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
2025 Seed Swap & Giveaway
Saturday, January 25
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
In 2023 and 2024, Nine Square Feet expanded their fun, annual community event to libraries, big and small, all across the state. They want to go EVEN BIGGER with a goal of up to 50 libraries to participate in their 2025 state-wide event. The Clinton Public Library will be participating in the 2025 Seed Swap and Giveaway for National Seed Swap Day!
Bring your seeds to share with others and take new seeds for your upcoming gardens. We are also inviting you to bring a house plant to swap! Please bring your items during the event day only. We will provide light refreshments and share information about our Seed Lending Library and other community related events.
If you are an organization that would like to provide information based on our event please let us know by contacting us at info@clintonpubliclibrary.us with the subject: Seed Swap 2025.
Author Talk Watch Party
An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent: A Conversation with Seth Fishman
Tuesday, January 28
11:30AM - 1:00PM (starts at 12pm)
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Please join us in person for a watch party, or, if you prefer, visit https://libraryc.org/clintonpubliclibrary/65250 to join us from a different location. Registration is encouraged; click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 to register.
You’re writing a book, or thinking about it, but what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process with Seth Fishman, Vice President and Literary Agent at the Gernert Company. This 90-minute presentation includes 30 minutes of Q & A. This is the year to make your publishing dreams come true! Refreshments will be served.
Lunch & Learn: Show & Tell for Grownups
Saturday, February 8
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Main Branch, 2nd Floor
Patrons are welcome to bring their lunch and learn about the treasures of others during this session. This program is for ages 18+. Click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 to register.
Do you have an item in your home with an interesting tale? Something you purchased at an estate sale, inherited or even something you made yourself? Do you collect anything? Please bring one or two of those items to the library and tell us about it in a Show & Tell for Grownups! We will each take turns speaking about our item and showing off what we brought. If you are interested to see what others bring but are too shy to speak in front of a group, you are welcome to come and watch.
Please do not bring any weapons or firearms, explosives or dangerous substances.
BookTok Bingo
Wednesday, February 12
Doors Open at 6:30pm | Bingo Starts at 7:00pm
The Rusty Barrel Lounge (224 5th Ave S)
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. Click HERE or call (563) 242-8441 to register.
Grab your friends and join us to play BookTok bingo! Bingo winners will get to pick a popular BookTok book to take home with them for free.
Tiny Art Show
Calling All Artists: Participate in our Tiny Art Show!
Be a part of the Clinton Public Library’s second annual Tiny Art Show! Individuals ages 5 and up of all artistic abilities are encouraged to participate. We invite artists to create their paintings with one of the following themes in mind:
1) Furry Friends 2) Home is . . . 3) My hope for 2025 . . . 4) Abstract Art
Questions? Please call the library at (563) 242-8441.
How It Works
Monday, February 10 - Saturday, February 15
Pick up FREE art materials at the library anytime during open hours. You'll get two 4’’ x 4’’ canvases, paint, and a brush to create your paintings. Art materials will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, March 1
Return your finished paintings to the library anytime during open hours. Before you return your painting, please write the following on the back of the canvases: your full name, your phone number, and what theme you chose for your painting.
Wednesday, March 5 - Wednesday, April 2
View your artwork and others on display on the main floor of the library.
Thursday, April 3 - Thursday, April 17
Pick up your artwork.
WEEKLY
Bilingual Storytime
Begins Feb 1st!
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!
Creative Explorers
On Break After Dec 18th - Resumes Feb 5th
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.
Device Advice
Thursdays, 9:00AM - 11:00AM
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.
Storytime
On Break After Dec 18th - Resumes Feb 5th
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!
Teen Create & Connect
Begins Feb 7th!
Fridays, 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Main Branch, Lower Level
Join us every Friday for a fun and creative way to kick off the weekend! The Create & Connect program is all about exploring your creativity, learning new skills, and hanging out with friends in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you love crafting, building, designing, or just want to chill with some cool activities, this is the place for you.
Each week, we’ll have a variety of DIY projects, hands-on activities, snacks, and a chance to hang out, play games, and chat. It's your chance to experiment with new ideas, make awesome stuff, and be part of a vibrant teen community at the library. All skill levels are welcome – we’ll provide everything you need, so just grab your friends, bring your imagination, and we’ll see you Friday!
Wiggle Time
On Break After Dec 17th - Resumes Feb 4th
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.
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.
Notes on Modern Irrationality with Bestselling Author Amanda Montell
Thursday, Jan 23, 1PM
New York Times Bestselling Author of Cultish and The Age of Magical Overthinking
An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent: A Conversation with Seth Fishman
Tuesday, Jan 28, 12PM
Vice President and Agent at The Gernert Company
How We Create Pandemics, From Our Bodies to Our Beliefs with Smithsonian Curator Sabrina Sholts
Tuesday, Feb 4, 1PM
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective: In Conversation with Waubgeshig Rice
Tuesday, Feb 11, 6PM
Award-Winning and Bestselling Author of Moon of the Crusted Snow
I Am Nobody’s Slave: An Author Talk with Pulitzer Prize Finalist Lee Hawkins
Tuesday, Feb 18, 1PM
Award-Winning Journalist and Creator and Host of the podcast “What Happened in Alabama?”
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.
Lyons Reads Book Club
On break, resuming Jan 25th.
Check Calendar for Location
The Lyons Reads 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.
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
On break, resuming Feb 11th.
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.