Dubuque County has been labeled a Red Zone for COVID-19 cases. For the safety of our staff and patrons, the Library is open to the public BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

The library front doors remain locked at this time.
Appointments are limited, please schedule ahead of time.
Walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

Appointments are available:

Monday - Thursday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Appointment types and length are as follows:

Browse the collection: 30 or 60 minutes
Use one of the library's two public access computers or three laptops: 30 or 60 minutes
Use the library's wifi on your own device: 30 or 60 minutes
Use the study room: 60 minutes
Copier, scanner, fax services: 15 minutes
For all other needs please call the library and staff will discuss what we can do to assist.

We are continuing to offer curbside service!

Virtual programming is being scheduled so please check the library’s calendar of events for details. Digital Services are also available. Download the information sheet to find out all you can do from home!

Library materials may be returned in the exterior drop box at any time. Let us know if you have something that doesn’t fit or shouldn’t be returned in the drop box. Returned items are quarantined for a minimum of 1 day.

Contact us via telephone at (563)875-8912 for more information.

Layette Quilt Display and Sale:

November 16—December 23

The JKPL is partnering with the Dyersville Layette Ladies to raise some funds for both organizations. Nine layette/lap size quilts made by the Layette Ladies are on display at the library thru December 23. These quilts are available to purchase for $25.00 each and proceeds will be split between the Layette Ladies group and the JKPL. Visit the Quilt page for more information and to view the quilts!

The James Kennedy Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking one candidate to serve on the Library Board!

Information about the responsibilities of the Library Board are available on the library board page. Applications are available at city hall or can be downloaded off the library’s website.

James Kennedy Public Library

Welcome to the James Kennedy Public Library! The library is your one stop source for all of your informational needs. We have a large selection of books, audiobooks, magazines (both print and digital), newspapers, DVDs, console games, and downloadable music and movies available to be checked out by our library card holders. Here you will also find electronic resources, news, information about our Creation Station and Library of Things, and a calendar of upcoming library events!

friends of the library

jkpl endowment

Check out these upcoming special events!

Dec 03

Air Fryer Cooking Class

Dec 3, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us for a live, virtual cooking class using an air fryer! Librarian Dawn will demonstrate how to make Paprika Chicken Drumsticks and Crispy Potatoes. This program will be held live on Zoom so you can cook along or just watch. Registration is required by November 30. Please register at https://bit.ly/AirFryerClass. An ingredient list will be provided to those who are registered on the Monday before the class for those that want to cook along. This class will be recorded and posted to the library’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Dec 05

Drive Thru Visit with Santa

Dec 5, 2020, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Due to COVID-19, the library will be hosting a socially distanced visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Claus’ will be in the city parking lot adjacent to the library to wave to kids and get their Christmas lists. Families will stay in their cars, kids will put their lists in Santa’s bag, and receive a small, pre-packaged treat. All ages are welcome.

Dec 07

Books for Lunch Virtual Book Discussion

Dec 7, 2020, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

This month the group will discuss Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi. This group gathers on the first Monday of each month over Zoom. Copies of each book are available to borrow from the library via curbside service or by appointment. New members are welcome to join at any time. If you are interested in joining, and have not previously participated in the Books for Lunch group, please register at https://bit.ly/BooksForLunch before 10:00 am on the day of the event so the Zoom link can be emailed to you.

Dec 08

Inspirational Fiction: A Novel Approach to Faith Virtual Book Club

Dec 8, 2020, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for this book club that features a variety of books that weave religious faith into the characters and storylines. For this month we will be reading Wake the Dawn by Lauraine Snelling and we will meet via Zoom to connect and discuss. Books are available to borrow from the library via curbside service or by appointment. Participants will be emailed a link to join the discussion, so if you are not on the email list for this book club please reigster at https://bit.ly/NOVELAPPROACH by 12 noon on the day of the program so a link to join can be emailed to you.

Dec 11

Virtual Game Night

Dec 11, 2020, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for this game night where everyone will join together virtually to play Among Us. To participate, you must have a Discord account and will need to download the game on your computer or a Smart device. Note: The device app version is free but there is a fee for the computer version. Please register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JtV4PNpeZiVfaUwrVM0KPEa_JOGx1e6HV3coFcQLKS4/viewform?edit_requested=true by 2:00 pm the day of the program in order to receive the server invite. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Dec 12

Around the Farm Table with Inga Witscher

Dec 12, 2020, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join Inga Witscher, dairy farmer and host of the PBS television show Around the Farm Table, for a cooking demonstration over Zoom that features Midwestern agriculture and artisan products. All ages welcome. Registration is required, so please register by December 11 at http://bit.ly/AroundFarmTable. The link to the event will be emailed out shortly before the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library and Carnegie-Stout Public Library. This program will be recorded and the video will be available to view until January 12 on the library’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Dec 13

National Cocoa Day Celebration

Dec 13, 2020

This time of year many people crave the sweet, dark, creamy beverage known as hot cocoa and this food day is a perfect occasion to indulge yourself! Pick up a take-and-make kit, watch the video demonstration by Miss Kim, and make your own delicious homemade hot cocoa. Once you taste homemade cocoa you may consign the premade packets to the trash forever! The demo video will be posted to the library’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Kits include approximately 2 servings of homemade instant hot cocoa and may include some popular add-ins. Feel free to add your own special touches like cinnamon or peppermint! Kits can be picked up via curbside service or by appointment. Kits available while supplies last.

Dec 15

Teen Wrap Battle

Dec 15, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

How are you gift wrapping skills? Teens will join together over Zoom for a contest where participants will each wrap a Christmas present within a time limit and show off their wrapping skills. The best wrapper will receive $10 in Dyersville Dollars. Interested teens need to register at https://bit.ly/WRAPBATTLE by Tuesday, December 15 at 5:00 pm in order to receive the invitation to the event. For ages 12-18 only.

Dec 17

The 1929 Christmas Eve White House Fire

Dec 17, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The JKPL has partnered with the Hoover Presidential Library to present their 3rd Thursday Virtual Programs! Join us this month as Craig Wright, the archivist for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, discusses the 1929 Christmas Eve fire in the White House. This four alarm fire took dozens of engines and ladder companies to extinguish it and although most of President Hoover’s important papers were saved, the Executive offices were destroyed. Advance registration for the program is required so please register at https://hooverpresidentialfoundation.org/third-thursdays/