Programs

The Oelwein Public Library offers programs to further the library's mission to serve the needs of the community.

 

Pop Up Programs
Pop-up Programs are programs covering a range of topics and ages on different times and days.

 

1/2 Art Extravaganza at 10:00 a.m.
Hunting for a way to keep the kiddos entertained during the school holiday break?
Swing by on Friday, January 2nd at 10am for an "Art Extravaganza!" We’re dishing out the art supplies; the kiddos just need to bring their imagination. The sky's the limit on their creative masterpieces. What better way to kick off the new year than with a fresh piece of art?

1/14 Dream Big Storytime at 10:00 a.m.
Imagine what the new year might bring with this storytime celebrating dreams and dreamers.

1/20 Sensory Playtime at 2:30 p.m.
Explore the senses and discover activities you can do at home with this baby and toddler themed playtime.

Announcing the return of the Winter Reading Challenge!

Get ready for the Winter Reading Challenge, running December 22nd through February! Everyone who completes this challenge will have a chance to win the latest Dog Man book, Dog Man: Big Jim Believes by Dav Pilkey.

                                                                                                  

How to participate:

• Pick up your challenge sheet on December 22nd.
• Complete and return it to the library
• Receive a sticker and gain entry into the drawing.

For additional chances to win, feel free to pick up another challenge sheet after you have turned one in to the library.

 

Summer Reading Program is offered every year in June.
Find more information here.

 

Book Talk
Join Book Talk. Contact Deann at dfox@oelwein.lib.ia.us or by calling the library at 319-283-1515 with questions. This group meets on the last Monday of each month at 10:00 am. For more information visit the Book Club page.

 

Special Programs: 

Coming in March 2026

2026 marks the 250th anniversary, the United States Semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The Founding Mothers presented by Laura Keyes
This Illustrated Lecture focuses on the remarkable women who had a first-hand view of the founding of our nation, and whose stories need to be shared. Join Laura Keyes as she shares their history, their bravery, and their surprising legacies. Miss Keyes will be delighting audiences with her presentation on Thursday, March 5th, at 4:30 p.m.

The "Mothers" of America aren't often mentioned - the women whose influence on the early years of the United States reverberated for centuries afterwards. While many of us remember reading something about Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, there are so many more women to admire. Whether they assisted in the years-long Revolutionary War, or had one brief moment of heroism, their actions had long-lasting and nation-building effects.Learn about soldiers, writers, printers, scholars, farmers, artists, and spies - all women, and all vital to our nation's history.

Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies, and has been portraying women from history and lecturing on historic topics for over fifteen years. In her non-existent spare time, Laura is a wonderful baker and accomplished vocalist.

This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Oelwein Public Library.