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

The library will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Lego Lab @ the Library

January 5 | 3 pm - 4 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us for LEGO Lab at the library. We'll provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Once completed, your creation will be on display in the Youth Department!

This month's theme is: Favorite Book Character

Age group: Families

Prohibition in Eastern Iowa with Linda McCann

January 7 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Meeting Room A

Iowa author Linda McCann is here to discuss her book "Prohibition in Eastern Iowa". In the book, McCann reveals the history of the 13-year experiment in America known as prohibition and its effects on the people of eastern Iowa.

Age group: Adults

Community Craft Corner

January 14 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Hive

Join us for a drop-in crafting session in the Hive! Bring along any current craft projects you’re working on—any and all portable crafts using library-safe materials are welcome. Don’t have a project or supplies? No problem! We’ll provide a variety of materials for you to use. Come enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment where you can work on your crafts with no pressure and no critique.

Age group: Adults

Job Prep Series in collaboration with Hawkeye Community College

Get job-ready with the help of Hawkeye Community College! At each installment of this series, participants will walk away with valuable skills that will help them in their job search.

Age group: Adults

Creating a Resumé 

January 15 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Conference Room

Participants will learn how to create an eye-catching resumé that will stand out to employers. Participants will need to have their work history for this workshop. Registration is required. Please register here.

Online Job Searching

January 22 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Conference Room

We will assist participants in their job search, give them tips and tricks to find a job, and learn about common scams that you might see when searching for a job online. Registration is required. Please register here.

Interview Prep

January 29 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | The Conference Room

In the final installment of our Job Prep Series, participants will practice answering common questions that may be asked in interviews with help from our presenter. Registration is required. Please register here.

National Soup Month Storytime

January 17 | 4 pm - 4:45 pm | Storytime Room

January is National Soup Month! To celebrate, we'll be reading the classic folktale Stone Soup, along with other soup-related stories. Stay afterwards for a soup-themed craft!

Age group: Preschool

Youth STEM Lab

January 19 | 3 pm - 4 pm | Meeting Room AB

WPL will be hosting youth STEM activities every third Sunday of the month running January through May! Come join us for these family-friendly events with STEM themed stations where you'll be able to test the latest gadgetry and so much more!

Age group: Youth, Families

Teen Laser Tag Night

January 24 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Library's Second Floor

Get ready for the ultimate teen library takeover at our Teen Laser Tag Night! Round up your squad and get ready for an epic night of strategic battles and endless fun. We'll provide pizza and snacks to keep you fueled for the action-packed games ahead. Grab your lasers and let the excitement begin! Doors open at 5:30pm sharp, and registered teens should meet in the library's courtyard.

Registration is required and limited to 40 participants, so please do so here: https://tinyurl.com/WPLLaserTagTeen

Please also print and return the waiver included in the registration form to the Youth Department by January 23.

Age group: Teens

Kids Board Game Night

January 28 | 6 pm - 7:30 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us for a fun-filled family board game night! Explore a wide selection of games from our collection, all available to play and check out. There’s something for everyone, so bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of friendly competition and laughter!

Age group: Families

Arts & Crafts Supply Swap

January 30 | 5:30 pm - 7 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us for an Arts & Crafts Supply Swap! Do you have extra, unused, or gently used art supplies gathering dust? Are you an artist in need of materials for your next project? This casual, drop-in event is the perfect opportunity to exchange supplies with fellow creatives and connect with other artists and crafters in your community! Wondering what to bring? Here are some examples: canvases, paints, fabric, beads, writing utensils, yarn, clay, paper, etc. The following materials WILL NOT be accepted: broken, dried-out supplies, solvents or other toxic chemicals, any AV equipment, sewing machines, lumber, home repair supplies. If you have any questions about whether we will be able to accept your supplies, or if you would like to drop your contributions off ahead of time, please contact Library Assistant Seth at sthill@waterloopubliclibrary.org.

Age group: Adults

Computer Basics

January 8 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am | The Conference Room

Join us for this Q&A style class covering computer basics including interfacing, Windows, files, apps, email, and more. There will be time for questions and any follow-up topics that may come up during the class.

Age group: Adults

Registration is required. Please register here.

Tech Help Drop-in

January 15 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am | The Conference Room

Need tech assistance or advice? Staff will be here for an hour each session to help you with anything technology related. So bring your devices and your questions, and we'll do our best to assist you with all of your tech needs!

Age group: Adults

Apple Basics

January 22 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am | The Conference Room

Do you have specific questions about your Apple iPhone or devices? Join us for this Q&A-style class where you'll get the answers you need!

Age group: Adults

Registration is required. Please register here.

Tech Help Drop-in

January 29 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am | The Conference Room

Need tech assistance or advice? Staff will be here for an hour each session to help you with anything technology related. So bring your devices and your questions, and we'll do our best to assist you with all of your tech needs!

Age group: Adults

Knitting & Crocheting Drop-in

January 8 | 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

January 2 | 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 Despicable Me 4.

Age group: Youth

First Friday Flick

January 3 | 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 White Bird.

Age group: Adults

Teen Studio Ghibli Movie Night

January 27 | 5 pm - 7:30 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: Spirited Away

Age group: Teens grades 6-12