Perry Carnegie Library

10/22/2026

Just a reminder! Dungeons and Dragons for ages 9-18 is today, Oct. 22nd at 4pm-5:30pm.

10/21/2026

We've added some teen and juvenile fiction chapter books to our on going book sale! Stop in upstairs to look at this great selection of hardback books for .50 per book and paperback for only a quarter.

10/16/2026

Events coming up next week October 19th - October 23rd!
🎃 Pumpkin Painting Afterschool (ages 6-11)
👻 Halloween Escape Room (ages 9-18)
🍂 Fall Storytime (ages 0-5)
🍿 Theatre Thursday (ages 19+)
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons (ages 9-18)

10/16/2026

We had our second Harry Potter event yesterday. We had a morning session and an extended afternoon session. This was a program for all ages, so we had a broad age range. Many came dressed in HP costumes. One boy spoke in a British accent. I finally asked him if he was British, or if that was his Harry Potter accent. He is a Perry kid and his HP accent was spot on.

Ella and Savannah planned the Platform 9 ¾ the event and the entire staff helped. Savannah and Ella brought many personal HP memorabilia. The kids were enthralled by the displays, and especially the wands.

We plan our events for four to six months out. I told my husband we need our next big program to be on another rainy day when school is out of session. He thinks part the equation is out of my control.

I worked upstairs at a table where participants were able to make a bracelet, keychain or necklace. Keli told me how to do the craft where I was helping. A kid later explained it to me, and then I understood all the nuances. Thanks to the kid who explained it to me in terms I could understand. I’m not sure whether Keli used really big words, left out details or spoke too quickly. Next time I will try to put on my listening ears the first time.

A one-year-old and 18-month-old met and they really liked each other. The baby sobbed when they were separated.

A two-year-old boy acted like a two-year-old boy and mixed the beads that were sorted by color. His fists were tiny, and not much actual mixing took place. The tot had a Houdini instinct and mom guarded against his disappearance down the staircase. Later, an older child was taking him outside. Mom told the big kid, “Keep him safe.” Big kid replied they were going to throw him in a river. Big kid brought back tot safe and dry.

A pr***en spoke with me for a bit, coughed in my face, and walked off. I am sure hoping it was a ragweed cough versus a plague cough.

An upper elementary student told me she is reading at a college level. I believe her. Kudos to her parents and teachers.

A mom was trying to gather her charges at the location for the photo op. I told her herding kids was like herding cats. The oldest kid said you don’t herd cats. The mom and I laughed. Exactly.

Two pr***ens helped me sort the colored beads as the event was waning. I greatly appreciated their kindness and friendliness. One was shocked that we had Rubic’s cubes when I was in high school.

I am also grateful for the parents who brought their kids allowing them to participate. I am so happy that adults felt comfortable coming to the event without kids. I am also grateful for the sense of community. It was clear to me that many kids knew each well and had a community of their own.

10/15/2026

The day is finally here! Calling all ages of witches, wizards, and muggles to attend our Platform 9 3/4 Festival today at 10:30-11:30 or 3:30-6!
Harry Potter themed snacks, games, face painting, bingo, crafts, trivia, and more!

10/14/2026

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the all ages Platform 9 3/4 Festival! Come join us for magical games, crafts, snacks, and more!

October 15th @ 10:30-11:30 and 3:30-6:00. All ages, costumes encouraged!

10/12/2026

Into the Woods Storytime
October 14th @ 10:30 & 11:30 for ages 0-5
Forest animal stories, songs, and a leaf sensory bag!

10/09/2026

STEM Afterschool Program
October 12th @ 3:30pm for ages 6-11
STEM Kits & Legos, Flying Ghosts, and Spiderweb Engineering!

10/09/2026

Life is full of happy surprises. A gentleman emailed me and offered to donate books. He said they were in pristine condition, and he had recent titles of fiction and nonfiction. We emailed and he graciously wrote a short summary of nonfiction titles. I selected quite a few and he agreed on a date for him to
deliver the books. What piqued my interest in the gentleman was his writing ability. I admit it, I snooped. Yep, Ed Kelley can write.

He cared for the lawn of our library when he was a teenager and had a key to the building so he could soak up the central air and good books. Later he was the editor of the newspaper in Oklahoma City during the OKC bombing. He was also dean of the journalism school at the University of Oklahoma before he retired. He has served on national boards for journalism.

When Mr. Kelley dropped off the books we spoke for about an hour and a half and we went on a tour of the library. Ed is great at asking questions but is a little reticent in answering questions. You couldn’t meet a more humble, down-to-earth man. I feel like I made a new friend.

Ed also was the speaker at a recent Progress Club meeting. He is honestly the best speaker I have ever heard. He engaged with the members, tied together Perry history, his memories and the importance of literacy with a giant bow on top.

In the photo, there is a list of donors who made the addition/remodel in 1991 possible. Ed’s parents are on the list of donors. Happy memories all the way around.

Please stop by and look at the newest additions to our nonfiction section. They should be upstairs with the new books. Or, you can look in our scroll and narrow down new titles to the last month.

10/09/2026