The library will be closed Wednesday, June 19th, for Junteenth.

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!

SATURDAY-ONLY SPECIAL: JOIN AND RECEIVE A FREE BAG OF BOOKS!

Today only, we're offering an exciting special for new members! Sign up for a new membership (renewals not included), and you'll receive a complimentary bag of books as our welcome gift.

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 

Experience a summer full of sustainable stories, eco-friendly adventures, and upcycled imagination! Don't miss out—visit our website to see all we have to offer!

YOUTH

Register to participate in the Youth Summer Library Program and receive a free book! Register here.

BOOKMARK CONTEST!



Create a bookmark for WPL! Make an original design using the Summer Library Program theme “Read. Renew. Repeat.” as inspiration. Pick up a template at the Youth Desk to enter! Turn the decorated bookmark back into the Youth Desk by July 14th to be entered into the contest! Winners will be chosen July 17th and will receive an art kit and 15 of their bookmarks to share with family and friends. Winning bookmarks will be reproduced and made available to patrons at WPL.

TEEN

CultureAll: Open Book Discussions with

Gabby Guerra and Stefanie Kaylor

June 22 | 2 pm - 3 pm | Meeting Room AB

Books are people - they are our neighbors from diverse backgrounds who are willing to share their personal experiences and defining moments. Together with Humanities Iowa and CultureALL - join us for an "open book" discussion featuring two different speakers who will each touch upon their own individual cultural experiences. The conversations that follow will leave you feeling even more like you belong within your community.

Gabby Guerra's discussion "Dreams" will leave audience members inspired to achieve their dreams as she tells us about her experiences as a young immigrant trying to navigate a whole new culture while still staying true to oneself. She'll share how she has experienced her dreams through the lens of a queer, immigrant Latina woman in Iowa.

Stefanie Kaylor discusses living "Life on Two Spectrums", what it means to live more fully in your own identity, and the joy in finding strengths from weaknesses. Stefanie is queer and autistic. This is her story about how she recognized these traits in herself and lives more fully in these identities.

Registration is required. Register here.

Age group: Adults

Someone Just Like You- Inclusive Storytime

June 6 | 6 pm - 7 pm | Storytime Room

Join us for a Bilingual (ASL) Storytime celebrating the heart of our library – YOU, just as you are! We'll dive into stories about community and the many reasons we celebrate each other. Plus, get ready for a collaborative craft session and take home your very own make-your-own-puzzle kit. Celebrate inclusion in our community at this very special storytime!



Age group: Families

June - August

Are you a writer looking to connect with others in the Cedar Valley community? Whether you're just starting out or already writing your own stories, join us for Author's Seedbed sessions at the Waterloo Public Library. It's free!

We’ll meet every second and fourth Tuesday to discuss writing, marketing, and finding readers. Learn from local authors who've been there. Let's support each other on this writing journey! For more information click here.

Digging Deeper: Research Strategies for Memoir Writing

June 25 | 10am-11:30am | Meeting Room AB

Shorts to Success: Breaking into Publication Through Short Writing

July 9 | 10am-11:30am | Meeting Room AB

Finding Your Writing's Place: Navigating Publication Outlets with Confidence

July 23 | 10am-11:30am | Meeting Room AB

Building Community: Engaging with a Local Audience

August 13 | 10am-11:30am | Meeting Room AB

Discover Your Writing Niche

August 27 | 10am-11:30am | Meeting Room AB

Design Your Life: A Program for Seniors

June 11 | 10 am - 11 am | Conference Room

Useful Technology for the Home

Nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. Join us for this educational series to learn new and innovative ways to help you age in place.

Presented by Fortified for Life and the Waterloo Public Library.

For more information contact Jake Bates at 319-260-4267.

Teen Manga Club!

June 12 | 4 pm - 5 pm | Teen Department

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