Take a chance and try something new in February! Blind Date with a Book aims to break the habit of judging books by their covers or titles and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. You could discover a hidden gem and explore literature you might not have come across otherwise. Books are selected by library staff, wrapped in plain paper to conceal what’s inside, with a few clues added to pique your interest. Books will be available for 3rd graders and up in February.
Library Events
February’s Fun For All Night is Saturday, February 8, at the Solon Community Center. Join us at 6L00 p.m. for gym games, and stick around for the movie, Migration [PG] at 7:00 p.m. with popcorn! This free night of all-ages fun is perfect for busting the cabin fever! Fun For All Night is provided in partnership with Solon Public Library and Solon Recreation.
We’re excited to have Susan Dickinson, an admissions counselor from the University of Iowa, join us to teach us the ins and outs of applying to college and financial aid Thursday, February 13, at 3:30 p.m.. Afterwards, she will answer any questions you have about the college application process and financial aid. Teens and parents are encouraged to attend this program.
The 2025 Teen Reading Challenge is designed to encourage 6th-12th graders to try books in different genres throughout the year. The annual challenge consists of 12 categories, and four seasonal options. Teens can read a book that fits one of the categories, complete the Google form, and collect a prize! Each completed category submitted is an entry to win a Kindle Fire tablet. When all 12 categories are completed teens will receive a $10 gift card to a local business of their choice. Why not get rewarded for reading great books?
This month Solon Book Club participants are reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Check out a copy at the Library and join the discussion Tuesday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours as winter weather may impact our ability to be safely open.
Please note the upcoming special hours at the Library:
The Library will be closed Thursday, February 20, for a special Corridor Library Staff In-Service.
The Library will be open Friday, February 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our regular monthly staff in-service after closing.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
Did You Know?
Did you know that you can access digital library materials? Solon Public Library patrons who live inside city limits or in rural Johnson County are eligible to utilize these great resources! Please note, if you live outside of these areas you should contact your local library about access.
Visit our website (www.solon.lib.ia.us) and click on eBook & Audio to get started with eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. There are a few different ways you can access Bridges, depending on your device(s) and preference for enjoying your materials. The Libby app is perfect to download on your smartphone or tablet to enjoy on-the-go.
Some benefits we see people enjoy most with Bridges and the Libby app are adjusting the font (size, type, and even colors) on eBooks. No need for eyestrain or page magnifiers when you can adjust the size on your device. We also really enjoy being able to adjust the narration speed of an audiobook. When reading or listening in the Libby app your progress is saved should you run out of time on your check out, just place it on hold and when you start again you’ll pick up where you left off. There are thousands of magazines available through Bridges, and no wait times! Patrons are able to check out up to five items at a time with Bridges and have up to ten items on hold. It is true that popular titles will have long hold periods, but we love the ability to search for “Available Now” titles and have discovered some great books that way.
If you enjoy streaming movies and shows on your smart device, Kanopy is perfect for you! Find movies, series, documentaries, and Kanopy Kids. Kanopy has a wide range of subjects available including carefully curated lists for timely enjoyment. Use the app on your favorite smart device, including your smart TVs! Patrons are given 15 tickets each month to use in Kanopy, items range between two and four tickets, depending on the title.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to technology or looking for some help getting started with these, we know you’ll enjoy these great resources from the Library. Please contact us with any questions, we’re happy to help!