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

Notable Books for 2026 Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/1–4/15
Children, Families
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

Help us celebrate National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026)! Drop into the library any time we’re open to look for hidden pictures of books on ALA’s list of Notable Children’s Books for 2026.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Urbandale Historical Society: History of Merle Hay Mall

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Guest Speaker, History
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Guest Speaker, History
Registration Available
Event Details:

This program is part of a series the Urbandale Historical Society will be hosting at the Urbandale Public Library. 

Join us every month on the Second Sunday at 2:00 PM. (With the exception of July, August, and December, + some other events that could be cancelled due to holidays or other conflicts.) Check www.urbandalehistoricalsociety.org for their non-library-associated events in July, August, and December.

Liz Holland will provide a history of Merle Hay Mall, the former site of St. Gabriel's Monastery.
This event is in the "Ages 0-2" group

Baby Bounce

9:00am–9:45am
Ages 0-2
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 0-2
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Baby and caregiver will enjoy bouncing, singing, shaking, and playing together! Experience and practice counting, rhythm, body part identification, animal sounds, sensory stimulation, fine and gross motor skills, and more! We'll have 20-25 minutes of interactive programming, followed by an unstructured playtime where children and caregivers can play together and interact with peers.

Target Audience: 0-24 months  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Baby Bounce is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 9:30 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: 

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

Toddler Time

10:00am–10:45am
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

This short-attention span story time is perfect for toddlers. We'll share shorter books, rhymes, and music with the understanding that sitting still is tricky sometimes. Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy early literacy! We'll have 20-25 minutes of interactive programming, followed by an unstructured playtime where children and caregivers can play together and/or interact with peers.

Target Audience: 2-3 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Weekday Storytime Schedule: 

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

Family Storytime

11:00am–11:30am
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
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 

Family Storytime is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 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: 

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

Afterschool Fun Get Crafty: A Rainbow You Can Keep!

4:15pm–5:15pm
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Crafts & DIY
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Story Room
Age Group: Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Event Details:

Join us for fun in the youth area of the library. Drop in the 2nd Tuesday of the month between 4:15 and 5:15 to get crafty. 

Target Audience: Ages 5+  |  No registration 

This month, you can join us to make a rainbow that will stick around! Make your own bright, colorful decoration for your wall using paper plates, paper straws, beads, pipe cleaners, and markers. Celebrate Earth Day with your own rainbow. 

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 "Adults" group

Double Booked Evening Book Club

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Book Club
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.

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

Evening Family Storytime

6:30pm–7:00pm
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
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 

Family Storytime is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 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: 

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

9:30am–10:15am
Ages 3-5
Storytime
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: 

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

10:30am–11:15am
Ages 3-5
Storytime
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: 

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

Movie Night: Hamnet

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Movie
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movie
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. 

 

Hamnet (2025 ‧ Period Drama ‧ 2h 5m ‧ Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity

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

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/16–4/30
Children, Families
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Age Group: Children, Families
Event Details:

Earth Day is April 22. Drop by the library any time to find all 9 pictures related to taking good care of our earth. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

 

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

Baby Bounce

9:00am–9:45am
Ages 0-2
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 0-2
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Baby and caregiver will enjoy bouncing, singing, shaking, and playing together! Experience and practice counting, rhythm, body part identification, animal sounds, sensory stimulation, fine and gross motor skills, and more! We'll have 20-25 minutes of interactive programming, followed by an unstructured playtime where children and caregivers can play together and interact with peers.

Target Audience: 0-24 months  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Baby Bounce is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 9:30 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: 

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

Toddler Time

10:00am–10:45am
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

This short-attention span story time is perfect for toddlers. We'll share shorter books, rhymes, and music with the understanding that sitting still is tricky sometimes. Caregivers should plan on attending and helping little ones to engage, feel comfortable, and enjoy early literacy! We'll have 20-25 minutes of interactive programming, followed by an unstructured playtime where children and caregivers can play together and/or interact with peers.

Target Audience: 2-3 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Weekday Storytime Schedule: 

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

Family Storytime

11:00am–11:30am
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
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 

Family Storytime is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 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: 

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 10-14" group
This event is in the "Ages 12-17" group

Tween & Teen Graffiti Painting & Collage

4:30pm–5:30pm
Ages 10-14, Ages 12-17
Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Ages 10-14, Ages 12-17
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Event Details:

This month, we’re celebrating Graffiti Art and highlighting the work of legendary graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Join us to create a mixed media painting/ collage.

Disclaimer(s)

Tween & Teen Programs Age Restrictions

This program is open to tweens and teens ages 10-17 only. Registration is strongly recommended and is the only way to make sure you have a seat. 

Please note that ages 10-14 and ages 13-17 are suggested age ranges for each session, but as long as you are between the ages of 10-17 you can sign up for either time that works best for your schedule. 
 


 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Page Turners Book Club

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Book Club
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 "Ages 10-14" group
This event is in the "Ages 12-17" group

Tween & Teen Graffiti Painting & Collage

6:00pm–7:00pm
Ages 10-14, Ages 12-17
Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: Ages 10-14, Ages 12-17
Program Type: Crafts & DIY
Registration Available
Event Details:

This month, we’re celebrating Graffiti Art and highlighting the work of legendary graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Join us to create a mixed media painting/ collage.

Disclaimer(s)

Tween & Teen Programs Age Restrictions

This program is open to tweens and teens ages 10-17 only. Registration is strongly recommended and is the only way to make sure you have a seat. 

Please note that ages 10-14 and ages 13-17 are suggested age ranges for each session, but as long as you are between the ages of 10-17 you can sign up for either time that works best for your schedule. 
 


 

Book Sale

All Day 4/17–4/26
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: ICN Room
Event Details:

Flash Book Sale 

Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25, and help build up your personal library in a sustainable way!
 

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

Storytime Explorers

10:00am–11:00am
Ages 3-5
Storytime, Crafts & DIY, STEM
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 3-5
Program Type: Storytime, Crafts & DIY, STEM
Registration Available

At this longer storytime, we’ll dive into a topic and explore the fascinating world around us using a combination of nonfiction and fiction books. Each storytime will typically include reading, discussion, one craft, and one science activity. 

Target Audience: 3-6 years old  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Storytime Explorers is held on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 10:00 AM. 

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." 

Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Event Details:

Food Drive

Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Help your community by bringing in fresh or non-perishable food or new, full-sized personal care items! 

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

Baby Bounce

9:30am–10:15am
Ages 0-2
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
Age Group: Ages 0-2
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Available
Event Details:

Baby and caregiver will enjoy bouncing, singing, shaking, and playing together! Experience and practice counting, rhythm, body part identification, animal sounds, sensory stimulation, fine and gross motor skills, and more! We'll have 20-25 minutes of interactive programming, followed by an unstructured playtime where children and caregivers can play together and interact with peers.

Target Audience: 0-24 months  |  Registration encouraged to help us plan but not required

Baby Bounce is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 AM and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 9:30 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: 

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

Family Storytime

10:30am–11:00am
Ages 0-2, Ages 3-5
Storytime
Registration Available
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A/B
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 

Family Storytime is held weekdays on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 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: 

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

Afterschool Fun STEM: Animal Tracks Identifier

4:15pm–5:15pm
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Crafts & DIY, STEM
Library Branch: Urbandale Public Library
Room: Story Room
Age Group: Ages 3-5, Ages 6-11, Families
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, STEM
Event Details:

Join us for fun in the youth area of the library. Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of the month between 4:15 and 5:15 to enjoy science, technology, engineering, or math activities. 

Target Audience: Ages 5+  |  No registration 

Have you ever seen animal tracks on the ground and wondered which animal made them? 

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."