About Us

Antonia Krupicka-Smith

Library Director

The leaves are changing and the weather has cooled.  The monarchs have begun their migration and at the library we are happy to bring back well-loved programs and introduce new resources to the community.

This October we will be expanding our Dia de los Muertos celebration with a large community ofrenda, a to-go sugar skull activity, crafts and activities on site, music and more.  Join us on October 30^th for this wonderful cultural celebration for the whole family.

The youth department is once again providing weekly storytimes.  For the month of October these will be at Bayliss Park, but in November they will move back inside and be in Meeting Room B while the renovation continues on the youth area.  In November, family programming will also return on a once monthly basis and to-go kits will be available during Thanksgiving and the Holiday school breaks.

The teen department is introducing a menu of programs available all the time which allows for variety of choice for teens when they are in Teen Central.  I encourage you to stop in and try out robotics, arts, or something crafty.  There is also a once a month club on Tuesdays that introduces life skills in a fun and not intimidating environment.  In November there will be a watch party and gaming event to coincide with the MAGE event at the Mid-American center.

The adult department will be hosting fun events this fall to support the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation Author Speaker Series.  We are excited to welcome national author Carl Hiaasen on October 28^th at 7 p.m. on the Iowa Western Community College campus.  Some events leading up to this event include a free night of improve at The Hoff and an informational presentation on owls from Fontenelle Forest.  Other fun events this fall include a murder mystery and various presentations on exciting topics.  Check the library website for more information on upcoming programs!

We are happy to provide a new Discovery Pass to the Omaha Children’s Museum.  This pass will checkout with your library card and provide a wonderful interactive experience for you and the kiddos in your life.  Also this fall we will introduce a new children’s format called a WonderBook.  This format is a recorded picture book for kiddos to listen to a story as they flip through the book independently or with their big person.  Exposure to books and providing access to various formats is an important element of early literacy.

This fall I also encourage you to try something new by checking out a board game or baking pan.  Use our hobbies and crafts reference center to try a new recipe, learn a new paper craft, or research that old coin collection you found.  Don’t forget about the Library Makerspace!  Now is the perfect time to start making your holiday gifts or use our sound booth to record some festive music.  All of this is possible with your Council Bluffs Public Library card.  I hope to see you at the library soon!