Have You Grabbed Your Shirt Yet?
The Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation’s popular “Read, Return, Repeat” T-shirts are available to order now through November 10. Shirts will ship out after November 10, making them a perfect gift for the book lovers in your life—or a cozy addition to your own collection.
Every purchase supports the Waukee Public Library through the Friends Foundation, funding programs, materials, and resources that enrich our community. Get yours today: waukeelibrary.itemorder.com.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!
Your Waukee Public Library card is the key to endless possibilities—and this month, it could even win you a prize! Sign up for a new card, use the one you already have, or show off your library pride by snapping a photo with your card and tagging us on social media. We’ll draw one winner from each category at the end of September. Celebrate with us and see just how many doors your library card can open!
Get a Head Start in Coding with STEAM Kits!
Looking to spark your child’s interest in coding and problem-solving? Our coding-themed STEAM Kits make learning interactive and fun:
  • Code Hopper Kit – Get moving while learning sequencing, conditionals, and repetition.
  • Blue-Bot Kit – Program a floor robot to explore coding, movement, and collaboration.
  • Ozobot Kit – Code with colors or Blockly, from beginner to advanced, with 700+ lessons.
  • Sphero Kit – Drive, draw, and code with a smart robot that grows with your child’s skills.
These kits bring coding concepts to life in hands-on ways that help kids think creatively, solve problems, and build confidence. Check one out with your library card and give your child a head start in coding!


 
    Happening This Week
 
Babytime
Mondays in Sept. | 9:15 & 10 AM 
Build early literacy skills with 15-20 minutes of songs, rhymes, and books followed by playtime. For infants 0-17 mo. and their caregivers. Monthly registration is required. One registration will get you signed up for all of the month’s sessions.

 
Teen Advisory Board
Mondays in Sept. | 3:30 PM 
Students are invited to participate on the Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB meets weekly during the school year to help plan teen programs, sign up for library volunteer opportunities, build leadership skills and suggest teen books to be purchased by the Library. For students in grades 7-12. Contact the Library and ask for Ryan if you have any questions. Registration is required.
Teen Read and Feed
Sept. 22 | 6 PM
Bring your current read, a favorite book, or one you just have to talk about to this roundtable book discussion. This is a chill space to hang out, eat dinner, and swap book recs with other teens. No required book reading—just bring whatever you're into and come ready to talk, or just listen and eat, that’s cool too! Free dinner is included, but you are welcome to bring your own food if you have special dietary restrictions. For students in grades 6-12.  Registration required.
Pajama Storytime
Mondays in Sept. | 6:15 PM 
Put on your PJs and come to the Library for around 25 minutes of interactive bedtime songs, stories, and fun. 
For kids 0-5 years old and their caregivers. Registration is not required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays in Sept. 9 - 30 | 1:30 PM
Make a simple craft after 25-30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. This is generally for kids who can sit still for longer stories to develop school readiness. For kids 3.5-5 years old and their caregivers. Each session in the same week is a repeat event. Please limit attendance to one session per week. Monthly registration is required.
Teen Early Out 
Sept. 24 | 1:30 PM
Join us the second early out each month will be for board and video games, coloring, or just hanging out. For students in grades 6 -12. Registration is requested.
Elementary Early Out STEAM
Sept. 24 | 2:30 PM
Explore a variety of hands-on STEAM activities. This month, we'll explore fall themed activities. For kids in grades 1-5 and their caregivers. Registration is required.
0-5 Playtime
Sept. 26 | 10 AM
Children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers are invited to drop in the front program rooms and play with a variety of the library’s toys to build social and early literacy skills. For kids 0-5 years old and their caregivers. Registration is not required.
Tween Crafts
Sept. 26 | 3:30 PM
Middle grade students are invited to discover a different fun craft project each month. This month create Felt Pennants. For students in grades 4-6. Registration is required.
 
Upcoming Events!
 
 Registrations open at 9 AM three weeks before the event.
Storytime Online
Oct. 1
Enjoy a new video with themed book readings, a song, and a suggested activity to do at home. Posted to the website and YouTube on the first Wednesday of each month. For kids of all ages.
Elementary Maker Packs 
Oct. 1
A fun take-home project available for pick up the first week of each month. Packs come with most of the needed supplies to complete the activity. This month kids will make fizzing ghosts.
For kids in grades K-5. Registration is required.

 
Teen Maker Packs 
Oct. 1
A fun take-home project available for pick up the first week of each month. Packs come with most of the needed supplies to complete the activity. This month students will make Painted Galaxy Bookmarks. For students in grades 6-12. Registration is required.
Adult Maker Packs 
Oct. 1
A fun take-home project available for pick up the first week of each month. Packs come with most of the needed supplies to complete the activity. This month participants will learn beginner embroidery. For adults ages 18+ only. Registration is required.
Toddler Time
Tuesdays in Oct. | 9:15 & 10 AM (Oct. 7-28)
Wednesdays in Oct. | 9:15 & 10 AM (Oct. 8-29)
Enjoy 20-25 minutes of short stories, songs, and lots of movement followed by playtime to build early literacy skills. For kids 18 mo.-3 years old and their caregivers. Each session in the same week is a repeat event. Please limit attendance to one session per week. Monthly registration is required.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays in Oct. | 10 AM and 1:30 PM (Oct. 7-28)
Wednesdays in Oct. | 10 AM (Oct. 8-29)
Make a simple craft after 25-30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. This is generally for kids who can sit still for longer stories to develop school readiness. For kids 3.5-5 years old and their caregivers. Each session in the same week is a repeat event. Please limit attendance to one session per week. Monthly registration is required.
Snacks & Facts: Why Zoos Exist
Oct. 3 | 11:30 AM
Learn the story of the Blank Park Zoo, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and how they collectively save species from extinction. Learn about coral saving projects in Florida, Blanding’s turtle reintroductions in our own backyard, and the creation of pollinator habitats. For adults ages 18+. Come ready to learn, and we’ll provide the snacks! Stick around afterward for Waukee Parks & Recreation’s bingo at 1 PM for $1 per play.  Registration is not required. 
Babywearing Dance Party
Oct. 4 | 10 AM
Bring your baby and get ready to groove! We’ll practice basic dance moves suitable for holding or wearing baby, then bop along to some upbeat tunes. The party will end with open playtime to encourage learning through movement with props like bubbles, parachutes and ribbon wands. For infants 0-12 mo. and their caregivers. Registration is required.
Paper Nichos
Oct. 5 | 1 PM
Nichos are 3-dimensional folk-art frames popular throughout Central and South America. These boxes can house objects or photos that commemorate special people or events. Drop by to build and decorate a mini paper nicho, then take it home and add a photo that’s special to you. For all ages. Registration is not required.
Teen Early Out 
Oct. 8 | 1:30 PM
Join us the first early out of each month for a structured activity and snacks. This month our first early out will be Twinkie Fear Factor. Think you’re brave enough? Test your taste buds in a hilarious challenge featuring unexpected Twinkie creations. Compete with friends to see who can handle the weirdest, wildest snack combinations. It’s gross, it’s goofy—and it’s all in good fun. For students in grades 6 -12. Registration is requested.
Early Out Bricks and Beads
Oct. 8 | 2:30 PM
Calling all crafty engineers! Drop-in and get creative with the Library's LEGO collection or make a Perler bead design. This month's design theme is spooky season! For kids in grades 1-5 and their caregivers.  Registration is required.
 
 
 
 
Senior Tech Class: Everyday AI
Oct. 9 | 10 AM
This evolving class serves as a broad overview to artificial intelligence as well as discussing AI that is already integrated into daily life. Topics include: AI for writing, AI for research, AI for reviews, AI for advice, AI for images and how AI uses your data. For adults ages 18+. Registration is requested.
Afternoon Book Club
Oct. 9 | 2:30 PM
Meet in the Library’s Coal Mine Meeting Room at 2:30 PM for a lively discussion. Copies of each month’s book may be picked up at the Library’s front desk or during the meeting, while supplies last. This month we will discuss The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. For adults ages 18+. Registration is not required.
Non-Fiction Book Club
Oct. 9 | 4:30 PM
Each month explore a fascinating true story, followed by an extended learning activity. Kids don’t need to read the book in advance. Caregivers aren’t required to stay in the room for this program. This month's book is "Amazing Arachnids: Spiders and Their Relatives." For kids in grades 3-5. Registration is required.
Crafty Saturdays 
Oct. 11 | 10 AM
Come and make a craft that is suitable for everyone! We will all start with the same supplies and idea, but everyone’s creations will be unique. This month we will be making fingerprint art magnets. For all ages. Registration is not required.
Sensory Spaces
Oct. 11 | 3 PM
During this hour, enjoy designated quiet browsing and inclusive programming for individuals with special sensory needs and their families or caregivers. There will be a dimmed calm room, natural lighting, computer availability, and access to library materials. This month, supplies for making fingerprint art magnets will be available. For all ages. Registration requested. 
Teen Super Sunday
Oct. 12 | 1:30 PM
Join science educators from Des Moines University’s Anatomy Ambassadors for fun, interactive activities that explore organs, systems, and everything that makes you you. Perfect for curious teens who love science and discovery.  For students in grades 6-12. Registration required.
Fire Safety Storytime
Oct. 17 | 10 AM
Join us for a visit from the Waukee Fire Department! Enjoy songs and a story and learn all about fire safety. Meet a firefighter, and (if it isn’t needed on a call) see a fire truck! Registration is required and opens on Sept. 26.
Tween Crafts
Oct. 17 | 3:30 PM
Middle grade students are invited to discover a different fun craft project each month. This month create Cheesecloth Ghosts. For students in grades 4-6. Registration is required and opens on Sept. 26. 
Pride Party
Oct. 18 | 10 AM
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with a party at the library! We will play games, have rainbow snacks, and make crafts. All activities will be led by Library staff. Registration is required and opens on Sept. 27.
Cookies and CultureALL
Oct. 19 | 2 PM
Bring your friends and family and join us to listen and learn about world cultures!  A different cultural ambassador will present each month. Cookies will be served. This month learn about Native American Stories presented by Eugene Fracek. All ages welcome. Registration is requested and opens on Sept. 28.
 To find out more about the Waukee Public Library, visit
waukeepubliclibrary.org
 


    ADULT

All the way to the river : love, loss, and liberation by Elizabeth Gilbert The Belles : a novel by Lacey N. Dunham Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood Metabolic freedom : a 30-day guide to restore your metabolism, heal hormones & burn fat by Ben Azadi
FIND MORE...
 
   YOUNG ADULT

When we were monsters by Jennifer Niven Bad in the blood by Matteo L. Cerilli Legendary frybread drive-in : intertribal stories by Cynthia Leitich Smith Falling like leaves by Misty Wilson
 FIND MORE...
 
   JUNIOR

Dawn of the dragons : a New Dragon City prequel novel by Mari Mancusi Screech school by Jennifer Killick Wednesday Wilson Looks on the Fright Side by Bree Galbraith The library of unruly treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
 FIND MORE...
 
   KID

Lola's moving day by Anna McQuinn One Can Be by Pat Zietlow Miller This moment is special / :  A Día De Muertos Story - Day of the Dead by John Parra
 FIND MORE...
  

   
Waukee Public Library
950 S. Warrior Lane
Waukee, Iowa 50263
(515) 978-7944

waukeepubliclibrary.org