Your Story Starts Early
Features & Highlights
What's Going on at cfpl for YOUTH
We have storytime most Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. During storytime, we read fun stories, use fingerplays, rhyme, and sing songs to help your child begin the journey of becoming a lifelong reader and develop pre-literacy skills. Pre-literacy skills are the things children know about reading and words before they can read, such as letter shapes and sounds. Storytimes also include a craft on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays! Following Baby Storytime on Mondays, we have a free play session, and following Music & Movement Storytime on Fridays, we have a dance party.
Are you an educator looking for resources? Look no further than our Youth Services for Educators page. Ask our librarians to select books for your classroom, book a field trip, invite us to your school's literacy night, or collaborate with us on a program! Educators who live or work in Black Hawk County have the opportunity to sign up for Educator Accounts, which allow you a six-week checkout (with no renewals) of books for your classroom.
Pokémon Pals!
Wednesday, April 1 at 3:00 p.m. | Youth Department
Are you into Pokémon? Come meet other kids who share your interest! During this program, you'll get to talk about all things Pokémon, show off your card collection, and face off in card battles. You may even get to win a cool prize!
For kids ages 6-12 years old. There is no registration for this program; drop-ins are welcome!
STEMventurers: Rock On!
Thursday, April 2 at 4:15 p.m. | Co-Lab
Meets the first Thursday of every month in the CoLab at the Cedar Falls Public Library. Join us for a hands-on science experience! Each session is packed full of fun games, exciting experiments and brain-teasing trivia that bring STEM concepts to life. This month's activity: Get ready to dig into science! This month we'll use real rock-testing techniques to explore hardness, layers, and chemical reactions in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Explore Earth's materials in this hands-on STEMventure!
Perfect for curious minds in 4th-6th Grade. Registration Required.
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Cedar Valley's Youth Read
Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. | Meeting Room
Each April, the Cedar Falls Public Library hosts an author-in-residence program for 5th graders called Cedar Valley's Youth Read. This year's author is Lisa Graff. Lisa Graff began writing at the age of eight, when—after complaining she was bored—her mother advised her to “go write a book or something.” Now she is the author of 18 books for children and teens, among them “A Tangle of Knots” (a National Book Award nominee), “Absolutely Almost” (an NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book), and most recently, “Rewind,” which Publishers Weekly praised as “an immersive, laugh-out-loud time-travel novel” . . . with “classic Back to the Future flair.” Together, her books have been named to over 70 state lists. A former children’s book editor and professor of Children’s Literature, Lisa now writes full-time from her home outside of Philadelphia.
Please join us at 6:30 p.m. on April 22nd for a public session of Ms. Graff's presentation.
Funding for CVYR was provided by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation Rob and Shirley Berg Fund for use by the Library.
Book Bundles
Don’t know what to read next? We’ve got you covered.
Step One
FILL OUR OUR “BOOK BUNDLE REQUEST” FORM BELOW.
Step Two
We’ll let you know when your curated selection of books is ready to pick up.
Step Three
Enjoy a selection of books chosen with you in mind.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Youth Department
Events
Calendar of Events
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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2 events,Youth & TeenGet creative and bring your favorite stories to life - Peeps style! Enter our Peeps Diorama Contest and turn those sugary treats into the stars of your very […] Youth Department.Have you ever wanted to be a librarian? Well, here is your chance! Kid Librarian at CFPL is where one lucky kid will be drawn every month and picked […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for some hands-on learning. Children and their caregivers will navigate sensory stations and discover new ways to learn and play. Ages 0-5 Youth.
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Co-Lab, 2nd FloorMeets the first Thursday of every month in the CoLab at the Cedar Falls Public Library. Join us for a hands-on science experience! Each session is packed full of […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library. |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […]
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Storytime Corner of Youth Department. Do you love graphic novels? If so, come join our Junior Graphic Novel Book Club! Come discuss a little bit about the book, do a fun […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […]
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Youth DepartmentDrop in and explore a variety of creative mediums to discover new and interesting ways to express yourself!For Ages 6-9 |
3 events,Youth Department. The time has come! If you submitted a “Tell Fable About Yourself” sheet back in February, it is now time to come into the Youth department and pick up […]
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Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […]
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Youth Department (Storytime Corner) This is a social program just for tweens (for ages 9-12) that entertains, enriches, and empowers. Tweens are invited to drop in and check it out on the […] |
2 events,
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Youth K-3rd, Meeting Room, 2nd FloorMeets on the second Thursday of every month at 4:15 PM in the Meeting Room at the Cedar Falls Public Library.Pack your bags and grab […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library. |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […]
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Would you care for a game of chess? Join fellow players at the Cedar Falls Public Library's meeting room (2nd floor) to meet your next opponent. The club meets regularly […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […]
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CoLab.Youth. Ages 8-12Love sweet treats? Join us at our Sweet Tooth program, where we make and eat our creations! We will learn to make no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups. Ages 8-12. […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […]
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Youth Department (Storytime Corner) This is a social program just for tweens (for ages 9-12) that entertains, enriches, and empowers. Tweens are invited to drop in and check it out on the […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Are you craving coffee and conversations with other adults? Are you looking for potential play date friends for your kids? Then this program is for you! Chill, chat, […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […]
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Teen Room. Tweens are invited to a special after-hours program at the library! Come play Mario Kart and enjoy pizza with some friends! Registration is required. For kids ages 9-12. Our safe […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library.
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Youth, all ages, in the Meeting Room.Join us for monthly movie screenings that are fun for the whole family! We'll provide the popcorn, but feel free to bring your own […] |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […]
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Youth Department (Storytime Corner)Tweens (kids ages 9-12) are invited to join us for a monthly book club! We'll enjoy a group activity and a discussion on this month's book. This month's […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […]
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Youth DepartmentKids ages 7-9 are invited to join us for a monthly book club! We'll enjoy a group activity and a discussion on this month’s book. To register and arrange […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […]
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Co-Lab.Youth. Ages 6-12. Join us monthly for a fun, relaxing, crafty day where you and your kiddo can create awesome art together. Ages 6-12. Registration Required. This month's craft: Beaded PlantCo-Lab.Youth. Ages […] |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […] |
1 event,
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Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library. |
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […] |
1 event,
-
Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […] |
2 events,
-
Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […]
-
Youth, Storytime CornerAre you into Pokémon? Come meet other kids who share your interest! During this program, you'll get to talk about all things Pokémon, show off your card collection, […] |
2 events,
-
Youth Department. Join us for some hands-on learning. Children and their caregivers will navigate sensory stations and discover new ways to learn and play. Ages 0-5 Youth.
-
Youth. Ages 8-12. Co-Lab, 2nd FloorMeets the first Thursday in the CoLab of the Cedar Falls Public Library. Join us for a hands-on science experience! Each session is packed full of […] |
1 event,
-
Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […] |
1 event,
-
Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library. |
Events
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Music and Movement Storytime
Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […]
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Family Storytime
Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library.
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Baby Storytime
Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […]
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Preschool Storytime
Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […]
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Toddler Storytime
Youth Department. Join us for Toddler Storytime as we read, sing, dance, rhyme, and get silly. Storytime is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joy of reading […]
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Pokémon Pals!
Youth, Storytime CornerAre you into Pokémon? Come meet other kids who share your interest! During this program, you'll get to talk about all things Pokémon, show off your card collection, […]
-
Sensory Stations for Little Learners
Youth Department. Join us for some hands-on learning. Children and their caregivers will navigate sensory stations and discover new ways to learn and play. Ages 0-5 Youth.
-
STEMventurers: Rock on!
Youth. Ages 8-12. Co-Lab, 2nd FloorMeets the first Thursday in the CoLab of the Cedar Falls Public Library. Join us for a hands-on science experience! Each session is packed full of […]
-
Music and Movement Storytime
Youth Department. Geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Get ready to dance and be silly! We'll read books that encourage movement, sing songs, and shake our sillies out! Ages 2+, Youth. […]
-
Family Storytime
Youth Department Enjoy storytime with the whole family! Get ready to read, dance, and sing! Youth, Ages 0-5 Funded by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library.
-
Baby Storytime
Youth Department. Join us for baby storytime as we sing, read, bounce, and rhyme! It's a great time to cuddle your baby close and have fun while introducing them to […]
-
Preschool Storytime
Youth Department. Join us for Preschool Storytime as we read, sing, dance, and play. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and dance and sing along with their child/ren. […]
Resources for Parents
Youth Department
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
This program is part of a national literacy initiative to encourage parents and caregivers to read often to their children before they begin school.
Adventure Pass
Have you heard of our Adventure Pass system? Check out passes to fun places, such as the Blank Park Zoo, The Science Center of Iowa, and the Grout Museum District.
Big Woods Lake StoryWalk®
Spend time with family/friends, enjoy nature, and read the more recent storybook installation.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, quality books to children from birth until age five.
Kid Librarian
Have you ever wanted to be a librarian? Well, here is your chance! We are introducing Kid Librarian at CFPL, where one lucky kid will be drawn every month and picked to be a librarian for an afternoon! Read about our kid librarians here!
Books & Baby Bumps
Books & Baby Bumps is a pre-birth early literacy program designed to help families start a reading ritual before the baby arrives.
Kids Links
Fun, educational links for kids to enjoy!
Youth Book Recommendations
A list of CFPL librarian-curated youth book recommendations.
Resources for Parents/Guardians
A list of educational and library-related resources for parents and gaurdians.
Kids' Homework Help
Recommended websites and databases for homework help!
Our Music Garden
Visit our Music Garden behind the library! Colorful instruments now fill green space by State St., creating an area that fosters multi-generational entertainment, encourages creativity, and engages the senses. Create music, play together, and have fun!
Spooky Story Contest Winners
Check out the annual spooky story contest winners along with links to their stories!
Tumblebooks
TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love.
The Importance of Early Childhood Literacy
A collection of stats in keys areas in child literacy to help prepare you to make a difference in the lives of your children.
