October 1 - 31

Waterloo Public Library

Shelters across the country report that socks, while one of the most needed supplies, are one of the least donated items. During the month of October, the library will host a sock drive in partnership with the Waterloo Salvation Army, because something as simple as a pair of socks can make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness.

Please consider donating new or like-new socks of any kind and size, in support of this effort. Donations may be dropped off at the library during regular business hours.

The Friends of the Waterloo Public Library are celebrating 50 years of support—and you're invited to join the celebration at their $5-a-Bag Book Sale, the best book bargain in town!

Love books? This sale is for you. We provide the bags—you fill them up!

New or renewing members will receive a coupon for a free bag of books.

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

Please note: The basement will be closed the Monday following the sale to give the Friends time to clean up and reorganize.

All proceeds benefit library events and programming.

Family Movie Night

October 2 | 6 pm- 7:30 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 Lilo & Stitch (2025).

Age group: Youth, Families

LEGO Lab @ the Library

October 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: For children in 1st–5th grade

Evening Toniebox® Storytime

October 6 | 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm | Meeting Room AB

The Toniebox® is a fun, screen-free audio player designed especially for kids. It brings stories, songs, and learning to life in an interactive way. During this event, we’ll enjoy a story together, have a snack, and explore how the Toniebox® works using the one that will stay in the Youth Department for everyone to enjoy.

Age group: Birth-Kindergarten

In the spirit of a silent book club, bring a banned book of your choice and enjoy some quiet reading time with others. Not sure what to read? We’ll have a selection of banned books on hand for you to choose from.

We’ll spend most of the event reading silently, then wrap up with a casual discussion about our books. Light refreshments will be provided.

Age group: Adults

Celebrate Banned Books Week with a Community Read of 1984. In recognition of Banned Books Week 2025, the Cedar Valley community is coming together to read George Orwell’s classic, 1984. Join us for a thought-provoking book discussion set in the beautiful surroundings of the Cedar Valley Arboretum, in Waterloo. Let’s explore the themes of censorship, freedom, and truth—together. 

Library card holders and Arboretum members receive free admission with a library card; otherwise, admission is $8.00

For more information on Banned Books Week, visit the ALA webpage dedicated to the annual event here: https://tinyurl.com/ALAbannedbookweek2025.

Age group: Adults

Looking for a fun new way to show off your favorite banned book? Fight censorship by creating your own banned book painted brick!

Email an image of your book cover to ssellers@waterloopubliclibrary.org ahead of time, and we’ll print it for you to use as a reference. We’ll also have a few popular covers printed and ready to go if you’d rather choose from those.

All materials will be provided. To accommodate a larger crowd, this program will take place in the Meeting Rooms. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants so please do so here.

Age group: Adults

Senior Wellness & Screening Series

October 8 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am | Meeting Room AB

Take charge of your health with our monthly wellness events—absolutely FREE! Each screening comes with a special program to help you live well and stay safe all year long. These programs are in partnership with Thrivera atHome.

This Month's Topic: Wellness Assessment

Living a Healthy Lifestyle – Understand your overall health and how to build lasting wellness habits.

Age group: Adults

"Pushout" Documentary Viewing and Q&A

October 12 | 2 pm - 4 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us in the Meeting Rooms for a screening of the powerful documentary Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.

Based on Dr. Monique W. Morris’ groundbreaking book, Pushout examines the educational, judicial, and societal disparities that disproportionately impact African American girls. The film explores how the misunderstanding of Black girlhood has led to overly punitive discipline practices—practices that often disrupt their education and long-term success.

Stay afterwards for a Q&A style discussion.

Age group: Adults

The Role of Government: A Community Conversation

October 15 | 6 pm - 7:30 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join us in our Meeting Rooms for a non-partisan panel discussion of how government functions, what being a representative or working within local government is like, and the unique challenges they face in their roles every day. Moderated by former KWWL newsman Chris Carter, the Waterloo Public Library is excited to host a panel discussion featuring four area elected and appointed officials who have agreed to participate. They include:

- Kaitlin Emrich, Black Hawk County Public Health Director

- Karen Showalter, Black Hawk County Auditor

- Tavis Hall, Black Hawk County Supervisor

- Dr. Rev. Belinda Creighton-Smith, Waterloo City Councilperson for Ward 4

Stick around afterwards for the audience Q&A portion of the program.

Age group: Adults

Mindfulness Storytime

October 16 | 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm | Storytime Room

Take a deep breath and get ready for a peaceful, playful storytime experience!

We’ll share picture books all about feelings, practice some gentle stretches, and try fun breathing exercises to help little ones feel calm and centered. After storytime, stay with us to create your very own fidget toy — perfect for finding your calm anytime!

Age group: Preschool - 2nd Grade

STEM Lab

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

WPL will be hosting youth STEM activities every third Sunday of the month running October through March! 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: For children in 1st–5th grade

Digital Education Resources at Your Library

October 20 | 5 pm - 6 pm | Meeting Room AB

Did you know the library offers free access to a wide range of online databases?

Join us for a tech class in the Meeting Rooms, where library staff will introduce three powerful tools available with your library card: Universal Class, Mometrix, and Transparent Language.

You'll learn what each database offers, how to access them, and how to make the most of these free resources.

Age group: Adults

Haunted Library

October 24 & 25

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Meet in the Library's Courtyard

As the nights get longer and the air gets colder, our library's haunts come to life. Beware all who enter- the Waterloo Haunted Library is back! Will you be brave enough to face all of the spooks and jump scares? Snacks will be provided at the end of this haunted tour. This frightening event includes strobe lights and loud noises, and is geared toward Teens and Adults. Costumes are encouraged!

Please gather in the library's courtyard for this FREE after-hours event.

Age group: Teens and Adults

An Evening of Poetry

with Rosa Lane & Stephen Haven

October 27 | 6 pm - 7 pm | Meeting Room AB

Join celebrated poets Rosa Lane and Stephen Haven for an evening of poetry in the Meeting Rooms. Rosa will read from Called Back, her fourth collection inspired by Emily Dickinson’s final words, offering an LGBTQ+ perspective rooted in the latest scholarship. Stephen will share poems from The Flight from Meaning, exploring American history, religion, and the legacy of racism.

Stay for a relaxed Q&A with Rosa and Stephen following the reading—your chance to dive deeper into their work and inspirations.

Age group: Adults

Technology Classes

October 1: Internet Basics

11 am - 12 pm | Conference Room | Registration Required

Library Assistant Josée will showcase the basics of internet browsing. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session. Be sure to grab your spot while you can!

October 8 & 22: Tech Help Drop-in

11 am - 12 pm | 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!

October 15: What is the Internet?

11 am - 12 pm | Conference Room | Registration Required

Library Assistant Keegan will showcase the what and how of the internet, explaining how the internet is hard-wired throughout the world to facilitate information transfer. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session. Be sure to grab your spot while you can!

October 29: Computer Basics

11 am - 12 pm | Conference Room | Registration Required

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. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session. Be sure to grab your spot while you can!

Teen Writers Workshop

October 8 & 22

4 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!

Age group: Teens grades 6-12

Fall Author Seedbed Series: Building a Book: Strategies for Full-Length Narrative Structure with Seth Thill

October 21 | 2 pm - 3:30 pm Conference Room

Join staff member and author Seth Thill to learn more about structuring a full-length book! In this workshop you'll learn the difference between linear and non-linear storytelling, common plotting archetypes, planning out your book vs. making it all up as you go, and more. Participants will have the chance to brainstorm and/or share their own book ideas at the end of the workshop.

Age group: Adults

Knitting & Crocheting Drop-In

October 28 | 3:30 pm - 5:30 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 crochet 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

Booked: Tween Book Hang

October 21 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Storytime Room

Let's hang out and talk about books! Tweens in Grades 5-8 are invited to join us on the 3rd Tuesday of the month to chat about selected titles from the 2025-2026 Iowa Children’s Choice Award list. We'll have themed art and activities, talk about other books we've read, and enjoy some snacks! To participate, check out a copy of the book at the circulation desk or check Libby and Hoopla for the eBook or audiobook.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Participants can register via our website, by calling the Youth Department at 319-281-3976 or emailing wplyouthdept@waterloopubliclibrary.org.

This month's title is: Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

Age group: Grades 5-8