Our library is receiving a special gift! 🎉 

We’re one of about 1,280 Carnegie Libraries across the United States that will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

More than a century after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction of 1,681 libraries nationwide, we are still serving our community.

Learn more about this initiative and discover the history of our library on the Carnegie Libraries Across America map.

Discover Waterloo’s Carnegie Libraries! See historic images at the links below.

Public Library, East Branch, Waterloo Iowa

West Side Library, Waterloo, Iowa

Holiday Ornament Festival

December 6 | 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! While supplies last.

Age group: Families



Teen Journaling Club

December 2 | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | Conference Room

Take a break and join us for a relaxing journaling session just for teens! Whether you love writing, doodling, or just need a quiet space to reflect, this club is a great way to explore your thoughts and creativity. All supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

Registration is required and limited to 25 participants, so please do so here: https://tinyurl.com/TeenJournaling

Age group: Teens



Pajama Storytime!

December 29 | 6 pm - 6:45 pm | Youth Department

Snuggle in your comfiest pajamas, bring your favorite blanket, and join us for a relaxing evening of stories, cocoa, and calm after the holiday hustle. A perfect way for families to unwind together!

Age Group: Families

Technology Classes

December 3: Google Sheets Intermediate

11 am - 12 pm | Conference Room | Registration Required

Library Assistant Sindhu will teach you how to feel even more confident with Google Sheets, a free spreadsheet application, using the foundations learned in our Google Sheets: Basics course. If you are already confident with the Basics of Google Sheets, feel free to only attend this session. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants per session. Be sure to grab your spot while you can!

December 10: 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!

December 17: 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

December 10

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

Knitting & Crocheting Drop-In

December 23

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

December 16 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Conference 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: The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee

Age group: Grades 5-8