Programs & Events
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Click on an event to learn more & register! Color Guide:
Kids (0-3) | PreK | Kids (K-6th) | Teen (12-18) | Family | Adult/General | Makerspace | Online | Closings/Cancellations
SPECIAL EVENTS
Genealogy Night
Friday, April 18
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441.
Use our resources, ask questions from fellow researchers and library staff, and take advantage of after-hours research time. Feel free to bring a laptop as computers will be limited. Light refreshments will be provided.
Upcycled Spring Wreath Craft
With the Franciscan Peace Center
Tuesday, April 22
5:00PM - 6:30PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
This year, the Franciscan Peace Center has partnered with the Clinton Public Library to host an up-cycle program to celebrate Earth Day. Participants will be encouraged to bring a used sweater from their sweater collections to be cut into strips & wrapped around a wreath form while we use other upcycled materials to create spring wreaths.
This event is free and open to the public and is guaranteed to be a fun, creative, community-building event. Registration is not required, but you can register by clicking HERE or calling (563) 242-8441. If you have any questions about how you can participate, or if you have craft items that you’d like to donate, please contact Marsha Thrall at mthrall@clintonfranciscans.com.
Read With Love Book Club
PFLAG Clinton-RiverCities
Thursday, May 1
5:30PM - 7:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Join our local PFLAG chapter for their book club! The titles picked focus on queer authors and/or stories. March's selection is Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality by Jim Obergefell and Debbie Cenziper.
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
Presented by University of Iowa Healthcare
Friday, May 2
3:30PM - 4:45PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Registration is required; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441.
Join board-certified genetic counselors Anjali Narain, MS, LGC (she/her), and Amanda Odell, MS, LGC (she/her), from University of Iowa Healthcare to learn about direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing.
We will discuss various types of genetic testing, including DTC and ancestry testing. During this interactive event, learn how your data might be analyzed and what the results may mean for you and your family. Come join us to explore topics of privacy and data sharing and how you can make informed decisions about this testing.
Sustainability Club
Adult Show & Tell: Thrift Hauls
Saturday, May 10
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Sustainability Club: Living Well with CPL! This new program is to promote community awareness about resilience, climate change, and a sustainable future. Our first meeting is about the importance of thrifting.
Thrifting benefits the environment and is budget friendly. There are a lot of quality items to be found for a fraction of their original price. Do you consider local thrift store, estate sales, antique shops or garage sales before buying something new? If so, please join us and bring one or two of those items to the library. If too large, share photos! We will each take turns speaking about our items and why thrifting is important.
This program is for ages 14+.
Please do not bring any weapons or firearms, explosives or dangerous substances.
Park Night
With Parks & Rec
Wednesday, May 14
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Clinton Park (301 S 4th St)
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun! Enjoy yard games, sports activities, music, and more for free.
This family-friendly event is organized by the City of Clinton’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Clinton Public Library. Park Nights will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at different parks in Clinton this summer.
WEEKLY
Creative Explorers
Wednesdays at 3:00PM
Main Branch, Lower Level
Join us for an afternoon of play and learning! The Creative Explorers (formerly Afternoon Adventures) program offers a space for children to create, explore, and discover. Through fun and interactive programs, we aim to provide patrons of all abilities and stages of learning with the opportunity to learn about the world around them in a hands-on way.
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.
Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:30AM
Main Branch, Lower Level
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!
Wiggle Time
Tuesdays at 10:30AM
Main Branch, Lower Level
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. This program is suited for ages 0-3.
Vibe Out
Fridays, 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor (unless noted)
Teens, join us on Fridays for anime, crafts, and snacks!
FREQUENT
The following programs may occur several times a month. For more information, please view our calendar or call (563) 242-8441.
Virtual Author Talks
Library Speakers Consortium
Click HERE to view more information, register for upcoming events, or view past recordings.
The Thrill of Writing Action, Adventure, and Suspense: A Conversation with Bestselling Author Gregg Hurwitz
Thursday, Apr 24, 6PM
Author of the New York Times Bestselling Orphan X Series
How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wednesday, May 7, 1PM
Harvard Psychologist, Author, and Keynote Speaker
On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang
Wednesday, May 14, 6PM
Julie Chan is Dead – A Propulsive Debut Thriller
How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein​
Wednesday, May 21, 1PM
Lifestyle Writer, Editor, and Bestselling Author of The Genius of Judy
MONTHLY
The following programs meet once a month. For more information, please view our calendar or call (563) 242-8441.
#52Stories
First Saturdays
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
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.
All-Ages Chess Club
Where Every Move Matters!
First Saturdays
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Main Branch, Lower Level
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.
Bilingual Storytime
First Saturdays at 10:30AM
Main Branch, Lower Level
Join us for a fun and engaging bilingual Storytime at the library! This special event is designed for children and families to enjoy stories, songs, and activities in both English and Spanish. We will read aloud in both languages, offering an opportunity for young learners to explore new words, phrases, and cultures.
Bilingual Storytime will include age-appropriate stories, songs, and hands-on activities that encourage participation and foster a love of reading. Whether you're a beginner or fluent in both languages, this Storytime is perfect for all families looking to explore the beauty of bilingual learning together. We can't wait to see you there!
Bring Your Own Book Club
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
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.
Device Advice
TBD
Main Branch, Main Floor
Visit the library to get any of your technology questions answered! Library staff will help you feel more comfortable using everyday technology, such as your smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop. Drop in at your convenience.
The Plarn Project
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Plarn is plastic yarn that is made from plastic shopping bags. This material is used by local volunteers to make comfortable sleeping mats for the homeless. Upcycling these plastic bags is a way to help our community and also reduce the amount of plastic going into landfills. If you are interested in donating clean plastic grocery bags & cutting them, please join us to learn more about this project.
Reading Party
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Enjoy quiet reading time with other area readers! This is the perfect party to join if you want designated monthly reading time. Light drinks and snacks will be provided. All ages are welcome!
Can't make it right at 5:30pm? That's ok! Come whenever you can to read with us, even if it's for ten minutes.
Sewing Basics
First Thursdays, January-April 2025
Next Workshop: Sept-Dec 2025
Main Branch, Makerspace
The Sewing Basics workshop includes 4 sessions, each held on the 1st Thursday of the month. You will be guided through the basics, from learning sewing machine parts and essential tools to mending, sewing simple projects, and much more!
Ages 14+ | 5:30PM - 6:30PM | Registration is closed.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew? Have your sewing skills gotten a little rusty over the years? Sign up for a series of beginner level workshops where you can learn to sew, or refresh your skills, alongside our Makerspace staff.
Youth Edition
Ages 10-14 | 4:00PM - 5:00PM | Registration is closed.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to sew, here is your chance! Sign up for a series of beginner level workshops where you can learn how to mend your old items as well as sew something new, alongside our Makerspace staff.
Spice Club
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Registration is closed.
This program is sponsored by The Spice & Tea Exchange® of TSTE of West Des Moines.