You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Pacha Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in person at the Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St., or online. These highlights of the coming month are published on the third Thursday of each month. You can sign up to have this emailed to you at northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.
News & Updates
The repainted indoor pool has reopened.
Thanksgiving will impact facility hours. The Library will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and the entire Community Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.
The full guide for January through April programs, events and activities will be out in mid-November. Registration for most Recreation programs starts Dec. 4.
In Case You Missed It
Colder weather is a great excuse for a game night with friends or family. The Recreation Department offers a slew of fun games that are better than Monopoly, and they’re all free. Stop by the front desk to check out a new favorite.
City Slate Events
There’s always something free and fun to do in North Liberty. The City Slate offers events all year long, and is made free with the support of Centro, Inc, The Family Dental Center, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, Shive-Hattery, South Slope Cooperative, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union. More at northlibertyiowa.org/cityslate.
Golden Turkey Hunt
Tuesdays, 9 a.m., Secret Locations, Free
Each week, we’ll release a clue on our website to lead you to a Golden Turkey Medallion hidden somewhere in North Liberty in a publicly accessible spot. Be the first to puzzle it out, find the medallion and return it to the Recreation Department for a prize package. Happy hunting.
Tours & Treats for the 110th
Nov. 10, 4 to 6 p.m., Police Station, 340 Main Street, Free
Celebrate North Liberty’s 110th birthday with cake, ice cream and a sneak peek of future City Hall. The tour is through a building that is under construction and not yet complete, and will require attendees to move through incomplete rooms, walk up and down stairs and navigate the potential hazards of a construction site. Tours of the Police Station will also be offered.
Other Upcoming Events
Turkey Hoop Shoot
Nov. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Recreation Center, Two donated food items per participant
Adult-kid duos compete in a fun basketball shooting competition, with turkeys for the winners, to benefit the North Liberty Community Pantry. The competition will be in three age groups. We’ll also have a free-throw shootout to test your skills.
Register with kids 5 to 8
Register with kids 9 to 12
Register with kids 13 to 17
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, Citywide, Free
Pick up a free elf guide at the Recreation Department’s front desk, visit local businesses, spot the elves and collect stamps from friendly employees. Return your completed guide to the Rec Center to be rewarded with a prize from a grateful Santa Claus.
Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Playful Parenting
Thursdays, Nov. 2 – Dec. 7 (no session Nov. 23), 3-4:15 p.m., Gerdin Conference Center, Free
All families need information, support and connections to local resources. Our fun and play-based Playful Parenting Group, a relaxed informal program where families can play and learn together, make friends and talk one-on-one with child development and early literacy specialists. This group is targeted toward children 1-3 and their grownups, however children 0-5 may attend.
DoodleBugs
Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
Oops! Turn an accidental drip or a silly scribble into a beautiful creation. Serendipity is a big part of art-making, so learn how making a “mistake” can be surprisingly lucky. Every Doodlebugs class starts with a story and ends with imagination and creation! All ages are welcome, book content is gear toward Pre-K.
Hodge Podge Crafts
Tuesdays, Nov. 7-21, 10 a.m. or 6 p.m., $20-25
Each week, we’ll host kids ages 3 to 5 for a different messy craft. Let your imagination guide you in your creations!
Register for 10 a.m. by Oct. 28
Register for 6 p.m. by Oct. 28
Binspire Sensory Playdate
Nov. 4, 1-2:30 p.m., Recreation Center, $15
Looking for a fun and messy way for your kids to play? Look no further. This indoor event includes a wide range of sensory activities to stimulate senses, enhance fine motor skills and ignite passion for scientific exploration. Our child-led, open-ended play encourages creativity, builds confidence and helps children experience new textures and practice social skills. We’ll take care of the clean-up at the end, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Bring your kids in clothes that can get messy and let them explore and play with us. Geared for ages 3 to 8 years old.
School-Aged Youth
Pizza And Politicians
Nov. 8, 6 p.m., Library, Free
Curious about how local and state government work? Have questions for your representatives? Kids in sixth through 12th grade are invited to join us for pizza and conversation with local politicians. Politicians include School Board President Ruthina Malone from the Iowa City Community School District, Rep. Amy Nielsen of Iowa House District 85, Mayor Chris Hoffman of North Liberty, and Youth Councilors Olivia Roling and Asher Bonner.
North Liberty Wrestling Club
Mondays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 18, 6-6:50 p.m. or 7-7:50 p.m., Community Center, $75
A true club for wrestlers of all abilities and experience levels as a feeder program to the Liberty High School and North Central Junior High. No prior wrestling experience needed.
Register for 6 p.m.
Register for 7 p.m.
Adults & Seniors
Trivia Night
Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Who doesn’t love a good battle of the brains? Bring your friends for a night of trivia, snacks and small prizes! Teams can be made up of five people or less. Join us every other month on the first Thursday!
Crafting Book Wreaths
Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Transform the worn pages of a discarded book into a stunning wreath that will adorn your home for the holidays. Repurpose these books while indulging in conversations with other crafters and bookworms, snacks and maybe a sip of wine or two. All supplies and a snack are provided. Beer/Wine not provided but permitted with valid photo ID.
Register by Oct. 30
Lighthouse in the Library: Suspended
Nov. 9, 6 p.m., Library, Free
In partnership with the African American Museum of Iowa, join us for an open and empathetic conversation with a panel of community members about the intersection between criminal justice and the public school system.
Quilling
Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Create the most beautifully intricate art from rolled paper. Such a simple process adds an amazing amount of depth and intricacy to a work of art. Come learn how.
Register by Nov. 7
Sewing Clinic
Nov. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Library, Free
Do you have something that needs mended, want to know how to fix that seem, or stuck on a work-in-progress and don’t know how to get unstuck? Drop into the sewing clinic and learn how to sew your fix.
Families
Holiday Swim
Nov. 7, 17 and 22, 1 – 4 p.m., Aquatics Center, $2 kids, $4 adults
An extended open swim during the day off from school.