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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, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9:30 am—4:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00—7:30pm

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 72 hours.

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

The Adult Summer Reading Program continues through August 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!

Aug 11

Inspirational Fiction: A Novel Approach to Faith Virtual Book Club

Aug 11, 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 The Sky Beneath My Feet by Lisa Samson and we will meet via Zoom to connect and discuss. Books are available to borrow from the library via curbside service, by appointment, or digitally using BRIDGES or Freading. Participants will be emailed a link to join the discussion so if you are not on the email list for this book club please contact the library by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 10 so a link can be sent to you.

Aug 14

Virtual S.T.E.A.M. Fun Fridays with Salt Painting

Aug 14, 2020

Children and families are invited to tune in to the library’s Facebook page every Friday to discover and create something new using supplies you have at home. This week library staff member Shannon will show you how to create beautiful artwork using simple household ingredients.

Aug 17

JKPL Writing Group Virtual Meeting

Aug 17, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This monthly writing group is for writers of all types whether it be poetry, memoir, fiction, or nonfiction. New members are welcome to join at any time! This group meets virtually over Zoom. If you have not previously participated, please email aboeckenstedt@dyersville.lib.ia.us by 4:00 pm the day of the meeting so an invitation can be emailed to you to join the discussion. 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.

Aug 18

Virtual Paranoia

Aug 18, 2020, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Join us for a wacky game of Paranoia, a role playing game set in a hilarious cyberpunk world. To join in, you must have a Discord account, a Roll20 account and must message staff member Paul at Pzurawski@dyersville.lib.ia.us by 2:00 pm on August 20th to get the server invite. All ages and skill levels welcome. New players are welcome at any time.

Aug 20

Voting Basics

Aug 20, 2020, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Do you have questions about voting? Here is your time to get those questions answered! Join us on Zoom as Dubuque County Auditor Denise Dolan talks about voting in the November elections and then answers your questions! Email librarian@dyersville.lib.ia.us by 5:00 pm on August 20 to receive your invitation to this event. You may also email your questions to this email address ahead of time. NOTE: Barring technology issues, this presentation will be recorded and posted on the JKPL Facebook page.

Aug 22

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

Aug 22, 2020, 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 “Imagine Your Story.” Pictures of creations must be posted between 9:00am-5:00 pm on August 22. This LEGO® program is part of a monthly LEGO® building block program at the library sponsored by DuTrac Community Credit Union.

Aug 24

Learn To Play HiveMind

Aug 24, 2020

Join Paul as he covers how to play the popular game Hivemind, a game where you have to try and guess how others will answer different trivia questions! This will be a prerecorded video posted to the library’s Facebook page.

Aug 25

Ready – Set – Grow: Saving Seeds

Aug 25, 2020, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us for this special Zoom program and come learn how to save and store seeds for planting next year using tomatoes. Presented by Ray Kruse, Master Gardener Coordinator and Food Systems Program Coordinator for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Dubuque County. Following the presentation, Ray will answer questions on seed saving. Since the supplies needed are common in most households, no kit will be provided. Please email librarian@dyersville.lib.ia.us by 5:00 pm to receive an invitation to attend. This presentation will be recorded and the video will be posted on the JKPL Facebook page.

Aug 28

Virtual S.T.E.A.M. Fun Fridays with Snap Circuits

Aug 28, 2020

Children and families are invited to tune in to the library’s Facebook page every Friday to discover and create something new. This week library staff member Shannon will showcase one of our many Snap Circuit sets available that are available to check out with the Library of Things.