The Library will be CLOSED at 5 PM on Wednesday, Nov 25 and be CLOSED on Thursday, Nov 26 in observance of Thanksgiving.

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

About Us

About the Library

“The Council Bluffs Public Library is committed to enriching, informing and empowering our community.”

The Council Bluffs Public Library exists to meet the changing needs of Council Bluffs citizens, families and businesses. We offer children, teen, and adult services so we can meet specific requests for a variety of ages. We also have a tech lab with all of the tools and programs to allow you to keep innovating. Explore our site to learn more about what the Council Bluffs Library has to offer. Click here to read the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2019-20.

Map

Holidays

Upcoming Holiday Hours

Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Closing at 5:00pm ~ Thanksgiving Eve

Thursday, November 26, 2020
CLOSED ~ Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, December 24, 2020
CLOSED ~ Christmas Eve

Friday, December 25, 2020
CLOSED ~ Christmas Day

Hours

Library Hours

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

kids enjoying library events

48,738

Registered Card Holders

1,733

Check-outs per Day

65,000

Sq. ft. of Building Space

40

Full & Part-time Staff

Board of Trustees

Library Board of Trustees

The Council Bluffs Public Library is governed by the Board of Library Trustees and is comprised of 9 members who are appointed by the Mayor and are confirmed by City Council. Each member serves a six-year term. As defined in the Board By-laws, the primary duties of the Board include:

Serves as a liaison between the library and the community
Acts as a policy-making board
Assists in budget preparation
Control of expenditure of funds allocated to the library
Responsible for the appointment of a librarian

The next board meeting will be held via conference call. The meeting materials are here.

Board Members

Library Board Members

matt garst

Matt Garst

President

BuckChristensen

Buck Christensen

Vice President

anne

Anne Rohling

Stacy Goodman

Stacy Goodman

kathy penkert

Kathy Penkert

Leo Martin

Leo Martin

Cindy-Keithley

Cindy Keithley

Jeff-Snow

Jeff Snow

Alison Smith

Alison Smith

Secretary

Director's Report

kathy

Director’s Report

Are you looking to stay up-to date with everything going on at the library? Check back here every month for a detailed report on all of the happenings around the library. From facility and staff changes to collections and services, the Director’s Report has everything you need!

Click here to download the PDF for this month’s Director’s Report.

Job Openings

Careers at the Library

Part-Time Circulation Library Assistant – Manager on Duty

68

Hours Open per Week

6

Meeting Rooms for Public Use

186,970

Materials in Collection

100

Number of Public Computers

x

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

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.

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 3 sessions. Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis and admit up to 4 individuals. Holds cannot be placed on passes and an individual can only receive one pass per session. Other restrictions may apply.

Visit Omaha Children's Museum's Website

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Heartland Bcycle

Heartland Bcycle 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 Bcycle website.

Heartland Bcycle 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 Bcycle'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 under 18 from the same household 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

Getting Started With Overdrive

Instructions for your device

Instructions for borrowing

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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 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 (Formerly RBdigital)

Getting Started With Overdrive

Instructions for your device

Instructions for borrowing

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Get Started with Overdrive eBooks

Getting Started With Overdrive

Instructions for your device

Instructions for borrowing

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Get Started with Hoopla Digital Movies & Music

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

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