Upcoming Events

Featured Events

The author next to his book with an old photo in the background and the Smithsonian logo on the left side

Virtual Author Talk: Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Virtual

Age Group:

Adult (Ages 18+)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Special Events, Virtual
Event Details:

Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.

Author in a green field with two book covers on either side of him with a teal background and library logo in the bottom left corner

Virtual Author Talk: Michael Perry

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Virtual

Age Group:

Adult (Ages 18+)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Virtual
Event Details:

In Michael Perry’s memoir, Population: 485, the local vigilante is a farmer's wife armed with a pistol and a Bible, the most senior member of the volunteer fire department is a cross-eyed butcher with one kidney and two ex-wives, and the

Author next to a book cover with a purple and light blue background and library logo in the bottom left corner

Virtual Author Talk: Kate Quinn

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Virtual

Age Group:

Adult (Ages 18+)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Special Events, Virtual
Event Details:

Alexandria “Alix” Watson has learned one lesson from her barren childhood in the foster-care system: unlike people, books will never let you down.

star wars and outerspace patches on a red backpack with the ankeny kirkendall public library logo

Patch Making with ASAP

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Teen Program Room at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Workshop, Craft

Age Group:

Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Special Events, Workshop, Craft
Registration Required
Event Details:

Represent your hobbies and interests by learning how to make fun patches for your backpack or jacket with ASAP! This event is for tweens and teens. Registration required. 

A multiple choice test with a pencil and eraser and the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library logo

Practice ACT Test

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Workshop

Age Group:

Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Special Events, Workshop
Registration Required
Event Details:

Prepare for the ACT by taking a practice exam! This practice ACT will cover every subject on the ACT, and has an optional written portion. The exam will last until 4:15 pm without the written portion and until 5 pm with the written portion.

pink and green baubles and jewels and a black witch hat and a pink tiara with the ankeny kirkendall public library logo

Afternoon Teen Movie

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:45pm
Teen Program Room at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events

Age Group:

Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Special Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Have a wickedly good time watching a movie about your favorite pink and green besties! This wonderful movie musical that we will be watching is rated PG. Questions about what we are watching?

kids and adults enjoy a free library show

Dinosaur Loose in the Library Show feat. Author Kelly Crull

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Meeting Room ABC at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Age Group:

Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room ABC
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Event Details:

Author Kelly Crull will be here for an exciting and interactive dinosaur show. 

six red, blue, and green dice on an brown tabletop etched with symbols and the ankeny kirkendall public library logo

Learn to Play D&D with School of Adventure - Dealt Hand

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room A at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Games

Age Group:

Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Special Events, Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join Dealt Hand to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons - while playing it!  Their custom character sheet overlay helps break down the basics so anyone can learn the basics of D&D while participating in a group adventure!

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Age Group

Virtual Author Talk: Shoshana Walter

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Special Events, Virtual
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Special Events, Virtual
Event Details:

Today, more people have access to treatment than ever before. So why isn’t it working? The answer is that in America—where anyone can get addicted—only certain people get a real chance to recover.

Family Bingo for Books

4:00pm–4:45pm
All Ages, Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5), Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Games
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room ABC
Age Group: All Ages, Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5), Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

Come play BINGO and try to win books! All ages are welcome!

Graphic Novel Book Club

5:00pm–6:00pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Do you like reading graphic novels? This club is for you!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Teen Advisory Group

6:00pm–6:30pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Meeting
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Meeting
Registration Required
Event Details:

Do you have a passion for books and planning fun library events? Are you looking for leadership opportunities? Do you need Silver Cord hours? Join us in the Teen Program Room to participate in our Teen Advisory Group!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

WIN Wednesdays at Prairie Ridge

8:30am–9:00am
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs, Craft
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs, Craft
Event Details:

Sign up for WIN in Mrs. Mertz classroom to make a fun craft, enjoy a snack, and talk about your favorite books!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Sing & Shake

9:15am–9:45am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Singing, shaking, dancing, and bubbles! Adult participation is required.

Sing & Shake

10:00am–10:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Singing, shaking, dancing, and bubbles! Adult participation is required.

Sing & Shake

10:45am–11:15am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Singing, shaking, dancing, and bubbles! Adult participation is required.

Prairie Ridge Book Club

3:45pm–4:45pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs, Craft
Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs, Craft
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you a Prairie Ridge student and love to read? Then join us after school in the library to talk about your favorite books, enjoy a delicious snack, and do a fun craft! 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

ACHS Book Club

7:45am–8:30am
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us before school in room 2405 (Mrs. Eklund's Classroom) to enjoy snacks and discuss this month's book club book! You can pick up copies of our book from Mrs. Eklund!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Special Story Time with ISU Extension

10:00am–10:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for a series of special guests during our March Story Time slots. 

March 5: Caterpillar Story Time feat. Author Sherry Kubalsky

March 12: Story Time with author and food blogger Kelsey Byrnes

Craft & Chat

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Craft
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Craft
Event Details:

Join fellow crafters to work on projects and get tips with other creative people. All crafts are welcome, including sewing, knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, paper crafts and so on.

K-5 ASAP: Drama at the Library

4:00pm–4:45pm
School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Special Events
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Program Type: Special Events
Event Details:

K-5 kids are invited to participate in fun and educational programming, brought to you by the After School Arts Program.

Social Chess

6:00pm–8:00pm
All Ages, Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Games
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room B
Age Group: All Ages, Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

The purpose of this program is to promote the magnificent game of chess in Ankeny by bringing players of all ages and skill levels together at the library for a relaxing and informal evening of chess.

Young Adult Book Club

6:30pm–7:30pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Book Clubs
Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Love chatting with fellow bookworms while supporting a local business? Then check out Young Adult Book Club! Open to teens and adults, this book club meets monthly at Smokey Row and reads a variety of young adult and new adult books.

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Books & Bagels (Ankeny Centennial High School)

7:45am–8:15pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us before school in the library to eat bagels (or other breakfast pastries) and chat about what you're reading!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Mini & Me Dance Class with Motivate Dance

10:00am–10:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Event Details:

Motivate Dance will stop by to offer a free demo class of their Mini & Me session! This dance class is geared towards ages 1-3 but all ages are welcome! No registration required. 

Southview Book Club

1:30pm–2:00pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Sign up at Southview to join us during Flex to eat snacks and chat about what you're reading! 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Seed Starting Event

12:00pm–2:00pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Special Events
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12), Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Special Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn the basics of starting seeds indoors at this workshop by Nine Square Feet!  Choose from a nice variety of plants. You will be provided soil, containers and seeds, along with favorite tips for your success.

Dungeons & Dragons

2:00pm–7:00pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Games
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room BC
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Games
Event Details:

All adult players are welcome! Games start at 3:30pm. For help with character creation or any questions please arrive between 2:00pm and 3:30pm, walk-ins are also welcome during this time!

Books & Bagels (Ankeny High School)

7:45am–8:30am
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Book Clubs
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off-Site
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us before school to eat bagels (or other breakfast pastries) and chat about what you're reading!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Babies & Books

10:00am–10:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Books, rhymes, scarves, songs, and bubbles for babies. Older siblings are welcome to attend and may bring a stuffed animal to use as their "baby."

Babies & Books

11:00am–11:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Storytimes
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5)
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Books, rhymes, scarves, songs, and bubbles for babies. Older siblings are welcome to attend and may bring a stuffed animal to use as their "baby."

Fiber & Friends - Teen Craft & Chat

5:00pm–6:30pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Craft
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Craft
Event Details:

Drop-in and bring a craft you are working on and join fellow crafters to work on projects and get tips from other creative people. All crafts are welcome, including sewing, knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, paper crafts, and so on.