A new chapter for a beloved book sale |
|
|
By Kylie Petty
Calling all bibliophiles: The biggest book sale in Iowa is turning a new page. After a brief pause, the decades-long tradition formerly organized by Planned Parenthood is back under new leadership. It’s set for Nov. 6-9 at the Elwell Family Food Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
A team of volunteers recently launched a new nonprofit, Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale, and plans to run the event in partnership with the Young Women’s Resource Center. “We know the appetite the community has had for this event to come back,” said Rachel Woodhouse, executive director of the YWRC. “We’re so glad it gets to not only continue, but continue in support of the YWRC.”
Planned Parenthood launched its first book sale more than 60 years ago but suspended it in 2023 after losing its warehouse due to streetscape upgrades on Second Avenue.
Community members are eager not only for the opportunity to buy books but also to donate the ones they’ve already read. “Giving books to the sale, buying new books, giving them back to the sale, buying new books — it’s a good cycle,” said Erin Moran, YWRC’s senior director of communications and community engagement.
Some bookworms have been holding on to books, puzzles and games since 2023, hoping for the sale’s return. After two years now, those donations — numbering in the thousands — will stock the stacks in November.
The books are organized into more than 90 categories and subcategories, from history to sports to cooking, making it easy for book lovers to find what they like or discover something new. In the past, used-book vendors have also browsed the books to add to their own inventories.
Since the sale has been around for more than six decades, it has generations of fans who are excited to see its sequel. Folks go for lots of reasons, but mostly because they like books and other book people. “We want there to be joy,” Woodhouse said. “We want there to be a sense of community.” Contributor Kylie Petty is a senior at Drake University and worked for dsm this summer as an editorial intern. |
|
|
WEEKEND SECTION PRESENTED BY CATCH DES MOINES |
|
|
Bring on the 'Traffic' jam |
A renowned California dance company plans to visit the Des Moines Civic Center next week to perform an innovative program that’s designed to inspire. Bodytraffic hits the stage at 7 p.m. Monday as part of the Dance Series presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.
For almost 18 years, the company has been a major player in the Los Angeles dance community, known for its wide range of expertise in various styles — Afro-Cuban, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop — which blend with its contemporary discipline.
On Monday, the dancers will perform short works by different choreographers, each with a different style, theme and perspective. The company promises an evening that celebrates the art of movement and the universal language of dance, for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. |
|
|
Halloween at the Boo-tanical Garden, 6-9 p.m. today through Friday, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Roam the dome during this week's Eerie Evenings, with various activities and offerings.
Jill Wells: “I am a Multitude,” 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Drake University’s Anderson Gallery. The prolific local artist who exhibits work internationally returns to her alma mater to create a temporary site-specific installation, billed as “a meditation on identity, health and renewal.” She plans to attend Thursday’s opening reception and speak at an event on Nov. 7.
“Twilight” in Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Des Moines Civic Center. Experience the vampiric saga in a new (moon) light as an ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians perform the film score in tandem with the movie.
Spirits of the Wild, 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Blank Park Zoo. The zoo hosts a party for the 21+ crowd with food, drinks, music, fire dancers and mechanical-pumpkin rides. The remarkably thorough costume rules note that "all inflatable costumes must deflate at or [their wearers should] avoid walking past the lion and tiger habitats."
Halloween with the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra, 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, Noce. A big band performs a variety of scary movie soundtrack standouts and spooky original scores. Wanna win a prize? Wear a costume.
“The American Revolution: History and the Military Experience,” 1-3 p.m. Saturday, State Historical Museum of Iowa. The museum partners with Iowa PBS to preview clips from the forthcoming Ken Burns documentary, premiering Nov. 16.
Day of the Dead, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Des Moines Art Center. The Art Center hosts its 25th annual festival with music, dance performances, costumes, a film screening and a community ofrenda on display through Nov. 16. This year’s celebration coincides with two related exhibitions, “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” and “Aliza Nisenbaum: Día de los Muertos.”
|
|
|
|
Spa-nniversary: Eden Spa, an offshoot of the shop, celebrates its first anniversary this Saturday with a day of pampering and perks. During the shop’s regular hours, visitors can tour the spa, sip bubbly, meet the estheticians, and receive a free eye or lip treatment with any booking made that day. Guests can also enjoy free mini-services like gua sha treatments or winter skin consultations. Reserve a 20-minute session in advance by emailing anna@edeniowa.com.
Owner Eva Anderson, pictured, bought Eden in September from Hannah Krause. (Photo: Anna Jones for Eden) |
|
|
Here’s the deal: Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld is bringing his signature wit to the Des Moines Civic Center on March 7. Tickets for the shtick (shtickets?) go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.
Milestone: The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has surpassed 1,000 members. |
|
|
Behind the baton: Meet six local music conductors |
|
|
This round-up originally published Tuesday in the monthly newsletter from Bravo Greater Des Moines, which supports arts, cultural and heritage organizations across Central Iowa. We're sharing it here with permission.
Orchestras do more than play music. They provide an accessible creative outlet for musicians and audiences of all skills and ages. On the podium of Greater Des Moines’ orchestras are the conductors charged with choosing music, leading rehearsals and keeping the ensemble on track. Orchestral music crosses genres, enabling musicians and maestros to develop their skills, build their repertoire and perform for new audiences.
The region’s music directors perform a variety of genres, practice an array of instruments and come from different backgrounds and careers, but they all energize the community and provide a platform for others to practice, perform and come together through music. This month, Bravo Greater Des Moines reached out to some of the conductors leading local orchestras to learn more about their work and what inspires them. |
|
|
| Christian Carichner
6 years with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Next concerts: Dec. 13-14 How did you get started conducting?
I think I've been waving my arms for my entire life. My dad was a band director, and growing up, I spent plenty of time around the marching band, concert band, jazz band — you name it — and I was following along (and forming my own opinions along the way, as any conductor would do).
Where do you find inspiration when planning your season? I try to look for inspiration in everything that I see, hear and experience. I'm a relentless advocate for getting out into nature, staying up late with friends, traveling as much as possible, and having that unnecessary dessert. It's sometimes these chance encounters that end up sparking something that turns into great art for everyone to enjoy. |
|
|
| Andrew Classen
15 years with the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra
Next concert: Nov. 13. How did you get started conducting?
In college, I was asked to direct the fourth jazz ensemble. I did that for two semesters. I also directed a jazz ensemble at my first college job at Southeast Missouri State. How do you prepare for a performance?
I practice all the music that’s on the program before the first rehearsal and listen to recordings. I figure out which sections will take the most time to work out to make the rehearsal more efficient. There are a few days between rehearsals, so the members have time to practice the difficult sections. |
|
|
| Joseph Giunta
36 years with the Des Moines Symphony
Next concerts: Nov. 22-23 How did you get started conducting?
I have vivid memories of attending a Philadelphia Orchestra concert when I was 11 years old and telling my parents on the drive home that I wanted to be a conductor like Eugene Ormandy. What is your primary instrument?
I started playing the bass in the fourth grade and, after passing proficiencies at Northwestern University, haven’t touched it since. Since then, I needed every minute to study the music to prepare myself to conduct professional orchestras. |
|
|
| Vince Kenney
6 years with Music Under the Stars
Next concert: June 7, 2026 How did you get started conducting?
Conducting is something I never expected to pursue, but it always ended up on my plate. I started through classes in undergrad at the University of Illinois, and at Drake it became the part of my job that I fell in love with. I'm fortunate that it's now the main part of my job. Time truly flies (in a good way) when you're on the podium.
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memories of music are dancing along to reruns of “The Lawrence Welk Show” with my sisters. We had a big, broken-down cardboard box in our basement that served as the dance floor. |
|
|
| Christa Miller
33 years (9 as director) with the Greater Des Moines Community Band
Next concert: Dec. 14
How did you get started conducting?
As a child, I was inspired by Leonard Bernstein through the Young People's Concert Series. In school, I was inspired by my band directors and the musical experiences they provided. I decided that becoming a band director was my career path because it isn't a job, it is a passion. What was a memorable moment you had while conducting?
It's one of those moments when the band and the audience truly connect. The energy from that connection is felt by everyone. It creates that moment when the concert is over, when all you can say is “wow!” |
|
|
| Phil Peters
2 years with the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra
Next concert: Nov. 15 How did you get started conducting?
I majored in music education and started conducting in my first teaching job in Maryland back in 1985. I spent 37 years in the classroom but still teach and conduct when I can. How do you prepare for a performance?
Preparing for a performance starts as soon as I learn what the repertoire is. Since I am not really a gamer, all the music is new to me. My score study includes many hours of marking up important melodies, key and time changes, and cues for specific instruments. Then rehearsals begin, and we put the whole concert together in five rehearsals. |
|
|
-
Nov. 5: dsm unveiling. Celebrate our final print issue of the year with snacks, drinks and live entertainment at Wesley on Grand.
-
Nov. 11: Sages Over 70. We’ll honor Greg Edwards, Christine Hensley, Terry Rich, Bob Stewart, Rick Tollakson, and Marcia Wanamaker at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
-
Nov. 18: Lifting the Veil virtual panel. The next installment of our ongoing series about mental health explores challenges at every stage of life, with special guests to discuss new motherhood, sensory spaces, coping with anxiety and more.
|
|
|
|
