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, rhymes, 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 typically 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.
The following supervision expectations shall be adhered to while at the library:
- A responsible caregiver must be at least 12 years old AND in 7th grade; may be required to verify age.
- Children ages six to nine must be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver. This caregiver must be on the same floor of the library as their child.
- Children five and under must be under direct visual supervision of their responsible caregiver at all times while they are in the library.
New Resource!: LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids is the leading digital library of children's audio-picture books, supporting language learning, English literacy, and cultural
connection. With over 10,000 titles in 115+ world languages, every story is read aloud by native speakers for accurate pronunciation and authentic storytelling.
What's in the collection? Three reading formats with every title: Flipbooks (interactive page-turn with audio), Read-alongs (word-by-word highlights), and Bilingual editions (home language and English side-by-side). Plus quizzes, learning activities, and downloadable worksheets.
Click here to access LOTE4Kids!
Download the mobile app, here.
Popcorn & Pictures
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 snacks, refreshments, and maybe even a cozy blanket or two.
October's movie pick: Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Showtime: 2:00 pm
Runtime: about 1 hour 25 minutes
Rating: G
Audience: Children and their grown-ups
Location: Youth Department
November's movie pick: Hoppers(2026)
Showtime: 2:00 pm
Runtime: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Rating: PG
Audience: Children and their grown-ups
Location: Youth Department
Sponsored by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library.
Scary Story Contest
Please submit your stories as a PDF document to youth@cedarfallslibrary.org by 11:59 pm on October 23rd so they can be considered for the contest.
Submission length can vary, but it shouldn't be over 5 pages long. Submit your scariest story to our contest for a chance to win a prize! Prizes will be provided in the K – 3rd Grade category, the 4th – 6th Grade category, and the 7th-12th Grade category. Contest winners will be announced on October 31st and posted on the Library’s social media.
Prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public 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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Thursday
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Saturday
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0 events,
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3 events,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 […] Youth Department. The time is here again that Fable the Fox wants to hear all about your interests! Come on down to CFPL into the Youth department to fill out a […]
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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 […] |
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. […] |
3 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, ages 6-9, Storytime Corner November's Theme: Cooking up Crafts!A screen-free monthly program for kids ages 6-9! As kids navigate the everyday challenges of a screen-filled world, this program's themed, screen-free […] |
3 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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Youth.Storytime Corner.For Families.Join us every month at the library for Lego Builders! A drop-in program to explore your creativity through Lego building. All ages welcome.Each month, we will alternate between […] |
4 events,
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Youth & Teen, Library First FloorGo on a prehistoric egg hunt throughout the first floor of the library! Search for hidden dinosaur eggs and see what you can uncover. The hunt […]
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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! Sponsored by the […]
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Youth Ages 8-12, CoLab, 2nd FloorCalling all future paleontologists! Step into the world of dinosaurs and experience what it's like to be part of an excavation team. Working in small […] |
3 events,
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Join us on Saturday, November 7 for a day of tabletop gaming with a wide variety of roleplaying games, board games, vendors, and crafts. Fablecon will be held in both the […]
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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. |
1 event, |
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 […] |
3 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, Ages 4-8, Storytime CornerA mysterious shipment of rescued baby dinosaurs has arrived, and they need caring new families! Young dinosaur rescuers will complete their official training, learn how to […] |
3 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) Come play Mario Kart and hang out with friends at the Library!This is a social program just for tweens (for ages 9-12) that entertains, enriches, and empowers. Tweens are invited […] |
2 events,
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Youth, ages 5-9, 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 […] |
2 events,
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Youth Department, Storytime Corner.Join us for a special pajama storytime with songs, dancing, and a fun craft to do afterwards! Come in your comfiest pajamas and bring along your favorite […] |
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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3 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 ages 3-5, Storytime Corner, Youth DepartmentGet ready to stomp, chomp, and create! In Dinosaur Builders, junior paleontologists will visit hands-on stations at their own pace. Build a hybrid LEGO […]
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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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For All Ages, Meeting RoomTravel back in time with "Cretaceous Companions," an all-ages program from long-time collector and dinosaur enthusiast, Sherman Lundy. This program will feature fascinating fossils and stories […] |
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) Come play Mario Kart and hang out with friends at the Library!This is a social program just for tweens (for ages 9-12) that entertains, enriches, and empowers. Tweens are invited […] |
0 events,
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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! Sponsored by the […]
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Youth, Ages 7-12, Storytime CornerIn Makers and Mythology, kids will discover myths and folktales from around the world, then bring them to life through fun maker challenges and crafts. Build, design, […] |
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 Storytime Corner.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. November's book […] |
3 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 ages 5-8, CoLab, 2nd FloorJoin us for a prehistoric adventure! In this hands-on program, kids ages 5-8 will make their own salt-dough dinosaur fossil impressions, paint pre-hardened salt-dough fossils, […]
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Youth DepartmentKids ages 7-9 (2nd grade and up) are invited to join us for a monthly book club! We'll enjoy a group activity and a discussion on this month’s book, […] |
3 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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Teen RoomJoin us this afternoon as we make our own prehistoric perler creations! All supplies will be provided: all you need to decide is if you'll create an herbivore, carnivore, […] |
1 event, |
1 event, |
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,
-
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 […] |
2 events,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 […]
-
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, ages 6-9, Storytime Corner December's Theme: Winter Wonderland!A screen-free monthly program for kids ages 6-9! As kids navigate the everyday challenges of a screen-filled world, this program's themed, screen-free exploration […] |
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.Storytime Corner.For Families.Join us every month at the library for Lego Builders! A drop-in program to explore your creativity through Lego building. All ages welcome.Each month, we will alternate between […] |
2 events,
-
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! Sponsored by the […] |
2 events,
-
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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Community Center. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play a stringed instrument? Join us at the Community Center for a Youth Chamber Music Concert, followed by an instrument […] |
Events
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Kid Librarian
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 […]
-
Letters From a Librarian!
Youth Department. The time is here again that Fable the Fox wants to hear all about your interests! Come on down to CFPL into the Youth department to fill out a […]
-
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. […]
-
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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Unplugged Play Lab: IRL Fun for Real-Life Kids
Youth, ages 6-9, Storytime Corner November's Theme: Cooking up Crafts!A screen-free monthly program for kids ages 6-9! As kids navigate the everyday challenges of a screen-filled world, this program's themed, screen-free […]
-
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.
-
Lego Builders
Youth.Storytime Corner.For Families.Join us every month at the library for Lego Builders! A drop-in program to explore your creativity through Lego building. All ages welcome.Each month, we will alternate between […]
-
Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Youth & Teen, Library First FloorGo on a prehistoric egg hunt throughout the first floor of the library! Search for hidden dinosaur eggs and see what you can uncover. The hunt […]
-
Music & 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! Sponsored by the […]
-
Ultimate Dinosaur Dig Lab
Youth Ages 8-12, CoLab, 2nd FloorCalling all future paleontologists! Step into the world of dinosaurs and experience what it's like to be part of an excavation team. Working in small […]
-
Fablecon 2026: The Return of the Fox!
Join us on Saturday, November 7 for a day of tabletop gaming with a wide variety of roleplaying games, board games, vendors, and crafts. Fablecon will be held in both the […]
-
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.
Resources for Parents
Youth Department
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!
Check Out E-Books
We offer access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies,etc. through a variety of digital libraries, such as Hoopla, Libby, Comics Plus, Tumblebooks, and LOTE4Kids.
Big Woods Lake StoryWalk®
Spend time with family/friends, enjoy nature, and read the most recent storybook installation.
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!
Spring into Summer Writing Contest
Check out the winning stories of the first Spring in Summer Writing Contest!
Spooky Story Contest Winners
Check out the annual spooky story contest winners along with links to their stories!
Kids Links
From educational games and tutorial sites, like ABC Mouse and Citation Machine, to yoga for kids videos, browse our curated list of websites for kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
