Programs & Events
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PRINTABLE CALENDAR & PROGRAM SHEET
Printable calendars and program sheets may not reflect event cancellations, additions, or changes. Please check the online calendar below for up-to-date information.
Click on an event to learn more & register! Color Guide:
Kids (0-3) | PreK (3-5) | Kids (0-5) | Kids (K-6th) | Teen (12-18) | Family | Adult/General | Makerspace | Online | Closings
SPECIAL EVENTS
No Pressure Book Club
September's theme: True Crime
Click HERE to view this month's recommended reads!
Wednesday, October 7 | 5 - 6PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Join us for a no pressure book club! Each month, we'll curate a selection of books from a specific genre; you can pick a book from our list or choose your own! Read the book and join us on the first Wednesday of the next month to discuss your thoughts with others. Can’t make the meeting? No worries! We’ll share our selections on social media, where you can share any thoughts you had while reading or about the genre as a whole.
Teentober Reading Challenge & QC Libraries Art Contests
October 1 - 31
Teens (Ages 11-19)
This October, get ready to step up and make your mark! Along with several other libraries, you’ll be reading books or creating art that showcases what volunteering means to you. Choose your challenge or dominate both! Click HERE to learn more.
Spooky Movie Night!
Friday, October 9
Doors open at 6:30PM | Movie begins at 7PM
Ericksen Center (1401 11th Ave N)
Family Event
Movie: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Join Parks & Rec and the Clinton Public Library at the Ericksen Center for a spooky movie night!
FrankenPlush Open Craft Workshop
Saturday, October 10 | 1 - 4PM | 2nd Floor
General (Ages 12+)
Channel your inner mad scientist to tear apart stuffed animals and sew them back together to create your own plush monster! This is an open workshop so stop in anytime between 1 and 4 PM on Saturday, October 10th to bring forth your crazy creation! Plushies, polyfill, and sewing materials are provided, or you can bring your own.
LibraryTALK @ Deanna's
Thursday, October 15 | 10 - 11AM
Deanna's Java North (2007 N 2nd St)
General (All Ages)
Share your thoughts on how the library is doing! We want to hear your ideas & feedback and library staff will be available to listen. You can drop in anytime during the session and it will take about 5–10 minutes. Your input will help us better serve our community! No registration is needed. A sweet treat will be provided.
D&D Open One-Shot (BATTLE ROYALE EDITION)
Saturday, October 17 | 2 - 5PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441.
This October, we're inviting you to a special PVP (player versus player) battle royale! Come dressed in costume and gain an extra magic item! Characters should be level 15, and we will be using 5E rules.
BookTok Bingo
Wednesday, October 21
Doors open at 5:30pm | Bingo starts at 7pm
Tuscany Special Events Center (2417 Cleveland St)
Ages 18+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441.
Grab your friends and join us to play BookTok bingo at the Tuscany! Bingo winners will get to pick a popular book to take home with them.
Bingo cards are $5 each with a limit of four cards per person. Cash or check at event check in is required to play. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library.
ACOTAR 6 Release Party
Friday, October 30 | 5 - 6:30PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 14+
Registration is not required, but it is appreciated! Click HERE or call (563) 242-8441.
Sarah J Maas fans – the wait is over! Join us at the library for an after-hours party to celebrate the release of Book 6 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series! Test your knowledge in some Maasverse trivia, vote on fan theories, show off your fave merch, enter the costume contest for a fun prize, and enjoy some refreshments and drinks, all while hanging out with fellow readers and fans of the series!
Halloween Costume Swap
Drop-off: Sept 21 - 26 | Pick-up: Oct 2 & 3
All Ages
Looking for a fun, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious way to celebrate Halloween? Join us for our Halloween Costume Swap at the Clinton Public Library! Bring your family’s gently used costumes and accessories to the library and trade them in for something “new-to-you”! Whether you're a witch, a superhero, or a spooky skeleton, there’s something for everyone. Families with children of all ages are welcome to peruse the selections. Let’s reduce waste, save money, and make this Halloween magical for everyone!
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How it Works
- When people donate costumes and accessories, they will receive a special ticket to get first dibs at the swap. Following the ticket holder swap, the event will be open to everyone (while supplies last) to get a free costume, even if they were unable to donate to the swap.
- Costumes and accessories should be clean and in “good” to “excellent” condition.
- We can’t guarantee that you will find a costume in your size or fit.
- The swap is on a first come first served basis, however, please be respectful of other swappers and only swap for what you need.
- Costumes may be tried on at the event; we suggest you wear something you can slip a costume over to avoid the hassle of dressing and undressing.
- Any un-swapped items will be donated to a local nonprofit community service organization or school.
What You Can Bring
- Clean, gently used costumes (all ages & sizes)
- Capes, masks, props, or other costume accessories (no hats or wigs, please)
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SWAP DATES
Donation Drop-Off: September 21 – 26, during library hours
Costume Swap Pick-Up:
- Ticket holders: Friday, October 2 from 10:00am-4:30pm; Saturday, October 3 from 12:00pm-4:30pm
- Open to everyone beginning Monday, October 5
PASSIVE PROGRAMS
Take & Sew Kits: Boomerang Bags
Sustainability Club: Living Well with CPL!
Always Available at the Main Desk
The Clinton Public Library is looking for volunteers to sew Boomerang Bags at home! Boomerang Bags is a global movement to help tackle plastic pollution and to upcycle and recycle fiber to make home-sewn reusable tote bags as an alternative. These bags will then be provided to library patrons to carry their library books.
Take & Sew Kits will be available at the front desk during library hours. You will return the bags when completed. To volunteer for this project, you will need your own sewing machine and thread. If you have any questions, please call (563) 242-5355 or email the makerspace at cplmakerspace@gmail.com.
OPEN HOURS
Moose's Office Hours
Most Wednesdays (check the calendar!) | 9:00AM - 12:00PM | Lower Level
Moose the therapy dog (in-training!) is here to remind you that sometimes, all you need is a little paws-itivity! Friends of all ages are invited to stop by the youth department on Wednesday mornings to:
- Read with Moose! Improve your reading confidence and literacy skills by reading aloud to a calm and patient listener.
- Relieve stress! Had a “ruff” day? Moose’s fluffy presence can reduce anxiety and boost emotional well-being.
- Just come hang out! Stop by for a pet, cuddle, or belly rub. Moose will brighten your day!
Memory Lab Hours
Tuesdays & Fridays | 2 - 4PM | 2nd Floor
Preserve your personal history by digitizing cherished items in our Memory Lab. Training is one-on-one,
personalized guidance just for you. Turn your keepsakes into digital treasures and make sure your memories
last a lifetime! Memory Lab hours are subject to change, based on staff availability. To make sure a time is
available for you, please schedule an appointment by calling (563) 242-5355.
Thank you to the Clinton County Development Association and the Friends of the Library for funding this equipment.
Makerspace Hours
Note: Day and time has changed from Tuesdays 1 - 4:30pm to Mondays 1 - 4pm!
Mondays 1 - 4PM; Thursdays 3:30 - 7:30PM; or by appointment | 2nd Floor (Makerspace)
Makerspace hours are subject to change, based on staff availability. To make sure a time is available for you, or to make an appointment, please call (563) 242-8441 or email cplmakerspace@gmail.com. Click HERE to learn more about the Makerspace!
IowaWORKS Career Services
Select Wednesdays | 9AM - 5PM | Main Floor
Click HERE to view upcoming dates.
IowaWORKS services include Resume Assistance, Registered Apprenticeship, Virtual Workshops, and other service referrals for educational and unemployment insurance needs. Please call ahead for Soft Skills Training and Mock Interviewing Skills.
WEEKLY
Fiber Friends | Weekly Craft Club
Thursdays, 5 - 7PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 13+
Join us for a cozy and creative gathering of fiber arts enthusiasts! Whether you're passionate about crochet, knitting, or other fiber crafts like weaving, embroidery, or felting, this club is the perfect place to share your skills, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow makers.
All skill levels are welcome—from beginners to seasoned crafters. Bring your current project or start something new. Limited yarn, crochet hooks/knitting needles are provided. Come stitch, chat, and be inspired!
Creative Explorers
**Mondays** (NEW DAY!) at 3:30PM | Lower Level
Grades K-5
Join us for an afternoon of play and learning! The Creative Explorers program offers a space for children of all abilities and stages of learning to create, explore, and discover the world around them in a hands-on way.
Every Monday of the month will be themed as follows:
- 1st Mondays: STEM/Science
- 2nd Mondays: Video Games
- 3rd Mondays: Arts & Crafts (on the 2nd Floor!)
- 4th Mondays: Free Play (self-directed)
Caregivers are encouraged to stay in the building and participate with their children. Children under the age of 8 are not to be left alone in the building without a caretaker at least 14 years of age.
Wiggle Time
Tuesdays at 10:30AM | Lower Level
Ages 0-3
We will have songs, toys, and bubbles for you and your baby or toddler to interact! This is a great chance for kids and caregivers to socialize with each other and their peers.
Storytime
Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:30AM | Lower Level
Pre-K
Storytime is offered continually, with breaks occurring in late December and August. Join us for fun, stories, songs, puppet shows, and a craft to take home!
Upcoming Themes
- Sept 30 & Oct 2 - Meet Moose
- Oct 7 & 9 - Fall
- Oct 14 & 16 - Five Senses
- Oct 21 & 23 - Block City
Sensory Saturday
Explore, Discover, Play!
Saturdays, 12 - 1PM | Lower Level
Ages 0-5
Sensory Saturdays is a hands-on, play-based program that invites young children to explore a variety of sensory stations designed to stimulate touch, sight, sound, smell, and movement. Each session features activities that support early childhood development, creativity, and social interaction, and encourages caregiver-child interaction.
FREQUENT
The following programs may occur several times a month. For more information, please view our calendar or call (563) 242-8441.
All-Ages Chess Club
Where Every Move Matters!
1st & 3rd Saturdays | 2 - 3PM (may go longer) | Lower Level
All Ages
Welcome to the All-Ages Chess Club, a vibrant community where chess enthusiasts of all skill levels come together to share their passion for the game! Players of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors—can connect over the chessboard. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned grandmaster, our club provides a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone.
LEGO Club
2nd & 4th Saturdays | 2 - 3PM (may go longer) | Lower Level
All Ages
Join us on 2nd and 4th Saturdays in an all-ages LEGO club. Show off your building skills, learn some tricks of the trade, complete a mini build challenge, or enjoy some open building time with buckets of bricks.
Virtual Author Talks
Library Speakers Consortium
Click HERE to view more information, register for upcoming events, or view past recordings.
October
Courage, Choice, and What Comes Next with Dystopian Icon Veronica Roth
Thursday, October 1, 6PM
#1 New York Times and International Bestselling Author
Pasta with a Twist: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics with Food Network Star Joe Sasto
Tuesday, October 6, 1PM
National Bestselling Author, Celebrity Chef, and Pasta Innovator
Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo
Thursday, October 8, 1PM
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves
Tuesday, October 27, 1PM
Bestselling Author, Human Connection Specialist, and Host of The Mark Groves Podcast
November
Reclaiming Your Inner Wisdom: Sacred Indigenous Teachings with Asha Frost
Tuesday, November 3, 1PM
Indigenous Medicine Woman, Spiritual Mentor, and Bestselling Author
How Money Became God: Rethinking Wealth and Greed in Modern Society with Paul Vigna
Wednesday, November 11, 1PM
Veteran Wall Street Journal Reporter and Financial Expert
Fire, Passion, and Heritage: Native American and Mexican Cooking with Chef Pyet DeSpain
Thursday, November 12, 1PM
Next Level Chef Winner and Creator of Indigenous Fusion Cuisine
Epic Worlds and Celestial Prophecies: Exploring the Between Earth and Sky Trilogy with Rebecca Roanhorse
Thursday, November 19, 6PM
New York Times Bestselling and Hugo Award–Winning Fantasy Author
MONTHLY
The following programs meet once a month. For more information, please view our calendar or call (563) 242-8441.
#52Stories
1st Saturdays | 1:30 - 3PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is encouraged; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
On every headstone or plaque, there are two dates separated by a dash. How do you define your dash? The #52Stories genealogy project provides the inspiration you need to write down one story every week for a year by using a handwritten journal, blog, voice, or video recording. During this meeting we will chat about what we are doing with our own #52Stories project by sharing our stories & photos.
Our Story Circle Genealogy Club
2nd Saturdays | 1 - 3PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is encouraged; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Do you love genealogy? Join us for the Our Story Circle Genealogy Club! This welcoming group brings together family-history enthusiasts of all experience levels to:
- Share research ideas and discoveries
- Get help with questions and brick walls
- Explore genealogy resources in our collection, Memory Lab, and online
- Connect with other researchers and work on your projects
Computers are available in limited numbers, and you’re welcome to bring your own laptop.
Bring Your Own Book Club
Note: Cancelled for September
3rd Saturdays | 1:30 - 2:30PM (may go longer) | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is encouraged; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Formerly Lyons Reads, this book club is relaxed and we have fun conversations about books and authors. We each read our own book and discuss it with our group.
D&D Open One-Shot
3rd Saturdays | 2 - 5PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Come one, come all, for a once in a lifetime adventure of Dungeons and Dragons! Get your dice and character sheet ready and join us for a D&D One-Shot, open to beginners and experienced players alike!
Let’s Dish: Potluck Club
4th Saturdays | 1 - 2PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Food lovers, this one’s for you! Join us each month for Let’s Dish: Potluck Club, where great recipes and great conversations come together. Each month features a new theme—simply choose a recipe that fits, prepare it at home, and bring your dish (along with serving utensils) to share family‑style.
Let's Learn American Mahjong!
Select Wednesdays | 4:30 - 6:30PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Come join us for a beginner-friendly, two-hour workshop and learn to play American Mahjong! You will learn the basics of how this game is played with Clinton native, Lori Kennedy. This is a very welcoming space for total beginners—no experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Already familiar with the game? Click HERE to find an “American Mahjong Open Play” session!
American Mahjong Open Play
Select Wednesdays | 4:30 - 6:30PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 18+
Registration is required to use the library's Mahjong sets; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates. Registration is not required for groups that wish to bring a personal set and cards.
Interested in practicing your American Mahjong skills? Join us for an open play session! Open play is for those who already know how to play. It is an opportunity to enjoy the game with other members of the community in a relaxed and friendly environment. We have 2 Mahjong sets and 8 cards, enough for 8 players.
New to the game? Click HERE to find a “Let's Learn American Mahjong” class!
Learn to Sew: A Beginner’s Workshop
Four-Part Workshop, Spring & Fall | 1st Thursdays | 5 - 7PM | 2nd Floor (Makerspace)
Ages 10+
Registration for the January-April 2027 series will open in December.
Always wanted to learn how to sew but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a hands-on Learn-to-Sew class designed just for beginners! In this friendly, no-pressure workshop, you’ll get comfortable with the basics of both hand and machine sewing.
Make, Mend, Repair
2nd Thursdays | 5 - 7PM | 2nd Floor (Makerspace)
All Ages
Registration is encouraged, but not required; drop-ins and all ages welcome. Click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Don’t toss it—fix it! Join us for Make, Mend, Repair, a creative, community-centered workshop where you’ll learn basic repair skills to extend the life of your clothes, textiles, and small household items.
Bring something you’d like to fix—like a broken zipper, a missing button, or a broken stuffed animal or toy—or just come to learn!
Sustainability Club | Help Us Make Boomerang Bags
3rd Thursdays | 5 - 6PM | 2nd Floor
Ages 12+
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 for upcoming dates.
Do you like to sew? We are looking for volunteers to cut and sew Boomerang Bags, put together take-n-sew kits, and to help us eliminate the use of plastic bags in the library. Boomerang Bags is a global movement to help tackle plastic pollution and to upcycle and recycle fiber to make home-sewn reusable tote bags as an alternative. These bags will then be provided to library patrons to carry their library books.