Calendar

Notable Books for 2026 Scavenger Hunt

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. Don’t forget to sign the champion’s log after you’ve found them all!

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Afterschool Fun LEGO: Build an Earth Day Clean-up Contraption

This month, we’re celebrating Earth Day! Your challenge is to create a new contraption that will clean up trash from the ocean or land. Let’s get to work for Mother Earth!

Evening Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery Meeting

The Urbandale Public Library Art Gallery Committee is a subcommittee of the Urbandale Public Art Committee. Meetings are open to the public and will be held quarterly on the 2nd Wednesday of January, April, July, and October at 5:30 PM at the Urbandale Public Library unless otherwise communicated to the public.

Poetry as a Coping Tool

In Celebration of National Poetry Month in April, join us for a workshop with spoken word artist and page poet Kelsey Bigelow. Kelsey will walk us through methods for writing poetry as a coping tool for managing our mental health through life’s heaviness.  From free writing and responding to prompts to observing your situation and trying a poetic form, poetry can help you process and manage your emotions.

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Adaptive Equipment Program

This program supports older adults and their caregivers in maintaining safety, independence, and confidence while aging in place through education on adaptive and assistive equipment, with no obligation to purchase.Led by occupational therapy student, Jessie Woodyard, ODT-S, the program includes live demonstrations of equipment donated by Easter Seals, followed by optional consultations offering individualized, client-centered guidance tailored to participants' needs and home environments.

Craft Club

*Previously called Spinning Yarns, but was reimagined for all crafters!

Classic Cinema: Hamlet

Hamlet (1948 ‧ Drama/Adaptation ‧ 2h 35m ‧ NR) Prince Hamlet struggles over whether or not he should kill his uncle, whom he suspects has murdered his father, the former king. Nominated for 7 Oscars and winner of 4, including Best Actor (Laurence Olivier) and Best Picture.

Adult Recreational Chess

Urbandale Historical Society: History of Merle Hay Mall

Liz Holland will provide a history of Merle Hay Mall, the former site of St. Gabriel's Monastery.

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Afterschool Fun Get Crafty: A Rainbow You Can Keep!

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.

Double Booked Evening Book Club

Double Booked Evening meets every 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 PM.This month's title is Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. Stay up to date by subscribing to our Book Club eNewsletter and get a monthly email with all of our upcoming book club discussion titles, meeting dates, and any book club-related news.

Evening Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Movie Night: Hamnet

Hamnet (2025 ‧ Period Drama ‧ 2h 5m ‧ Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some strong sexuality, and partial nudity.) William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, celebrate the birth of their son, Hamnet. However, when tragedy strikes and Hamnet dies at a young age, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece "Hamlet." Based on the 2020 historical fiction novel by Maggie O'Farrell. Nominated for 8 Oscars, with Jessie Buckley winning the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

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!

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Tween & Teen Graffiti Painting & Collage

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. Learn a scrape painting technique for your background, then collage pieces of magazines or newspapers into your painting. Finally, you’ll layer paint over the top to add in shapes and patterns such as a heart or lightning bolt. We’ll also talk about adding in your own subtle visual motif (the same way that Basquiat often used a crown). The possibilities are endless!  Have fun, hang out with friends, and paint with us.  We have age recommendations, but anyone 10 -17 may choose the session that works best for you (both are the same painting): Ages 10-14 are encouraged to register for the 4:30 PM session. Ages 13-17 are encouraged to register for the 6:00 PM session. Don’t pass up this unique creation. If the 4:30 session is full, sign up at 6:00! Please note: If you were signed up for this painting program in February, your registration did NOT automatically transfer. You are not guaranteed a slot until you sign up. If you have questions about this or any UPL youth program on our calendar, please reach out to Jacque at jstolz@urbandale.org.

Page Turners Book Club

Page Turners meets every 3rd Thursday at 6:00 PM.This month's title is The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak. Stay up to date by subscribing to our Book Club eNewsletter and get a monthly email with all of our upcoming book club discussion titles, meeting dates, and any book club-related news.

Tween & Teen Graffiti Painting & Collage

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. Learn a scrape painting technique for your background, then collage pieces of magazines or newspapers into your painting. Finally, you’ll layer paint over the top to add in shapes and patterns such as a heart or lightning bolt. We’ll also talk about adding in your own subtle visual motif (the same way that Basquiat often used a crown). The possibilities are endless!  Have fun, hang out with friends, and paint with us.  We have age recommendations, but anyone 10 -17 may choose the session that works best for you (both are the same painting): Ages 10-14 are encouraged to register for the 4:30 PM session. Ages 13-17 are encouraged to register for the 6:00 PM session. Don’t pass up this unique creation. If the 4:30 session is full, sign up at 6:00! Please note: If you were signed up for this painting program in February, your registration did NOT automatically transfer. You are not guaranteed a slot until you sign up. If you have questions about this or any UPL youth program on our calendar, please reach out to Jacque at jstolz@urbandale.org.

Book Sale

Flash Book Sale Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 26, 2026Celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25, and help build up your personal library in a sustainable way! You may know that the Library hosts a small used book sale all year round. But get ready for a flash book sale this April in the ICN Room. You may find books, movies, puzzles, cakepans, magazines, audiobooks, and so much more as we restock throughout the sale!  Items can be purchased at the main Service Desk. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards* will be accepted. (*Credit card payments incur an additional fee of 3.95%.) Please Note: No holds and no returns on sale items.

Storytime Explorers

Food Drive + Fine Forgiveness

Food DriveSaturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 26, 2026Help your community by bringing in fresh or non-perishable food or new, full-sized personal care items!  Donations can be used to clear overdue fines from your library account. 1 food or personal care item= $1.00Donations apply to overdue fines/ late fees only. (Not processing, collection, ILL, replacement fees, book sale, printing, etc.)Each item can only be applied to one account. (You cannot have $1.00 split between accounts.)No limit to the number of items you can donate. (If you have $15.00 in fines, you can bring in 15+ items!)No credit will be issued on accounts.No items with expired labels will be accepted.Donated items must be brand new, never used.  Donations will be distributed by the Urbandale Food Pantry as well as the library's Community Fridge.

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Afterschool Fun STEM: Animal Tracks Identifier

Have you ever seen animal tracks on the ground and wondered which animal made them? This month, join us to make and decorate a handy-dandy, hand-held guide to help you figure it out! We’ll also post some example tracks around the youth area, and you can go on a mini scavenger hunt to find and identify them!

"The Librarians:" Film Screening & Discussion

In celebration of National Library Week, (April 19-25), join us for a film screening of The Librarians followed by a community-driven discussion.About the film: When Texas lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.

Block Party

Block Party

Double Booked Afternoon Book Club

Double Booked Afternoon meets every 4th Wednesday at 1:00 PM. This month's title is The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens, the 2026 All Iowa Reads selection. Stay up to date by subscribing to our Book Club eNewsletter and get a monthly email with all of our upcoming book club discussion titles, meeting dates, and any book club-related news.

Anatomy Ambassadors

The Anatomy Ambassadors are visiting the library, and they’re bringing real human organs that you can see up close. Some can even be touched! The Ambassadors are medical students from Des Moines University who will answer your questions and tell you about the cool things that our organs can do! Drop in anytime during the program to move through different stations as a family, learning more about one organ, like the brain, heart, lungs, and bones, at each station. This program is aimed at ages 7-12, but everyone is welcome. Registration is appreciated but not required.

Art Gallery Reception: The Artists Hoyt & Stephanie Swilley

Drop in for light refreshments and meet The Artists Hoyt (Evan + Summer Hoyt) and Stephanie Swilley, and check out their joint exhibit in the Art Gallery from April 12 - May 30.

Sensory Spaces

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special hours for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment. (Click here for more details and check out the metro schedule.)  What are some of the things you can expect at this Sensory Spaces event? The library will have ear plugs, ear coverings, and more available for those who experience sensory defensiveness.The lighting will be reduced throughout the library and there will be areas for noise and quiet.In Meeting Room B we will have an ongoing sensory-friendly storytime. Drop in at your leisure!A therapy animal will be available for attendees to take a moment to socialize with in the Magazine/ Reading Room.In Meeting Room A organizations serving as critical supports in our community have been invited to attend the event to share information regarding their services.As always our friendly staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you utilize any of the regular resources that we offer including using a computer and checking out material.Watch our social story for a visual aid of what to expect at the library.

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees

Afterschool Fun: Board Games!

Adult DIY: Swedish Death Cleaning 101

Swedish death cleaning is the thoughtful and effective method of organizing and decluttering, made popular by Margareta Magnusson's best-selling book and television series, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning." Although the process is often done to lessen the burden of your loved ones after you've passed, people of all ages and life stages can use these techniques to calm the clutter chaos in their lives.Join Carrie Blackburn, professional home organizer and owner of Tidy Butterfly, LLC, for a hands-on workshop where you'll create your own Swedish Death Cleaning toolkit to use at home. You'll leave with a personalized decision-making guide, category checklist, and an action plan tailored to your specific decluttering goals—plus practical tips and tricks for tackling your space with confidence.

Evening Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Music and Movement

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Baby Bounce

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Toddler Time

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Storytime

Weekday Storytime Schedule: Our cycle starts on Monday, March 30, and our break week will be April 20 through April 24. However, you can check out Block Party instead on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning of the break (and come get a monstrously cute color-your-own monster bookmark too)! Storytimes resume on Monday, April 27.

Family Paint Night: Beach Sunset

Shake off those Winter Blues by painting a beautiful beach sunset! Our youth assistant Carisa will walk you through the steps to create your own beachy scenic landscape. You will learn tips and tricks to make a sunset, palm trees, and an ocean. You’ll even get to incorporate your own creative personal touches like shark fins, sailboats, and dolphins. We will be using acrylic paint, so bring a paint shirt or wear something paint-appropriate!Limited Space, Registration RequiredAge Requirement: This program is for families with children ages 6-17 (younger siblings are welcome to come free paint or color alongside their family.)You must add and register each family member's name who will attend (including adults).As this is a very popular, in-demand program, please be advised that if your party is more than 15 minutes late your spot(s) may be given to someone on the waitlist.We have made this event longer for those who want a little more time to finish up. It is very possible your group may finish earlier and need not stay until 7:00 PM.