Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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!

Book cover in the middle with the author to the left and Barbara Kingsolver to the right with a blue background and library logo in the bottom left corner

Virtual Author Talk: Shoshana Walter

Tuesday, March 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:

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.

Author headshot next to the book cover of On a Mission with a picture of space as the background the the Smithsonian logo on the left side

Virtual Author Talk: Smithsonian Curator Emerita Valerie Neal

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Virtual

Age Group:

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

Join us for an exhilarating journey through the history of US women astronauts with Valerie Neal, emerita curator from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and expert on human spaceflight.

Hands drawing comics and the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library logo

Maker Monday - Zines and Comics with ASAP

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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:

Maker Monday is a monthly program for teens to learn more about using the makerspace and utilizing their own creativity to build and create unique items by hand. This month we will be learning how to make Zines and Comics with ASAP!

a bowl of peach rings and the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library logo

Snack Attack - Homemade Peach Rings

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Program Room at Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library

Program Type:

Special Events, Meeting

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, Meeting
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us to learn how to make easy, low-or-no cook snacks. We’ll make and eat the snack, and you’ll go home with the recipe! This month we are making Homemade Peach Rings! This program is for tweens and teens, grades 5 - 12.

The author next to the book Shadow Strike with a teal and yellow background and library logo in bottom left corner

Virtual Author Talk: Brad Taylor

Tuesday, April 14, 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:

Join us in conversation with acclaimed author Brad Taylor on his latest work, Shadow Strike, book 20 (yes, you read that right!) of the bestselling Pike Logan series. 

Hands painting with water colors and the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library logo

Water Colors and Wood Painting at AR Workshop

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
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:

Learn how to use water colors and create wood paintings with AR Workshop! This event is for tweens and teens, grades 5-12. Registration required.

The author next to her book What The Deep Water Knows with a purple and red background and library logo in the bottom left corner

Virtual Author Talk: Miranda Cowley Heller

Tuesday, April 21, 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:

Award-winning and bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller takes us on an intimate journey through the life stages of a woman in her new poetry collection, What the Deep Water Knows.

Filters
Age Group

Meet & Greet with Two Magical Mousy Characters

9:30am–11:30am
Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Early Learners (Birth - Age 5), School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Event Details:

If you aren't able to visit the most magical place on earth over Spring Break, then come to the library to meet THE cute boy and girl mice duo! Feel free to dress up in costume. 

Social Canasta

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

Canasta is a card game of the rummy family, invented in Uruguay in 1939 that quickly took the world by storm and became an American craze through the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.  If you haven’t played in several years or missed out on the craze ent

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

2:00pm–5:00pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Special Events, Games
Open
Registration Required
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!

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.

K-5th Grade Dog "Brick" Building Competition*

9:30am–11:00am
School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Special Events
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Program Type: Special Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Think you have what it takes to be the FIRST to complete a set of bricks per the instructions? 8 teams of up to 4 kids will race to finish a dog brick set.

Brick Building Competition (Cancelled lack of registration)

12:00pm–1:30pm
School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Special Events
Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Program Type: Special Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Think you have what it takes to be the FIRST to complete a set of bricks per the instructions? 8 teams of up to 4 kids will race to finish a dog brick set.

Gaming Club

3:00pm–5:00pm
Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Games
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Teen Program Room
Age Group: Tween & Teen (Gr. 5-12)
Program Type: Games
Registration Required
Event Details:

Bring your device and/or log in to play Minecraft, Mario Kart, Stardew Valley, or any number of video games on your device, do themed crafts and activities, or just hang out and chat with other video game fans.

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.

Brick Building Competition (Cancelled lack of registration)

3:30pm–5:00pm
School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Special Events
Cancelled
Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: School-Age (Gr. K-5)
Program Type: Special Events
Registration Required
Event Details:

Think you have what it takes to be the FIRST to complete a set of bricks per the instructions? 8 teams of up to 4 kids will race to finish a dog brick set. 

Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting

6:00pm–7:30pm
All Ages
Meeting
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Council Chambers
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Meeting
Event Details:

Agenda and Reports

Write on Thursdays

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Workshop, Writing
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Workshop, Writing
Event Details:

Join us for our new writer's workshop! Come and share your own work, get advice from others and make connections with other local authors. 

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.

Evening Book Club

6:30pm–7:30pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Book Clubs
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room C
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

This month's selection: Foster by Claire Keegan

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!

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."

Social Cribbage

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

Bring your favorite cribbage board or use one of ours. Come for the fun!

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.

A-English Conversation Circle

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Bilingual
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Conference Room A
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Bilingual
Event Details:

This volunteer-led program offers English language learners the opportunity to practice their conversational English in a relaxed, fun way to:

Ankeny Genealogy Chapter

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Genealogy
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room A
Age Group: Adult (Ages 18+)
Program Type: Genealogy
Event Details:

Monthly meeting for the Ankeny Genealogy Chapter. Come prepared to share what you have discovered about your family tree at this participatory meeting!

Craft & Chat

6:30pm–8:30pm
Adult (Ages 18+)
Craft
Library Branch: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library
Room: Meeting Room B
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.

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.

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.