Don’t worry about a passport or getting to the airport on time. Adel area residents will be able to armchair travel with Glenn and Diana Vondra as they share their experiences during a 2009 trip to Central America.

The program will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m. in the Adel Public Library community room and everyone is invited to attend.

The Vondras spent two weeks traveling in San Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. Learn about the Mayan civilization, the town of Antigua, being escorted by armed police and much more! Refreshments will be served.

The travelogue is the second of nine adult programs set for 2010-11. Please pick up a brochure at the front desk that explains each program. A sign up book is provided there as well.

As part of adult programming, “Coffee and Current Events” will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. in the library community room. This will be a monthly event held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Come and share your ideas on world and community events in a lively discussion group. Coffee, tea, and morning treats will be served.

Another way to armchair travel is to attend the Evening Book Club on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. Guest author Dennis Weidemann, a LaPorte City, IA native, will present a slide show on his book, “This Water Goes North.” Relive the 1979 voyage of four Iowa farm boys who paddled 1,400 miles in canoes from Minnesota to the Hudson Bay.

To read his book, pick up a copy at the front desk. He will autograph books purchased that evening.

Weidemann was a student at Iowa State University in 1979. “Gas was scarce,” he says, “polyester should have been, and Darth Vader was the new menace. Barely 21 years old, he “sought little, but found much.”

After graduation Weidemann dabbled as a rock star, and eventually returned to school for a graduate degree in Environmental Policy. “I still play music, work to preserve quiet places and I live in Wisconsin where gas is scarce, polyester lives, and Vader again roams the galaxy.

It is an inspiring and heartwarming tale of adventure, friendship, and the spirit of youth.

The Brown Bag Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at noon with their selection TBA. Bring a sack lunch.

Fund Raiser:

Cari Bilyeu of “Cookie Creations” is helping the library with a fundraiser by offering cookies decorated for Halloween at $5 per dozen. Cookies may be ordered from Monday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Oct. 15 at the library or call 993-3512. Cookies may be picked up at the Annual Friends of the Library Bake Sale on Friday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extra cookies will be on hand to buy.

If you do not receive a call to donate items for the bake sale, call the library or stop by to sign up if you would like to help. Proceeds will help fund library projects. The Friends of the Library will meet on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the library community room to make plans for the bake sale. New members are always welcome.

“I Love My Adel Public Library” bags are now for sale at the front desk. Show your support for your library by purchasing a sturdy and attractive bright blue and white bag for $8. They make great gifts as well. This is a Friends of the Library project and proceeds will help fund library projects.

Our monthly garage sales continue. The next one will be Friday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. until noon. Good used and new items are greatly appreciated and baked goods are always welcome.

Early out activities for children and teens are as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 13, Movie “Open Season” at 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 19, Kids’ Gaming at 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 21, Teen Wii Rock at 1:30 p.m.

Other Events:

• Children, teens and families are invited to Halloween activities at the library. Laura Hanson, children’s and youth librarian, is planning a Teen Halloween Fest at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18. A Halloween Family Night is set for Monday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged!
• Scrapbooking Club will meet on Friday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. Bring a snack to share. New members are always welcome.
• Pick up an exercise class schedule at the front desk. A two-mile walk is held three mornings at 9 a.m. in the library. Get fit!

Library hours are:

Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.