Library Closings

The library will be closed September 4th for Labor Day.

The library will be closed September 15th for staff training.

What's Happening

Wear and Share Your Support for the WPL!


September is a special time as we observe National Library Card Sign-up Month, an occasion where libraries nationwide come together to encourage everyone to consider getting a library card.


At the Waterloo Public Library, we're dedicated to providing our city's residents with free access to a wide range of resources. This includes an extensive collection of books, internet services, complimentary admission to local museums and popular Des Moines attractions, and much more. Our goal is to support and empower our community.


We're happy to announce an exciting collaboration with RAYGUN, resulting in an exclusive line of t-shirts designed for enthusiasts of the Waterloo Public Library. This collection provides an attractive and eye-catching way for supporters to proudly show their connection to our library. What's even more exciting is that all proceeds from shirt sales will go to the Friends of the Waterloo Public Library, and be used to support library programming and special events. Click here to visit our RAYGUN store!

Members Only Preview*

September 14

5 pm - 7 pm

Library Basement


*Memberships will be available at the door!


Yearly memberships are as low as $15. Seniors may purchase a membership for $10.


Benefits of becoming a Friend:

Exclusive access to Friends Preview Night book sales, special deals in the Friends Used Book Shop, the opportunity to serve on Friends Board, and the satisfaction of knowing that your tax-deductible support enriches library programming and events.


Public Sale

September 16

9 am - 2 pm

Library Basement


We supply the bags; you fill them up!


Please note, the basement will be closed the Monday following this sale, so Friends have the opportunity to tidy up.


All proceeds benefit library special events and programming.

September 8 | 10:30 am- 11:15 am

Conference Room


Let your child discover their inner music-maker when Music Together® comes to the Waterloo Public Library! Sing, dance, and jam along at this special musical event.


Age group: Families

September 16 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Waterloo Urban Farmers Market


Join us for a special family storytime at the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market, where we will be celebrating the internationally recognized event known as International Dot Day. This storytime will feature Terry Shay, the local teacher and founder of International Dot Day, who will be reading "The Dot" - the book that sparked this global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. This title will also be read in español.


Stay to enjoy additional Dot Day activities hosted by the farmers market.


In the event of rain, this storytime will be held on the library's second floor.

Join us for this extended series where experts in their fields will discuss new and innovative ways to help seniors age at home. Presented by Fortified Life in collaboration with the Waterloo Public Library. 


September 12 | Dementia and Caregiver Support

10 am - 11 am | Conference Room



At this session, you will hear from Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, the coordinator of UNI's Gerontology program since 2007. In her role, she has collaborated with various continuing care communities, adult day services, and hospices to provide dementia education and caregiver support. In 2022, she started the nation's only dementia simulation house. The simulation experience serves college students, professional caregivers, family caregivers, and the community.

Hive Workshops

Ultimate Locker Glow-up

September 13 | 4 pm - 5 pm | The Hive


Bring your locker game to a whole new level! Discover creative ways to personalize your locker at this fun-filled session designed for teens. We'll have multiple crafts available, so there's something for everyone!


Registration is required. Register here.


Age group: Tweens and Teens

Cybersecurity: the Basics

September 22 | 10 am - 11 am | Conference Room


We're here to teach you the basics of cyber security! In this class, you'll learn how to tell if a website is secure, create stronger passwords, and identify some generic traits of email scams. Registration is required. Register here.

Recurring Events

Book Clubs


September 11

6 pm - 7 pm 

Virtual


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


We will be discussing Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller.


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


September 28

5:30 pm - 7 pm 

New Location! 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 Written in Red by Anne Bishop.


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.

Deliver the joy of a story to children by becoming a Traveling Tales volunteer!


The library is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to visit area daycares and preschools once a month to present storytime. The program runs from October through May and all materials are provided.


Email Missie at msturch@waterloopubliclibrary.org or call 319-287-3976 for more information.

There will be no Saturday sales in September with the exception of the $5-A-Bag sale Saturday, September 16.


There will be no Monday Sales in September with the exception of September 11 & 25.


We apologize for any inconvenience. Regular monthly "Shop the Basement" sales times will resume in October.

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