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.
The Purrfect Chapter Cat Adoption Event
May 30th at 2:00-3:30 p.m. | Co-Lab
Are you ready to find your purrfect reading buddy — a furry new member of the family? The library has partnered with the Cedar Bend Humane Society to host a live cat adoption event. Adults and families serious about adopting may complete a pre-adoption application* in advance or on the day of the event, drop by the library between 2 and 3:15, fall in love, and take your new cat home.
Pre-Applicatin Details:
To help manage applications, please wait until May 1 to submit a pre-adoption form.
*On the form, write “Library Event” in the Animal of Interest section.
Printable Pre-Adoption Form-Turn in at Cedar Bend or at the library
Online Pre-Adoption Form -$10 online processing fee
** Cats cannot be viewed without this form. **
Summer Reading
June 8-August 1, 2026
Join us for another fun summer full of performers, crafts, scavenger hunts, special programming, and, of course, reading! Learn more here.
Pre-Summer Reading Programs:
- Storytime with a Mermaid | June 2 at 10:30 a.m. | Meeting Room
- Children's Magic Show with Mikayla Oz | June 4 at 10:00 a.m. | Community Center
- Sunshine Storytime at Overman Park | June 5th at 10:30 a.m. | Overman Park
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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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. […] |
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, 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,
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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. 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,
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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 […] |
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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Meeting Room.Get ready to show your creativity and use your imagination at Lego Story Builders! We will have a monthly theme with a short story and challenges. Work in groups […] |
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 2nd and […] |
1 event,
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Youth, 8-12 years old, Youth Department.A book has vanished from the library, and only sharp minds can find it. Work in teams to solve clues, crack puzzles, and uncover the […] |
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. […] |
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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Meeting Room, 2nd Floor. Grab your favorite doll, stuffed animal, or action figure, and join us for a springtime tea party filled with snacks and fun! Come dressed in your tea […] |
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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 DepartmentDrop in and explore a variety of creative mediums to discover new and interesting ways to express yourself!For Ages 6-9 |
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 learn to decorate Spring-inspired cupcakes. Ages 8-12. Registration RequiredCoLab.Youth. Ages […] |
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 2nd and […] |
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, […]
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Youth, ages 5-9, Meeting Room, 2nd Floor*For April, moved to the THIRD Thursday at 4:15 PM in the Meeting Room at the Cedar Falls Public Library.*Pack your bags and grab […] |
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. […] |
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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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 […] |
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. […] |
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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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: No-sew pouchesCo-Lab.Youth. Ages […]
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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 […] |
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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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 […] |
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 […] |
0 events,
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4 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 & TeenCalling all youth writers! We're looking for your best short stories, poetry, or creative comics with themes of summer. Prizes will be provided in the K – 3rd […]
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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. |
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 […]
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Spring into Summer! A Youth Writing Contest
Youth & TeenCalling all youth writers! We're looking for your best short stories, poetry, or creative comics with themes of summer. Prizes will be provided in the K – 3rd […]
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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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Toymakers
Youth Department. Join us as we create easy-to-make toys from yesteryear. Make history come alive as classic oldies may become new favorites. Each child will be able to take their […]
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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 Playtime
During the month of May, bring your little ones to the library to enjoy Baby Playtime. The toy chest will be unlocked each Monday morning at 10:30 until 11:30. Through […]
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Baby Playtime
During the month of May, bring your little ones to the library to enjoy Baby Playtime. The toy chest will be unlocked each Monday morning at 10:30 until 11:30. Through […]
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Junior Graphic Novel Book Club!
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 […]
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Popcorn & Pictures: A Family Matinee
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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Baby Playtime
During the month of May, bring your little ones to the library to enjoy Baby Playtime. The toy chest will be unlocked each Monday morning at 10:30 until 11:30. Through […]
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Tween Book Club
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 […]
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Chess Club
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 […]
Resources for Parents
Youth Department
Summer Reading 2026
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!
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!
Big Woods Lake StoryWalk®
Spend time with family/friends, enjoy nature, and read the most recent storybook installation.
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, and Tumblebooks.
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.
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.
