed craft and watch a family friendly Christmas movie. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.

When: 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday December 15 and Saturday, December 22.

Where: At the Blakesburg Public Library.

Who: Children ages 8 and older (BPL policy states that children 8 and older are allowed in the library without a parent -- parents or adult caregivers must accompany younger children).

Each session is limited to 16 children -- first come, first served. Please RSVP by 7:00 p.m. the prior Thursday (December 13 or December 20), at 641.777.0048 or email at library@blakesburg.lib.ia.us so we can plan the correct number of crafts and treats.

Crazy 8's Math Club

Crazy 8's Math Club has returned to the Blakesburg Public Library this year, beginning Thursday, October 11th. The after school math program for 3rd - 5th grade students will meet from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. the following dates:  November 29th; December 6th and 20th; January 10th and 24th; and February 7th. We will reserve February 28th as a make-up date in case of weather cancellations. 

Students who plan to attend should send a note to school to let the administrators know that they will be attending Crazy 8's Math club instead of going home on the bus, or their usual method of transportation on those dates. The school will not allow the kids to divert from their usual transportation plan without a note.

This is a math club, not a math class. We will be doing a lot of fun activities that reinforce math skills. The first week session in Ninja Training.  For more information, please email library@blakesburg.lib.ia.us or call 641-777-0048.

If you are interested in learning another language, or even improving your English as a second language, click on the Transparent Language database link to set up an account. Learn how to speak, read, and write in one of dozens of languages. Compatible with most internet devices.		The Credo Reference database provides access to thousands of  full-text entries from hundreds of reference books in many areas of study including health, business, education, science, etc.  Credo promotes knowledge building, problem solving and critical  thinking to give people the information skills necessary for success throughout their academic, professional and personal  lives.		Our line of periodical resources provides the largest and most comprehensive aggregations of digital periodical content available with nearly 20,000 titles, 57 collections and the fewest embargoes on average. Only Gale dedicates a team of expert indexers who manually read articles and apply specific subject terms, saving time – and frustration - for the researcher.
Use your library card to access thousands of ebooks and audio books across all genres and interests for all ages through Bridges -- the State of Iowa's Overdrive portal.		Find homework help from elementary through college courses; prepare for college and career tests like the ACT, SAT, nursing, police, firefighter, electrical exams, etc.; learn how to use technology and popular software. Set up your account and learn on your schedule.		Use this link to search the library’s catalog to find a great book, movie, or audio book, Use your library card to check out materials for your reading, viewing, and listening pleasure.