Event List

Featured Events

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Ongoing Events

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Celebrate the State Fair Scavenger Hunt

All Day 8/1 - 8/17
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
Children, Families

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Bonus Scavenger Hunt: Ducks in the Library!

All Day 8/1 - 8/30
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
Children, Families

This August, we will bring back our popular alphabet-themed rubber ducks for another round of library hide-and-seek, duck style! 

 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

This August, we will bring back our popular alphabet-themed rubber ducks for another round of library hide-and-seek, duck style! 

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Recreational Chess

Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Adult Recreational Chess:

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must b...

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Sundays in the Summer: Public Piano Performances (July 6-August 24)

Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Library Outside at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
All Ages

Enjoy free public piano performances on the library's patio every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:15 PM (weather-permitting)! 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Library Outside
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performance
Event Details:

Enjoy free public piano performances on the library's patio every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:15 PM (weather-permitting)! 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Sensory Spaces

Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
All Ages

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special hours for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment.

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Special Event
Registration Available
Event Details:

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special hours for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Back to School Scavenger Hunt

All Day 8/18 - 8/30
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
Children, Families

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Movie Night Special Edition: Live Virtual Author Talk with Casey McQuiston (Watch Party)

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Movie, Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults
Movie Night:

Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for Movie Night at the Library. This film screening will include English subtitles/ closed captioning when available. Feel free to br...

This month, we are highlighting our Library Speakers Consortium resource, which offers about three 1-hour live author talks per month. Check out past author talks and register for upcoming events here: 

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movie, Guest Speaker
Registration Available
Event Details:

Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for Movie Night at the Library. 

This film screening will include English subtitles/ closed captioning when available. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy. Limited space, registration encouraged. 

 

This month, we are highlighting our Library Speakers Consortium resource, which offers about three 1-hour live author talks per month. Check out past author talks and register for upcoming events here: 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Page Turners Book Club

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room A at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults
Book Clubs:

Book Club books will be available for checkout after each meeting. See what other formats - including large print, audiobook, and downloadable versions - are available in our colle...

Page Turners meets every 3rd Thursday at 6:00 PM.

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Available
Event Details:

Book Club books will be available for checkout after each meeting. See what other formats - including large print, audiobook, and downloadable versions - are available in our collection HERE
 

Page Turners meets every 3rd Thursday at 6:00 PM.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Classic Cinema: The Awful Truth

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Movie
Age Group:
Adults
Classic Cinema:

Join us on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for classic cinema from the 20th century. This film screening will include English subtitles/ closed captioning when available. ...

The Awful Truth (1937 ‧ Romance/Comedy ‧ 1h 31m ‧ Not Rated

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movie
Registration Available
Event Details:

Join us on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month for classic cinema from the 20th century. 

This film screening will include English subtitles/ closed captioning when available. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy. Limited space, registration encouraged. 

 

The Awful Truth (1937 ‧ Romance/Comedy ‧ 1h 31m ‧ Not Rated

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Recreational Chess

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Adult Recreational Chess:

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must b...

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Sundays in the Summer: Public Piano Performances (July 6-August 24)

Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Library Outside at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Performance
Age Group:
All Ages

Enjoy free public piano performances on the library's patio every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:15 PM (weather-permitting)! 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Library Outside
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performance
Event Details:

Enjoy free public piano performances on the library's patio every Sunday from 1:30 to 2:15 PM (weather-permitting)! 

Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees

Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Conference Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Open Public Meeting

Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Program Type: Open Public Meeting
Event Details:

Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult DIY: Oat-Standing Plant-Powered Breakfast

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room A/B at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY
Age Group:
Adults

Learn about the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into your day, starting with breakfast. Plant-Based Des Moines will demonstrate how to make overnights oats for a healthy, whole-food meal to start your day.

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Event Details:

Learn about the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into your day, starting with breakfast. Plant-Based Des Moines will demonstrate how to make overnights oats for a healthy, whole-food meal to start your day.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Double Booked Afternoon Book Club

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Conference Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults
Book Clubs:

Book Club books will be available for checkout after each meeting. See what other formats - including large print, audiobook, and downloadable versions - are available in our colle...

Double Booked Afternoon meets every 4th* Wednesday at 1:00 PM. 

 

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Available
Event Details:

Book Club books will be available for checkout after each meeting. See what other formats - including large print, audiobook, and downloadable versions - are available in our collection HERE
 

Double Booked Afternoon meets every 4th* Wednesday at 1:00 PM. 

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Author Talk with Tasha Eurich (Watch Party)

Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults

Attend the live virtual watch party at the library!

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Guest Speaker
Registration Available
Event Details:

Attend the live virtual watch party at the library!

This event is in the "Adults" group

Adult Recreational Chess

Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Adult Recreational Chess:

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must b...

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming

Drop in and play some chess; all skill levels are welcome! Held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

Please note that this program is not staffed and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Labor Day

All Day 8/31 - 9/1
Urbandale Public Library
Closing
Branches:
Urbandale Public Library
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Ten Beautiful Things Photo Contest

All Day 9/1 - 9/30
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

The Urbandale Public Library is holding a "Ten Beautiful Things" photo contest for ages 18 and older.

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Event Details:

The Urbandale Public Library is holding a "Ten Beautiful Things" photo contest for ages 18 and older.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Awesome Autumn Scavenger Hunt

All Day 9/2 - 9/15
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
Children, Families

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 hidden pictures throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

This event is in the "Ages 3-5" group
This event is in the "Ages 6-11" group
This event is in the "Families" group

Afterschool Fun LEGO: Out of This World Friends

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 4:15pm - 5:15pm
Story Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY, Gaming, STEM
Age Group:
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Afterschool Fun LEGO:

Join us for LEGO fun in the youth area of the library. Drop in the 1st Tuesday of the month between 4:15 and 5:15 to enjoy free building at your own pace, or complete a challenge!&...

This month’s challenge is out of this world! You've made a new friend, and that friend is an alien. Create your new buddy out of LEGO, and make them a cool room to stay in while they’re here. 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Story Room
Age Group: Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Gaming, STEM
Event Details:

Join us for LEGO fun in the youth area of the library. Drop in the 1st Tuesday of the month between 4:15 and 5:15 to enjoy free building at your own pace, or complete a challenge! 

Target Audience: Families  |  No registration

This month’s challenge is out of this world! You've made a new friend, and that friend is an alien. Create your new buddy out of LEGO, and make them a cool room to stay in while they’re here. 

Disclaimer(s)

Adult Supervision

All children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult at programs and while in the library.

As per our Children's Use Policy: "The Library is not responsible for the actions, supervision, or safety of a child or for guiding or monitoring a child’s use of the Library. A child 9 years of age or younger must be supervised by a caregiver at all times. A caregiver must be 14 years of age or older." 

This event is in the "Ages 0-2" group
This event is in the "Ages 3-5" group

Evening Family Storytime

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Story Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Family Storytime:

Join us for interactive stories, singing, rhyming, and more educational FUN! Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy earl...

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29.
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Story Room
Age Group: Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Join us for interactive stories, singing, rhyming, and more educational FUN! Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy early literacy. 

Target Audience: 2-6 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required 

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29.

Disclaimer(s)

Storytime Age Range Suggestions

Our age recommendations tell you the developmental level we plan for, but every child is different. Feel free to try them out and choose the storytime(s) that feel right. Everyone is welcome! 

Adult Supervision

All children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult at programs and while in the library.

As per our Children's Use Policy: "The Library is not responsible for the actions, supervision, or safety of a child or for guiding or monitoring a child’s use of the Library. A child 9 years of age or younger must be supervised by a caregiver at all times. A caregiver must be 14 years of age or older." 

This event is in the "Ages 3-5" group

Music and Movement

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:15am
Meeting Room A/B at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Ages 3-5
Music & Movement:

Get your groove on and strengthen early literacy skills at the same time! We’ll read one book but also do plenty of stretching, singing, dancing, rhyming, jumping, and even instrum...

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29. 

 

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Get your groove on and strengthen early literacy skills at the same time! We’ll read one book but also do plenty of stretching, singing, dancing, rhyming, jumping, and even instrument play. You’ll have a blast helping your little one rock out. (Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy early literacy.)

Target Audience: 2-7 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required. 

Music & Movement is held weekdays on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Please note that we do a weekday storytime cycle of three weeks on and one week off (to allow for planning time).

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29. 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Storytime Age Range Suggestions

Our age recommendations tell you the developmental level we plan for, but every child is different. Feel free to try them out and choose the storytime(s) that feel right. Everyone is welcome! 

Adult Supervision

All children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult at programs and while in the library.

As per our Children's Use Policy: "The Library is not responsible for the actions, supervision, or safety of a child or for guiding or monitoring a child’s use of the Library. A child 9 years of age or younger must be supervised by a caregiver at all times. A caregiver must be 14 years of age or older." 

This event is in the "Ages 3-5" group

Music and Movement

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Meeting Room A/B at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Ages 3-5
Music & Movement:

Get your groove on and strengthen early literacy skills at the same time! We’ll read one book but also do plenty of stretching, singing, dancing, rhyming, jumping, and even instrum...

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29. 

 

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Get your groove on and strengthen early literacy skills at the same time! We’ll read one book but also do plenty of stretching, singing, dancing, rhyming, jumping, and even instrument play. You’ll have a blast helping your little one rock out. (Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy early literacy.)

Target Audience: 2-7 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required. 

Music & Movement is held weekdays on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Please note that we do a weekday storytime cycle of three weeks on and one week off (to allow for planning time).

Weekday Storytime Schedule:

  • Our current cycle starts on Tuesday, September 2. Our break will be the week of September 22-26, and the next three-week cycle will start September 29. 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Storytime Age Range Suggestions

Our age recommendations tell you the developmental level we plan for, but every child is different. Feel free to try them out and choose the storytime(s) that feel right. Everyone is welcome! 

Adult Supervision

All children under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult at programs and while in the library.

As per our Children's Use Policy: "The Library is not responsible for the actions, supervision, or safety of a child or for guiding or monitoring a child’s use of the Library. A child 9 years of age or younger must be supervised by a caregiver at all times. A caregiver must be 14 years of age or older." 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Author Talk with Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Virtual)

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual
Program Type:
Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults
Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Guest Speaker