A NEW LIBRARY CATALOG IS ON THE WAY!

Exciting news! The library is moving to a new library management system on February 26, 2024. This means a new catalog with improved search functionality is coming your way! Additionally, some account settings will change. Here are some of the changes you can expect beginning February 26, 2024:

LOGGING INTO YOUR ACCOUNT

You will still log into your account using your library card number. However, each library account will have a new PIN/Password. Your new PIN/Password will be the last four digits of your phone number beginning February 26, 2024. If you have trouble logging in, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be here to help you.:) 

CHANGING YOUR PIN/PASSWARD

Once logged in beginning February 26, 2024, you may change your PIN/Password by going to the Account Settings → Reset PIN/Password. Use a four-digit number. You will use this number on the catalog, at the self-checkout in the library, and on the Libby app. 

READING HISTORY

Unfortunately, with this transition, if you had previously opted into recording your reading/checkout history, your history will not migrate to the new system. If you want to keep your current history, you must export the list by copying & pasting it into a digital document by February 25, 2024. After this date, all reading history not saved will be lost. If you need help saving your checkout history, we are happy to help! Request a tech appointment today! 

OPTING INTO RECORDING YOUR READING HISTORY

Once we transition to the new system on February 26, 2024, you may opt into recording your reading history by logging into your account and selecting “Reading History.” Select “Start Recording My Reading History” to turn on this feature. You may stop recording the history at any time.

We thank you for your continued patronage of the Waterloo Public Library. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we transition over to this new system.

February 3

10:30 am-12 pm

Waterloo Center for the Arts

Join the Waterloo Public Library in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Richard Scarry's timeless book, "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go"! Celebrate this whimsical children’s classic with Busytown-inspired crafts and activities, including driving our Scarry-inspired pickle car and a scavenger hunt! Snacks will be provided.

After the party, enjoy $1 admission to the Phelps Youth Pavilion!

Age group: Families

Due to construction, this event will take place at the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Petersen Townhall Room.

The Friends of the Waterloo Public Library $5-a-Bag Book Sale brings you the best deal in town. If you love books, this sale is for you! We supply the bags; you fill them up!

Cash or Check Only

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

Proceeds benefit special events & programming at the Waterloo Public Library 

February 12

11:00 am - 3:30 pm

Conference Room

Give a gift straight from your heart-WPL is hosting a blood drive! Although walk-ins are accepted, appointments are preferred. Visit the link below for more information about what to bring, how to prepare for a donation, and to make an appointment. To find our location on the Red Cross website, simply search the library's zip code in the search bar at the top of the page. Are you ready to help save a life today?

https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html

Age group: Adults

February 13

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Conference Room

As part of WPL's Black History Month Speaker Series, local historian Charles Pearson will give a talk about his research on the Iowa African American Heritage Trail and the Waterloo African American Historical Resource Development Project. A Waterloo native and East High School graduate, Pearson has researched and developed multiple walking, biking, and driving tours throughout Iowa, focusing on African American historic places and Civil Rights locations.

Age group: Adults

February 20

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Conference Room

Join us for the next installment of WPL's Black History Month Speaker Series, hosted by the African American Museum of Iowa. This program will examine the real story of Black Power, the Des Moines Black Panther Party's work in education reform and food access, and how they made a lasting impact on the lives of Black Iowans.

Age group: Adults

February 28

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Storytime Corner

Join author Joshalyn "Rocki" Hickey Johnson for a special storytime featuring her book, "Susie Clark: the Bravest Girl You've Ever Seen," as part of our Black History Month celebration! Learn more about Susie Clark, the first Black person to integrate a public school by court order in the United States. Her case, decided by the Iowa Supreme Court in 1868, gave all Iowans the right to attend public school regardless of race or religion. Susie's case was instrumental to the landmark decision in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which made racially segregated schools illegal in the United States in 1954.

Age group: Families

Knitting & Crocheting

February 7 | 5:30 pm-7:30 pm | The Hive

Do you want to learn how to knit or crochet? Are you a self-proclaimed expert who is looking for some designated time to work on a project? Join us for a knit 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

DIY Gnomes for Teens!

 February 15 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | The Hive

Craft your own charming gnomes using materials available in the Hive! While we'll be centering on a Valentine's Day theme, feel free to let your imagination run wild and customize your gnomes however you like. All the necessary supplies will be provided; all you need to bring is your creativity! Registration is required so please do so here.

Age group: Teens

Sit & Stitch Drop-In

 February 21 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | The Hive

Calling all stitchers! If you're looking for a good excuse to work on a cross stitch, embroidery, or any other stitching project you might have set aside, join us for a relaxing evening with fellow enthusiasts. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects, as this is not an instructional class. However, we will have pre-printed patterns on stick & stitch water soluble fabric, as well as embroidery hoops and floss for anyone who wants to use them.

Age group: Adults

February 6

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Conference Room

It's time to Choose Your Own Adventure! Kids in grades 4-6 are invited to come on a reading adventure where they'll get to choose the path the group takes along the way. Our Youth Librarian will read the story as you follow along. We will be meeting on the first Tuesday of the month through March, reading one book per month! Participants are welcome to join anytime, either in person at the library or virtually via Discord. At the end of our adventure, participants will earn a free Choose Your Own Adventure book of their choice! Registration is required for all participants, so please do so here.

Registrants who are interested in participating virtually will need to call the Youth Department at 319-287-3976 to receive the link.

Age group: Grades 4-6

February 14 & March 13

4 pm - 5 pm | Teen Department, 2nd Floor

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!

Age group: Teens

February 18

3 pm - 4 pm | Conference Room

WPL will be hosting youth STEM activities every third Sunday of the month through March 2024. 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

February 27

5 pm - 7:30 pm | Conference Room

In collaboration with Friendly Meeple, the WPL is hosting Board Game Night! We'll be playing games from Friendly Meeple's personal library of 400+ board games, as well as the games in our collection available for checkout. This event is free and open to anyone wanting to get their game on!

Age group: Adults