The JKPL is happy to announce it has unlocked its doors effective April 1!

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The library is still following COVID-19 safety guidelines in order to keep our staff and patrons safe. Guidelines in place are:

Masks are required! Everyone aged three and older must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth while in the library, unless they are exempt due to health issues (per the Dubuque County Mask Mandate).
The number of patrons allowed in the library at one time for any purpose is limited to 21 individuals.
If capacity is reached, the library doors will be locked until someone leaves.
All visits will continue to be limited to 1 hour.
We will continue to take appointments for those who want a guaranteed time to visit, use a computer, or use the study room.
Curbside service will continue.
Everyone is expected wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the library.
Reusable bags will be provided upon entry for patrons to use to hold their library materials.
Returned / handled items will be quarantined for a minimum of 24 hours before being checked in and shelved.
Events will continue to be virtual.

Patrons are Welcome in the Library:

Monday—Thursday from 9:00 am—7:30 pm

Friday—Saturday from 9:00 am—4:30 pm

Sunday from 1:00—3:30 pm

Grant Received for Westside Park StoryWalk®

The library is excited to announce the opening of the Westside Park StoryWalk(®) on May 19. A StoryWalk(®) is a fun, educational activity that places a children's story along a popular walking route. The Westside Park StoryWalk® is made possible by funds granted by the Dubuque Racing Association and funds donated by the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library and the Richard Osterhaus Memorial Fund. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

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!

May 15

Plant Sale Fundraiser

May 15, 2021, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Join Master Gardener Karen Kramer and members of the JKPL Fundraising Committee in the parking lot adjacent to the JKPL to purchase donated plants from community members. The plant sale will run from 8:00 to 10:00 am or until all items are taken. Plants not selected during the sale may be available to purchase for a donation. All proceeds will be used to support library collections and services.

May 15

Young Adult Social Issues Book Club Kick-Off

May 15, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

The library is proud to announce our limited edition Social Issues Book Club for Young Adults. In this 6 month series, participants will read one book each month that highlights a particular social issue we are currently dealing with and discuss it at a meeting. While this program is designed for young and emerging adults, 15 to 25 years of age, teens and adults of all ages are welcome. At this first meeting, we will gather feedback from participants about topics of interest and best times to meet. The goal of this series is to help teens and young adults understand major social issues that affect their lives and communities and to help teach them how to hold a civil discussion about these topics.

Not able to attend the meeting? Surveys for feedback on the possible topics will be available on the library’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), our website, or in print at the library. Let us know what topics you want to discuss! The surveys will be available from May 15-31. This program will be held via Zoom and participants need to register at bit.ly/YASOCIALISSUES in order to receive a link to the session. This program series was made possible by the Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries Grant from the American Library Association.

May 19

Westside Park StoryWalk(R) Ribbon Cutting Celebration

May 19, 2021, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

The library is excited to announce the opening of the Westside Park StoryWalk(R)! A StoryWalk(R) is a fun, educational activity that places a children's story (literally a book taken apart) along a popular walking route. Families are invited to attend the ceremony, walk the trail and read the story, and then finish with an ice cream treat. Pete the Cat will be there for pictures and to mingle with the kids. Attendees are asked to maintain social distancing with anyone not in their family and to wear masks if social distancing is not possible. Hand sanitizer will be available. The story for May 19-June 30 is If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson.

The Westside Park StoryWalk® is made possible by funds granted by the Dubuque Racing Association and funds donated by the Friends of the James Kennedy Public Library and the Richard Osterhaus Memorial Fund. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

May 20

Iowa's Communal Utopias

May 20, 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 Peter Hoehnle presents a sweeping overview of different attempts by Iowans to create their own form of utopia. This presentation will feature the Iowa Pioneer Phalanx, Salburia, the Amana Colonies, the Icarian Communities, the Clydesdale Colony, Communia, and many more. This talk will provide some details about specific communal groups, and a general overview of different communal movements in American history and how they influenced community builders on the Iowa frontier, and beyond. Advance registration for the program is required so please register at http://bit.ly/ThirdThursdayUtopias.

May 28

Final Friday Virtual Tech Help

May 28, 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.

May 30

Library closed

May 30, 2021 – May 31, 2021

The library is closed May 30-31 for the Memorial Day holiday.

Jun 19

Wild Edibles: Nature’s Treat

Jun 19, 2021, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Naturalist Megan Willenbring from the Dubuque County Conservation Board will guide you through foraging wild edibles around the Dubuque County area. This Zoom 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. Please sign up at https://bit.ly/DCWildEdibles by 10 am the date of the event to receive your invitation to the Zoom room. A minimum of 15 people must be signed up by 3:00 pm on Friday, June 4 for the program to be held.