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 an appointment ahead of time.
Walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
Please wear a mask if you are able.

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 6 days.

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

The Chair-ity Fundraiser

Bid on one of the amazing wooden chairs or signs decorated by local community members. The silent auction runs October 13 through November 15. Bidding can be done in person or virtually. Visit the Chair-ity page for details! Vote for your favorite items using the form below. Ribbons will be awarded to the winners.

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!

Oct 28

Virtual Sit and Stitch

Oct 28, 2020, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Grab your tablet, phone or computer along with your hobby and/or craft and join other crafters in this fun Zoom gathering. There is lots of laughs, great company, conversation, and even some crafting! New members are welcome to join at any time. Contact Shirley at svonderhaar@dyersville.lib.ia.us for an invitation to attend. NOTE: Weather permitting, this group may also gather in a socially distanced manner at a local park.

Oct 28

Teen Battle of the Brains Statewide Trivia Smackdown

Oct 28, 2020, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The JKPL is looking for 10 teens to join our team for the Battle of the Brains, a statewide, interlibrary virtual trivia contest! Interested participants will need access to Zoom and must register by 8:00 pm on October 26 by calling Paul or emailing him at Pzurawski@dyersville.lib.ia.u. Our team is limited to the first 10 to register, others will be added to a wait list. This event begins at 6:30, but those participating will need to be logged on early. This event is for those ages 12-18 only.

Oct 29

YouTube Live Storytime with Miss Kim

Oct 29, 2020, 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Join Miss Kim for fun storytimes and activities live on YouTube! We will have take-home crafts each week available for pick up, some will be edible. All storytimes will be hosted on the library’s YouTube page.

Oct 30

S.T.E.A.M. Fun Fridays with our Harry Potter Wand Coding Kit

Oct 30, 2020

Children and families are invited to tune in to the library’s Facebook or YouTube pages to discover what STEAM project library staff member Shannon is working on. This week, Shannon will show you how to use the Harry Potter Wand Coding kit that is part of the JKPL Library of Things. Watch the video, then head to the library, and borrow it for yourself.

Oct 30

Let’s Reminisce about the Good Old Days….

Oct 30, 2020, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Join us via Zoom for a virtual sharing session. We will be reminiscing and talking about the good old days. Anyone interested in participating should email librarian Ann B. by 10:00 am on Friday, October 30 at aboeckenstedt.dyersville.lib.ia.us and provide an email address so the link to the Zoom meeting can be emailed to you. If you do not have an email address, or a device to participate on, please call and talk with Ann about an alternative way to participate.

Oct 30

Final Friday Virtual Tech Help

Oct 30, 2020, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Having tech problems with your newest devices or just have some general technology questions? Join librarian Paul live and online in the library’s Zoom room and get the help you need. If you want to attend, please call or email Pzurawski@dyersville.lib.ia.us for the link to the Zoom room. Please include in the email what questions you have so Paul can be prepared to help.

Oct 30

Virtual Double Creature Feature

Oct 30, 2020, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Come join us for our yearly double creature feature! This year we will be using Kanopy to watch the movies while simultaneously having a Zoom room open so everyone can talk during the films. This program is intended for those age 13 and older. The Monster has a mother and daughter trapped in their car as a creature stalks them and anyone trying to help. (Rated R). The Hole in the Ground is about a young mother whose child starts behaving bizarrely following an incident with a sinkhole (Rated R).

Oct 31

Spooky Cemetery Stories

Oct 31, 2020

Get your goosebumps ready as library staff member Devin Werner travels to local cemeteries to tell spooky stories! The videos will be posted on the library’s YouTube and Facebook pages and can be watched at your convenience. The stories will be appropriate for all ages.

Oct 31

Books for Treats Halloween Pop-Up Library

Oct 31, 2020, 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Join us for the 3rd Annual Books for Treats Event where families are invited to Trick-or-Treat for a book instead of candy! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the pop-up library will be held in the city / library parking lot and visitors are asked to wear a mask, social distance, and use hand sanitizer when selecting the book of their choice. Books for all ages will be available. This event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Dyersville Area Community Foundation and partnership with the Dyersville Campaign for Grade Level Reading, and the Friends of the JKPL. NOTE: Events may be cancelled or modified due to weather constraints, Covid-19 concerns, or public health guidelines.