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.
Pages & Petals: DIY Picture Frame Art
Thursday, September 17 at 4:15 p.m. | Co-Lab
Turn old pages into a work of art! Kids will paint and decorate picture frames using torn book pages, dried pressed flowers, and colorful sticker letters to create a beautiful work of art. Mix, match, and design your own frame masterpiece! No art experience needed - just bring your creativity.
Perfect for artists ages 8-12. Registration Required. Youth.
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.
September's movie pick: Matilda (1996)
Showtime: 2:00 pm
Runtime: about 1 hour 40 minutes
Rating: PG
Audience: Children and their grown-ups
Location: Meeting Room
October's movie pick: Monster House (2006)
Showtime: 2:00 pm
Runtime: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Rating: PG (warning could be a bit scary for younger children)
Audience: Children and their grown-ups
Location: Meeting Room
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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Sunday
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Tuesday
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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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During the month of August, 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 […] |
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 […]
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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, ages 6-9, Storytime CornerSeptember's Theme: Outdoor Explorers A new, screens-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 […] |
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.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,Today is the last day to stop by the Youth Desk to register and fill out a friend match-making form to participate in our new Youth Pen Pals program. Your […]
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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 […] |
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 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 Oreo Balls. Ages 8-12. Registration RequiredCoLab.Youth. […] |
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, Ages 9-12, 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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
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! Sponsored by the […] |
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*Must have registered by Friday, September 4th, 2026 and been contacted by CFPL Youth Staff to attend this program.*At this program, pen-pal pairings will get to know […] |
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, Ages 9-12, 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 […] |
1 event,
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Youth, ages 8-12, CoLab, 2nd FloorTurn old pages into a work of art! Kids will paint and decorate picture frames using torn book pages, dried pressed flowers, and colorful sticker […] |
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! Sponsored by the […] |
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 snacks, refreshments, and maybe even a cozy blanket or two. September's movie pick: Matilda (1996)Showtime: 2:00 pm Runtime: about 1 hour 40 minutesRating: PGAudience: Children and their […] |
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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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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, […] |
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: Polymer Clay Letter KeyringCo-Lab.Youth. […] |
1 event,
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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! 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, […] |
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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Hearst Center for the Arts. Join us for a special Family Storytime as we read, sing, dance, play, and celebrate art. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and […] |
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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, Ages 9-12, Registration Required, 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 […] |
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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Teen RoomStop by after school to make a craft, enjoy a slushy or seasonal drink, or engage in some other way to relax in the middle of a long week […] |
4 events,Youth & TeenSubmit 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 – […] 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 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 […] |
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! Sponsored by the […] |
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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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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Art Adventures: Polymer Clay Letter Keyring
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: Polymer Clay Letter KeyringCo-Lab.Youth. […]
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Coffee, Conversation, and Kids
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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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 […]
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Makers & Mythology: Where Legends Come to Life!
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, […]
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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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Family Fun Day Storytime at the Hearst Center for the Arts
Hearst Center For the Arts, 304 W Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USAHearst Center for the Arts. Join us for a special Family Storytime as we read, sing, dance, play, and celebrate art. Parents are encouraged to embrace their inner child and […]
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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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Tween Book Club
Youth, Ages 9-12, Registration Required, 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 […]
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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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Teen After School Stop
Teen RoomStop by after school to make a craft, enjoy a slushy or seasonal drink, or engage in some other way to relax in the middle of a long week […]
Resources for Parents
Youth Department
Big Woods Lake StoryWalk®
Spend time with family/friends, enjoy nature, and read the most recent storybook installation.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
