The library will be closed Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Make plans to join us for an unforgettable summer adventure! "Read, Renew, Repeat" is this year’s theme for the Youth and Teen Summer Programs at the Waterloo Public Library, happening from June 3 to July 14. 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!

CultureAll: Open Book Discussions with

James Hmohmo and Abe Goldstien

May 18 | 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.

At "Seven Skins" with James Hmohmo, attendees will learn about Hmohmo's life as a Burmese refugee, and what hard work and resilience can accomplish.

Abe Goldstien, or, the "Pork-Eating Jew" as he calls himself, will talk about the importance of keeping alive your unique family customs and traditions.

Registration is required. Register here.

Age group: Adults

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 

Gardening Series: Final Session

May 6 | 6 pm - 7 pm

Library's 2nd Floor

Heidi Tietz-DeSilva: What’s New in the Greenhouse for 2024

Design Your Life: A Program for Seniors

May 14 | 10 am - 11 am | Conference Room

A Focus on Overall Wellness

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.

Caregiving 411

May 16 | 6pm - 7pm | Meeting Room AB

Are you an adult child navigating the complexities of caregiving for your aging loved ones? Support and educate yourself as you navigate this journey with confidence and compassion. At this program, you'll learn about the roles, responsibilities, and challenges involved in caring for aging loved ones.

Age group: Adults

Mindfulness Storytime

May 6 | 4 pm - 4:45 pm | Storytime Corner

Join us for a special storytime focused on mindfulness and meditation! Enjoy picture books about feelings and some simple stretches and breathing exercises. At the end, we'll create fidget toys!

Age group: Birth-Kindergarten

Storytime with an Islandologist

May 18 | 10:30 am - 11 am

Join us for a storytime with an Islandologist from Lost Island Theme Park! We'll read "Sneaky Tamariki" by ME Hartz and sing some songs in the language of the Tamariki. Afterwards, kids will be sorted into the different elements for activities: water, earth, fire, air, or Tamariki.

Age group: Birth-Kindergarten

Investment Seminar with Mike Finley

Wednesdays from April 3 - May 22

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Let Mike Finley, aka "The Crazy Man in the Pink Wig", help you build a better relationship with your money by attending this 8-week seminar dedicated to investing and managing your investments. Whether you're a seasoned or novice investor, this seminar will teach you how to make your money work for you.

Feel free to join any session either in person or virtually. Visit the event on our website calendar to access the link to the virtual session.

TEEN Hive Night: Mother's Day Paper Bouquet

 May 7 | 4:30 pm - 6 pm | The Hive

Celebrate Mother's Day the eco-friendly way! Join us in the Hive to learn how to repurpose old books to make stunning paper bouquets!

Registration is required. Please register here.

Age group: Teens

DIY Hot Dish Carrier

 May 29 | 11 am - 3 pm | The Hive

Create a unique hot dish carrier to transport your favorite casserole!

Registration is required. Please register here.

You will need to bring the following materials:

• 1 yard of pre-quilted fabric, purchased at fabric shop, or quilted by you prior to workshop. 
• 1/2 yard coordinating fabric, OR 7 yards packaged BIAS tape quilt binding (1/2" double fold tape. That is, once folded, the tape is four thicknesses, and 1/2" wide. )
• 2 wooden spoons, at least 12" long. 
• Optional: 8x12 thin plywood, or pegboard, OR similar sized hard book cover, etc. 

Age group: Adults

AI Basics

 May 6 & 20

6 pm - 7:30 pm

SingleSpeed Brewing Co., Waterloo, IA

Curious or confused about AI? We're here to answer your questions! Join us at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. for explanations and examples of current AI.

Monday, May 6: Department Chair Dr. Hridesh Rajan, our AI expert, will cover current AI functionality and open the floor for questions afterward.

Monday, May 20: Reference Librarian Teresa and Teen Librarian Dusty will explore popular AI tools and showcase the benefits and pitfalls of AI. Learn how to create beautiful images, use ChatGPT to draft letters, and more.

Our goal is to have participants leave feeling confident in their ability to not only understand the benefits and safety issues surrounding AI, but to be able to use these programs themselves.

Age group: Adults

Teen Manga Club!

May 8 | 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

Board Game Night

May 30 | 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