Ottumwa Public Library

Reader's Ink Book Club
2026-08-12 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-09-09 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago)
We read a new book each month and discuss together on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Ottumwa Public Library. Ask at the Circulation desk for this month’s selection or call 641-682-7563.

Preschool Storytime
2026-08-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-18 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for storytime where we’ll be reading stories, singing, rhyming, and doing a craft. This storytime is aimed at children aged 3-5 but older or younger children are welcome.

Music and Movement
2026-08-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-31 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-14 10:30 - 11:30
Join us every Monday for singing, dancing, finger play and stories that build early literacy skills. This program is for children 18 months to 4 years old with an adult caregiver.

Songs and Stories
2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-16 10:00 - 11:00
Join us every Wednesday at 10:00AM for songs, rhymes, singing and dancing! This storytime is aimed at kids 0-4 with a caregiver, but all children are welcome.

Kids Scavenger Hunt
2026-08-20 - 2026-08-21
Join us for a scavenger hunt in the Children’s Library! Open to all kids, no registration required, just drop in and look for clues!

Teen Scavenger Hunt
2026-08-20 - 2026-08-21
Join us for a scavenger hunt in the Library! Open to all teens, no registration required, just drop in and look for clues!

Author Jackie Haley visit
2026-08-20 14:00 - 15:00
Discover what it takes to start your story and hear the inspiring journey of one award-winning author.

Elder Law Senior Forum with Iowa Legal Aid
2026-08-25 11:00 - 12:30

Online Author Talk: Lucy Foley
2026-08-27 10:00 - 10:30
Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.
Log in to view or register at: https://libraryc.org/ottumwapubliclibrary/186664

Nonfiction Book Club
2026-08-27 17:30 - 18:30
A book club focusing discussion of non-fiction works.

Adult Take & Make Craft Giveaway
2026-09-02
Our next Adult Take and Make Craft give away is today! Drop by anytime today to pick up a craft bag kit, limit two per patron while supplies last.

Kids Grab and Go Craft Bags
2026-09-02
Kids! Join us for another grab and go craft bag event. Stop by the children’s desks to pick up a craft bag. No registration required, craft bags are available while supplies last.

Sit and Stitch
2026-09-03 13:00 - 15:00
Join us at the library for community and crafting! Bring your yarn project and get to know other crafters! Learning how to knit or crochet? You’ll find some seasoned experts in the room who can offer some advice!

Labor Day/Library Closed
2026-09-07

Butterflies and Books
2026-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Sycamore Nature Preserve, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA
Join Ottumwa Public Library and Pioneer Ridge – Wapello County Conservation Board for a special outdoor storytime where we will learn about butterflies! We’ll also make a craft and if we’re lucky, we’ll also get to interact with live butterflies! This program is off-site, at Sycamore Wildlife Area on the very north edge of town. To get there, turn west onto W. Rochester, then turn north onto Sycamore Rd., Sycamore Wildlife Area is at the end of Sycamore Rd

Library Board Meeting
2026-09-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Meeting Room
The monthly meeting of the Ottumwa Public Library’s board.

Snacks in the Stacks
2026-09-15 17:15 - 18:15
Join us in the meeting room for some snacks, then listen to the first chapter (or two) of a book and take a copy home to keep! Registration not required, limit one book per family, books available while supplies last. Open to all kids with an interest in chapter books.
