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400 Willow Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503   712-323-7553

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COVID UPDATES AND INFORMATION

Upcoming Events

  • Featured Event

    Summer Lunch @ the Library!

    The Council Bluffs Community School District invites children ages 1-18 and adults with children to have a free lunch at…

    Jun 05 - Jul 28 - 11:00 am - 11:30 am, Meeting Room B

  • Featured Event

    Drop-In Tech Help

    Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address,…

    May 30 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

    Tech Lab

  • Featured Event

    Lawyers In Libraries

    Join local attorney, Deborah Peterson for the Spring Lawyers in Libraries program sponsored by the ISBA Elder Law Section in…

    May 31 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    Conference Room A Council Bluffs Public Library

  • Featured Event

    Songs of Inspiration

    Inspirational music can lift out spirits and soothe our souls, often in ways that spoken words cannot. During this program, Richard…

    Jun 05 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

    Meeting Room B

  • Featured Post

    SEED LIBRARY NOW OPEN FOR 2023

    We're Open! The Prairie Rose Seed Library is officially open for browsing starting January 2023.! This year we've raised the…

    Read More

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More Staff Picks +
  • Staff Picks

    Love & Other Great Expectations

    A super cute foray into the world of teenagers and British Literature. The adventure, the feels, the stories...this book has a great balance of all 3 and the characters are well-rounded and realistic.

    Caroline

    Circulation Clerk

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  • Staff Picks

    This Book is Gay

    Many people who belong to the LGBTQ+ Community continue to have little to no education on the expectations, roles, and dangers they could face in life. The author addresses the lack of education by writing a book that provides people of the LGBTQ+ Community with an educational instruction manual to assist the members of the community in being themselves safely.

    Jake

    Teen Services

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  • Staff Picks

    Speak: The Graphic Novel

    For fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel Speak, comes the graphic novel version. The main character is Melinda, throughout the story she uses art as a means of solace for her pain. Reading the story through another artist's interpretation helped me relate to the character's struggle even more and the impact of watching the scenes unfold made metaphors I didn't pick up in the novel version stick out even more.

    Lindsay

    Library Assistant

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  • Staff Picks

    The Crossing Places

    The first in the acclaimed Ruth Galloway series follows the forensic archaeologist and DCI Harry Nelson as they investigate a child's bones found on a nearby beach, thought to be the remains of a little girl who went missing ten years before.

    Mindy

    Reference Assistant

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  • Staff Picks

    The Midnight Library

    Between life and death, there is a library and each book is a variation in your life that you could have taken. Nora is given the opportunity to read a few variations to witness/ live an alternative life. Does she renew her current book or in fact select a new book?

    Jake

    Circulation Services

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  • Staff Picks

    What If It’s Us

    Arthur & Ben have two varying opinions of the universe. When they cross paths at the post office, neither can get the other out of the other's mind. Arthur is moved to action by posting a flyer describing Ben. Will the universe bring them together again or was it simply a passing in the void?

    Jake

    Teen Services

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  • Staff Picks

    The Last Cuentista

    Earth is going to be destroyed by an asteroid and only a select few of the population are chosen to preserve the cultures of the world by establishing colonies on a Goldilocks planet. The collective takes over in the pursuit of eliminating what they believe is the greatest issue with humanity...its culture. However, Petra is descendent of storytellers and she will not be silenced.

    Jake

    Teen Services

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  • Staff Picks

    Authentically, Izzy

    A nice, CLEAN romance with cute characters, tons of bookish references, and a heavy dose of humor. I enjoyed getting to know the characters through their correspondences to each other, which makes the book fun to read! I have a new fondness for sweater vests and hilarious book t-shirts! The depth of love both families have for each other is evident and the author paints lovely pictures of "home".

    Caroline

    Library Assistant-Circulation

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  • Staff Picks

    Lapvona: A Novel

    Lapvona is an entrancing read, full of brutal imagery, mordant humor, and a cast of pathetically tragic characters. It's a novel you have read to believe.

    Nathan Mahlberg

    Teen Services Assistant

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  • Staff Picks

    Let Me In

    Let Me In follows a young boy named Oskar who lives in a Swedish suburb. All is quiet in the town until one of his schoolmates is murdered. Residents believe it was a ritual killing and the murder is understandably on everyone's mind. Except Oskar, who is more preoccupied with a little girl who has moved into the house next to his. Despite her odd behavior, Oskar befriends her but slowly discovers that she may be deceiving Oskar and the rest of the town.

    Daley

    Reference Assistant

    More Staff Picks +

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Library Hours

Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm Friday – Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm Sunday – 1:00pm – 5:00pm

400 Willow Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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Scatter Joy Acres

Scatter Joy Acres is a therapy and rescue ranch on the north side of Omaha that is home to a hundred animals, including alpacas, sheep, rabbits, and much more. Visit the ranch and experience animal interaction, hands on STEM education, picnic and playground areas with ample parking.

A family pass to Scatter Joy Acres is available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. The family pass admits 2 adults and children under 18 from the same household. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes.

Visit Scatter Joy Acre's Website
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Get Started with TumbleBook Library

TumbleBook Library is a curated database of children’s e-books, with over 1,100 titles for grades K-6.

You can find unique animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, National Geographic videos, non-fiction books, playlists, and graphic novels, as well as books in Spanish and French.

Go to TumbleBook
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El Museo Latino

El Museo Latino is a Latino Museum located in South Omaha. As the only Latino Museum within a 500-mile radius, the museum is a unique cultural destination.  Art exhibits are presented throughout the year, as well as educational programs including films, art classes, workshops, demonstrations, gallery talks, bi-lingual guided visits, and dance classes. Special events during the year highlight the annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration in May and Hispanic Heritage Month in September-October, as well as a variety of Family Day celebrations. El Museo Latino has limited open hours, so please check out their website prior to making a visit.

A family pass to El Museo Latino is available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. The family pass admits 2 adults and children under 18 from the same household and includes entrance to current exhibits. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Holds cannot be placed on passes.

Visit the El Museo Latino website
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Backyard Movie Night Kits from 712 Initiative

In pursuing its mission to create tools for neighbors to connect – The 712 Initiative is proud to unveil its Backyard Movie Program!  Blockbusters, prime-time sporting events, gaming tournament, binge watching soap operas with your friends (we don’t judge!)- the equipment in the BYMN kits are easy to setup and fun for the whole family.

Movie Kit includes:

  • projector
  • blu-ray dvd player
  • sound bar
  • 120 inch screen
  • set-up instructions

The Backyard Movie Night Kits are available for reservation through the 712 Initiative and can be picked up and dropped of at the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor of the Council Bluff Public Library.

Free to Council Bluffs residents ($50 refundable deposit), the Backyard Movie kits will provide you and your neighbors with the equipment to create a memorable evening.
Reserve a Backyard Movie Night Kit
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Pottawattamie Conservation

Pottawattamie Conservation includes 5 parks and 6 habitats that encompass nearly 2,000 acres across Pottawattamie County. The parks and habitats showcase the diverse landscape of the county while offering a variety of activities, from hiking to camping to fishing.

Day passes to Pottawattamie County Conservation parks are available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. Passes admit one vehicle for one day into any Pottawattamie Conservation area, including Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Narrows River Park, and Old Town Park. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes and only one pass can be checked out on an adult card at one time.

Visit Pottawattamie Conservation's Website
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Baby Reads

What is Baby Reads?
Baby Reads is a program that sets your family up for reading success by making reading easy, fun, and part of your daily routine.

Why Baby Reads?
Research shows that reading to babies contributes significantly to their brain development. Reading, singing, playing, and cuddling stimulate intellectual and emotional development.

Free Book and a Fresh Start
With Baby Reads you get a library card for your baby and a free board book to keep. Any fees you have will be erased when your newborn gets a library card before their first birthday. This offer is good for first-time baby cardholders. Non-resident card fees may apply if you live outside CBPL’s service area.

How Do I Get Started?
Visit the Circulation Desk at the Council Bluffs Public Library. Bring along a photo ID with your current address on it. If your ID doesn’t have a current address, bring a utility bill, car registration, government assistance letter, or bank statement that does.

You can also request Raising Reader Benchmark cards from Raise Me to Read, the Library’s Baby Reads partner organization.

Visit Raise Me to Read's Website
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Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Unavailable at this time, check back the last week of March 2023 for the April 2023 session.

LIMITED QUANTITIES

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consistently ranked one of the world’s best zoos, is the ultimate interactive zoo experience and a biological park leading the nation’s conservation efforts. Walk through the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. Explore exotic locations and underground caves to see thousands of animals from across the globe in their natural habitat. With more than 7 acres of indoor exhibits, Omaha’s Zoo is a year-round must-do.

One-time use passes are available to adult library card holders residing in Council Bluffs, Crescent, Minden, McClelland, Treynor, Underwood, or unincorporated and rural areas of Pottawattamie County. A finite number of passes are distributed throughout the year during 4 sessions.  Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis and admit up to 2 adults and 6 children.  Holds cannot be placed on passes and an individual can only receive one pass per session.  Other restrictions may apply.

Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's Website
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The Durham Museum

Making its home in one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of our region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through their affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum.

A family pass to The Durham Museum is available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. The family pass admits 2 adults and children under 18 from the same household and includes entrance to all exhibits. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes.

Visit the Durham Museum's Website
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Omaha Children's Museum

Omaha Children’s Museum is the most visited museum in Nebraska and features outstanding interactive permanent exhibits focused on art, science and early childhood education, providing a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, programs, presentations and special events that put children in touch with their ever-changing world.

A family pass to the Omaha Children’s Museum is available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. The family pass admits 2 adults and up to 6 children under 18 from the same household and includes entrance to all exhibits. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes.

Visit Omaha Children's Museum's Website
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Heartland Bike Share

Heartland Bike Share is the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the Omaha metro area, with over 60 station locations throughout the metro! Checking out a pass will give you FREE unlimited 1-hour trips.  For a list of stations, please visit the Heartland Bike Share website.

Heartland Bike Share passes are available to borrow. Passes will give you FREE unlimited 1-hour trips and must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. Bikes cannot be kept over nights.  Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes and only one pass can be checked out on an adult card at one time.

Visit Heartland Bike Share's Website
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Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens is a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. Escape to an urban oasis of beauty and tranquility to experience the glory of the garden. Discover a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city. Relax while cultivating your mind in this living plant museum, conveniently located in the beautiful riverfront hills.

A family pass to Lauritzen Gardens is available to borrow. The pass must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. The family pass admits 2 adults and children aged 17 and under from the same household. A library pass is eligible only for  and is not eligible for any Lauritzen Garden membership benefits other than admission. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes.

Visit Lauritzen Garden's Website
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Get started with Overdrive Audiobooks

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Fontenelle Forest

Fontenelle Forest encompass nearly 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands along the Missouri River and is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation.

Day passes to Fontenelle Forest are available to borrow. Passes are valid only on the day indicated and must be returned to the library within 5 days of checkout. Passes admit 2 adults and up to 5 children under 18 from the same household. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Holds cannot be placed on passes and only one pass can be checked out on an adult card at one time.

Visit Fontenelle Forest's Website
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Get Started with Overdrive Magazines

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Get Started with Libby

Browse thousands of e-Books, digital audiobooks and digital magazines and download to your smartphone or digital device.

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Get Started with Hoopla Digital

Digital movies, television shows, music albums, graphic novels, e-Books and audiobooks. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Have your library card ready.
  2. Click Login in the top right corner, and select “Sign Up.”
  3. Enter an email address and choose a password.
  4. Browse Movies, Music, Audiobooks, Comics, and more. Select a title and click Borrow.
  5. Access the item in your browser or on the App*

*Apps available for iOS (iPad, iPhone), Android, and Kindle.

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