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.

Build-A-Basket Fundraiser Silent Auction: March 1-28

Organizations, businesses, and individuals have donated some amazing baskets this year. Bidding in the silent auction runs March 1-28 so be sure to bid on your favorites. Bidding ends promptly at 3:00 pm on March 28. All proceeds will be used to support library services and collections.

All baskets are on display in the library or you can view all the baskets here along with the highest bid.

Bids on baskets can be placed in three ways. All baskets start bidding at $10.00 and all bids must be in $1.00 increments. Ways to place a bid:

1. In person at the library during an appointment

2. Call the library at (563)875-8912

3. Email librarian@dyersville.lib.ia.us

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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!

Mar 05

Building Creativity One Block at a Time: a LEGO® program

Mar 5, 2021, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Make a LEGO® creation at home, take a picture, and tag both the library AND DuTrac Community Credit Union on social media to be entered for a chance to win a LEGO® set! This month’s theme is “St Patrick’s Day Parade” Pictures of creations must be posted between 9:00am-5:00 pm on March 5. This LEGO® program is part of a monthly LEGO® building block program at the library sponsored by DuTrac Community Credit Union.

Mar 15

Ready – Set – Grow: How different seeds sprout

Mar 15, 2021

Think all seeds emerge from the ground the same? Think again! In this activity you will see two different ways seeds emerge from the soil. By understanding these emergence concepts, you can better understand which crops are more sensitive to damage when sprouting. Watch the pre-recorded video by Ray Kruse, program coordinator with the Dubuque County Extension Office and pick up your kit at the library. The video will be posted on the JKPL Facebook page and YouTube channel. The accompanying take-and-make kit will include sample cups, potting mix, along with bean, sweet corn, and pea seeds. Kits are intended for learning, but plants could be planted in your outdoor garden once weather permits - with the understanding they are unlikely to produce much as there are so few seeds in the kit. Kits available while supplies last.

Mar 15

Spring Break Teen Battle of the Brains: Statewide Smackdown

Mar 15, 2021, 6:30 PM – 8:00 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 March 14 by signing up at http://bit.ly/3k1TKGE. Our team is limited to the first 10 to register, others will be added to a wait list. This event begins at 6:30 pm, but those participating will need to be logged on early. This event is for those ages 12-18 only.

Mar 18

A Woman of Achievement: Stories from the Life of Lou Henry Hoover

Mar 18, 2021, 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 author and historian Annette Dunlap shares stories from the life of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Before she was First Lady, Mrs. Hoover helped start a hospital for wounded British soldiers during World War I and she was instrumental in establishing sewing factories to employ women whose men had gone off to war. As First Lady, Lou worked privately to find employment opportunities for individuals and hurting communities, while at the same time raising Americans’ awareness of the historical value of the White House and the importance of the arts. Come learn about the achievements of a first lady whose legacy has been largely forgotten, but whose impact can still be felt today. Advance registration for the program is required so please register at http://bit.ly/ThirdThursdayDunlap.

Mar 19

Virtual Movie Night

Mar 19, 2021, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Join us on Zoom each month for a fun time of watching movies together but apart! For this event we will be watching John Dies At The End (Rated R), a horror comedy about two slackers that get pulled into an interdimensional conflict. Each participant will log on to Kanopy from home to watch the chosen movie. At the same time they will log on to our Zoom room so participants can see each other and chat during the movie. Interested participants will need access to Kanopy, the free streaming service for full service patrons, and will need to download Zoom on their computer or Smart device. If interested in attending, please register at https://bit.ly/JKPLMOVIE by 4:00 pm the day of the event in order to receive the link to the Zoom room. This program is open to all ages but movie selections will most likely be PG-13 or R.

Mar 22

Saving Your Pandemic Memories

Mar 22, 2021, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has created an unusual time in both American and World history. During the pandemic did you express your feelings or save your memories in some way? Did you write a story or poem, keep a journal, craft, draw, scrapbook, or keep newspaper clippings? We’d love to hear what you did to preserve the memories of this unusual time! Join us on Zoom to share what you’ve done and get ideas from others. Registration required, so please register at: http://bit.ly/PANDEMICMEMORY. The deadline to register is March 22 at 5:30 pm.

Mar 26

Final Friday Virtual Tech Help

Mar 26, 2021, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Having tech problems? Or just have some general technology questions? Join librarian Paul live on Zoom and get the help you need. If you want to attend, please register at https://bit.ly/3frDGMh and a link to attend will be emailed to you.

Mar 26

“Among Us” Virtual Game Night

Mar 26, 2021, 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://bit.ly/38YKgZh by 2:00 pm the day of the program in order to receive the server invite. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Mar 27

Backyard Bird Watching

Mar 27, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Join us at this special Zoom gathering as Dubuque County naturalist, Kaytlan Moeller talks about birds in Iowa. Learn the basics of birdwatching, identifying, care, and more. Following the presentation, Kaytlan will answer questions from the audience. This program will be recorded and posted on the JKPL Facebook and YouTube channel so those that are unable to attend in person may enjoy at their leisure. If interested, please register at http://bit.ly/BBirdWatching by 10:00 am on March 27 to receive your invitation to the Zoom room. A minimum of 10 people must be registered by 3:00 pm on Friday, March 26, for the program to be held. Please email librarian@dyersville.lib.ia.us with questions or if you do not have the link by noon on the 27th.