Event List

Featured Events

Behind the Blue Ribbon

Iowa PBS Film Screening: Behind the Blue Ribbon at the Iowa State Fair

Monday, August 4, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Program Type:

Movie, Guest Speaker

Age Group:

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

Step beyond the Grand Concourse and into the heart of the Iowa State Fair with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at four people keeping some of its most beloved traditions alive.

Adults and kids browsing a table full of books.

Book Sale

All Day 8/6 - 8/10

Age Group:

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

Wednesday, August 6 - Sunday, August 10

Flash Book Sale 

Help build up your personal library in a sustainable way!
 

Denice Peters Artwork

Art Gallery Reception: Denice Peters

Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Program Type:

Art Gallery

Age Group:

Adults, All Ages
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Art Gallery
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Art Gallery
Registration Available
Event Details:

Join us for light refreshments, meet artist Denice Peters, and check out their exhibit in the Art Gallery from August 3 – September 13.

Back-to-School craft supplies

“Back-to-School Cool” Craft Day Drop-In

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 9:00am - 6:30pm

Program Type:

Crafts & DIY

Age Group:

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

Join us in the youth area all day for crafts that will help get you stoked for school! 

Spinning Yarns logo and Craft and Hobby logo with 3 snapshots of how-to videos involving crochet or knitting.

Spinning Yarns

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Program Type:

Crafts & DIY

Age Group:

Adults
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Filters
Age Group

Bonus: Scavenger Hunts Off the Page! Crochet Fantasy Figures

All Day 7/15 - 8/5
Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
Children, Families

Drop into the library and hunt down 9 crochet fantasy figures (made by Ms. Carisa!) 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 crochet fantasy figures (made by Ms. Carisa!) throughout the Youth Area. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

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!

 

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! 

 

Adult Recreational Chess

Saturday, August 2, 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...

**No Chess Next Saturday, August 9

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

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. 

**No Chess Next Saturday, August 9

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

Sunday, August 3, 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)! 

Iowa PBS Film Screening: Behind the Blue Ribbon at the Iowa State Fair

Monday, August 4, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room A at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Movie, Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Step beyond the Grand Concourse and into the heart of the Iowa State Fair with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at four people keeping some of its most beloved traditions alive.

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

Step beyond the Grand Concourse and into the heart of the Iowa State Fair with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at four people keeping some of its most beloved traditions alive.

Drive-Thru Book Drop Closed

All Day
Off Site

The library’s drive-thru book drop on the north side of the building will be inaccessible on Tuesday, August 5 due to National Night Out. You will still be able to return...

Closing
Branches:
Off Site
Description:

The library’s drive-thru book drop on the north side of the building will be inaccessible on Tuesday, August 5 due to National Night Out. 

Storytime in the Parks

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Off Site
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Ages 3-5, Families

 

Week 9 

Location: Walnut Creek Regional Park (Horizon’s Ridge Playground)
Registration Available
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Ages 3-5, Families
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

 

Week 9 

Location: Walnut Creek Regional Park (Horizon’s Ridge Playground)

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." 

Author Talk with Smithsonian Biologist Jay Falk (Virtual)

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual
Program Type:
Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Click here to register to watch this program on your own.

Virtual Event
Library Branch: Virtual
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Guest Speaker
Event Details:

Click here to register to watch this program on your own.

National Night Out: Book Sale & Kids Craft

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY, Special Event
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Families, Adults, All Ages

Bring the entire family for a fun-filled evening of activities and games!

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children, Teens, Families, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Special Event
Event Details:

Bring the entire family for a fun-filled evening of activities and games!

Book Sale

All Day 8/6 - 8/10
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Age Group:
All Ages

Wednesday, August 6 - Sunday, August 10

Flash Book Sale 

Help build up your personal library in a sustainable way!
 

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

Wednesday, August 6 - Sunday, August 10

Flash Book Sale 

Help build up your personal library in a sustainable way!
 

Storytime in the Parks

Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Storytime
Age Group:
Ages 3-5, Families

 

Week 9 

Location: Walnut Creek Regional Park (Horizon’s Ridge Playground)
Registration Available
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Ages 3-5, Families
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

 

Week 9 

Location: Walnut Creek Regional Park (Horizon’s Ridge Playground)

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." 

Art Gallery Reception: Denice Peters

Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Art Gallery at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Art Gallery
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages

Join us for light refreshments, meet artist Denice Peters, and check out their exhibit in the Art Gallery from August 3 – September 13.

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Art Gallery
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Art Gallery
Registration Available
Event Details:

Join us for light refreshments, meet artist Denice Peters, and check out their exhibit in the Art Gallery from August 3 – September 13.

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

Sunday, August 10, 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)! 

Double Booked Evening Book Club

Tuesday, August 12, 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...

Double Booked Evening meets every 2nd Tuesday 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. 
 

Double Booked Evening meets every 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 PM.

“Back-to-School Cool” Craft Day Drop-In

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 9:00am - 6:30pm
Story Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY
Age Group:
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families

Join us in the youth area all day for crafts that will help get you stoked for school! 

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

Join us in the youth area all day for crafts that will help get you stoked for school! 

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." 

Vision to Learn: Glasses Celebrations

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Special Event
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Eyeglasses will be dispensed for students who completed their eye exam on July 21 and August 1. Students and their families can drop in between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to pick up their glasses.

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Eyeglasses will be dispensed for students who completed their eye exam on July 21 and August 1. Students and their families can drop in between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to pick up their glasses.

Spinning Yarns

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
ICN Room at Urbandale Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY
Age Group:
Adults
Spinning Yarns:

Join us on the second Thursday of the month and bring your own knitting/crochet projects to work on in this program centered around knitting and crocheting. Please bring all n...

Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Registration Available

Join us on the second Thursday of the month and bring your own knitting/crochet projects to work on in this program centered around knitting and crocheting. 

Please bring all necessary materials for your project. Materials are not provided, but crochet and knitting kits may be available for check-out.

Craft & Hobby instructional videos will also be available for anyone who needs some help or wants to learn a new skill. A selection of knitting/crochet-related books will also be available to check out. 

All skill levels are welcome! 

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. 

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)! 

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.

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!

 

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: 

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.