No Slides Entered.

The James Kennedy Public Library is open to the public BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. For the safety of our staff and library patrons, access and services are limited, and new procedures are in place. Appointments are available:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 - 7:30 pm.

Please call ahead to schedule an appointment; however walk-ups are welcome if space allows.

Appointments are limited and visitors are only allowed to stay in the library for no longer than their scheduled appointment. Library doors will continue to remain locked and those with appointments will be let in when they arrive. Everyone will be asked to wash or sanitize their hands upon entering and are encouraged to wear a mask. 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 rooms: 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 services. Read more about it here.

Monday – Thursday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday & Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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!

Materials may be returned in the exterior drop box at any time. If you have an item that does not fit in the drop box please call the library and we can arrange for your items to be dropped off. Returned items are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours.

Please call the library at (563)875-8912 to make an appointment, to schedule curbside service, or for more information. Download the full re-opening statement and read it here. To stay current on all information regarding the library, check this website or our social media (Facbook, Twitter, Instagram).

Summer Reading Programs for all ages begin June 1. Visit our Summer Reading Program page for all the details!

The James Kennedy Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking three candidates to serve on the Library Board starting July 1, 2020!

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!

Jul 07

Walking the Labyrinth

Jul 7, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

We will learn the myth of Daedalus and the Labyrinth. Labyrinths are ancient, but are now being used to help kids find a sense of calm. Viewing this Facebook program will earn points in the Children’s Summer Reading Program. There will be a take home activity. Crafts and activities will be available while supplies last.

Jul 08

Booktalks with Miss Kim

Jul 8, 2020, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Join Miss Kim on the library’s Facebook page for booktalks (commercials for books) for our new children’s items at the library. Booktalks are designed to ignite excitement for reading. We will be promoting books for all interests.

Jul 10

Virtual S.T.E.A.M. Fun Fridays

Jul 10, 2020

Children and families are invited to tune in to the library’s Facebook page every Friday to discover and try something new. This week library staff member Shannon will show you how to make popcorn using the library’s popcorn machine. Watch the video, then head to the library and check out our popcorn machine (some borrowing restrictions apply).

Jul 10

Virtual Lord of the Rings Trivia Contest

Jul 10, 2020, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join us on Facebook Live to see how much of a Lord of the Rings expert you are! Participants will keep track of their scores at home and can compete to see who comes out on top! We will be playing for fun, so don’t worry if you get one or two wrong!

Jul 11

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

Jul 11, 2020, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Join us for a virtual LEGO® program! Have your kids make a 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 "Dog Races". Pictures of creations must be posted between 9:00am-5:00 pm on July 11th. This LEGO® program is part of a monthly LEGO® building block program at the library sponsored by DuTrac Community Credit Union.

Jul 13

Learn To Play Tak

Jul 13, 2020

Join Paul as he covers how to play the popular game Tak, a game where players try to connect a line across the board while interfering with their appointments. This will be a prerecorded video posted on the library’s Facebook page.

Jul 13

Ready - Set - Grow: Garden Soil

Jul 13, 2020

Do yoIs it a loam or primarily sand, silt, or clay? The James Kennedy Public Library and the Dubuque County Extension Office have teamed up to bring you an educational soil texture kit to help you identify the type of soil you have in your garden or backyard. This virtual event, which is presented by Ray Kruse, Master Gardener Coordinator and Food Systems Program Coordinator for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Dubuque County, will be posted on the JKPL Facebook page. The JKPL will provide kits with all of the materials you need to do the activity. All you will need to provide is a timer and a calculator. Kits will be available to pick up as part of curbside service or by appointment starting on July 13. Kits will be available while supplies last.

Jul 13

Virtual Animal Chat with the Blank Park Zoo

Jul 13, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Blank Park Zoo will be getting us up close to animals we don’t get to see in their live programs. The animals we meet will have been chosen by a Facebook poll in May, but could be seals/sea lions, rhinos, giraffes, lions, or tigers. Visit the Library website for a link to this program. The program will be available for viewing thru July 25. Viewing this program will earn points in the Children’s Summer Reading Program. Funded by the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library.

Jul 13

You Know You Are From Dyersville Area If….

Jul 13, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:00 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 Boeckenstedt by 5 pm on Monday July 13 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.