Library Closings

The library will be closing at 12 pm on Friday, December 13, for staff training. We will reopen on Saturday at 9 am.

The library will be closed Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25. Have a wonderful holiday season!

The library will close at 5 pm on Tuesday, December 31, and be closed on Wednesday, January 1. Happy New Year!

What's Happening

Holiday Ornament Festival

December 7 | 2 pm - 4 pm | Meeting Room AB

Get into the holiday spirit and deck your halls with your very own handmade ornaments! Bring the whole family to this crafting event, where you’ll find an assortment of holiday crafts to choose from. Let your imagination run wild as you create one-of-a-kind decorations to make your home shine this season. We’ll provide all the materials you need—just bring your creativity and holiday cheer! Hot cocoa will be available to enjoy while you craft.

While supplies last.

Age group: All Ages

Teen Writer's Workshop

December 4 & 18

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Conference Room

Are you an aspiring novelist, poet, or someone who loves writing short stories? Join us for our Teen Writer's Workshop! We'll work with different writing prompts and brainstorm ideas for our writing. Those comfortable sharing their work with others are encouraged to do so! Whether you're looking for a quiet place to write or an animated group of voracious readers to get ideas from, all are welcome!

Registration is required and limited to 15 participants, so please do so here.

Age group: Teens grades 6-12

Recurring Events

Knitting & Crocheting Drop-in

December 4 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | The Hive

Do you want to learn how to knit or crochet? Are you looking for some designated time to work on a project? Join us for a knitting and crocheting drop-in in the Hive! Different patterns and supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any materials of your own that you wish to use! A staff member will be available to help anyone who needs support.

Age group: Adults

Family Movie Night

December 5 | 6 pm - 8 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us for family movie night every first Thursday of the month! We'll have movies, popcorn, and drinks for everyone to enjoy.

This month's title is Inside Out 2.

Age group: Youth

First Friday Flick

December 6 | 10 am - 12 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us the first Friday of the month to catch a new release (or classic film) on the big screen! Popcorn and soda provided free of charge. Sponsored by Friends of the Waterloo Public Library.

This month's title is Twisters (2024).

Age group: Adults

Teen Studio Ghibli Movie Night

December 16 | 5 pm - 7 pm | Meeting Room AB

Step into the visually breathtaking world of animation at our Studio Ghibli movie night for teens! Each month we will watch a different film from Studio Ghibli, popcorn and pop will be provided. Discover stories filled with timeless creatures and epic adventures!

This month's title is: Howl's Moving Castle

Age group: Teens grades 6-12

Book Clubs

Teen Manga Club

December 10

4 pm - 5 pm | Teen Department

We're hosting a Manga club for teens! We'll talk about our favorite series, favorite characters, and enjoy some fun treats, including snacks from a monthly Snack Box subscription. Don't see a series in our collection that you think we should have? We'll also talk about making suggestions for what the library should order so others can check them out and enjoy! Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Manga, we've saved a spot for you!

The Well Read Club

December 9

Virtual: 6 pm - 7 pm

If you're looking to broaden your reading horizons, have we got the book club for you! The Well Read Club meets virtually from 6pm-7pm every month to discuss a selected fiction or nonfiction title. We'll read anything and everything!

We will be discussing The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson.

To participate, email Nolan at nrochford@waterloopubliclibrary.org at least one day before the event. Virtual meeting details to follow registration.

Battle of the Books Book Club

December 17 | 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Storytime Room

Get ready for Battle of the Books! Join us on the third Tuesday of each month to hang out and chat about selected titles from the 2024-2025 Battle of the Books list. Each session will feature themed art projects, fun activities, and snacks. Even if you're not competing at your school, we’d LOVE to have you join us to talk about some fantastic books!

Registration is encouraged but not required. Please register here or call the Youth department at (319) 287-3976 if you have any questions.

We will be discussing Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen.

Age group: Fourth - Sixth Grade

Altered Reality Book Club

December 19 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm

Doughy Joey's

300 W 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50701

Love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or any type of Speculative Fiction? If so, join the Altered Reality Book Club at the WPL! This book club will meet at Doughy Joey's in Waterloo on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

We will be discussing The Grownup by Gillian Flynn.

To participate, please email Sarah at ssellers@waterloopubliclibrary.org.

Once registered, you'll receive more meeting details. A limited number of copies of each month's selected titles will be available for checkout. You may also download digital copies from Hoopla.com.

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