Rainbow is dedicated to producing a high-quality dance event that creates rewarding experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Thousands of people of different ages, talents, and abilities share our stages. We seek to provide each of these performers with the opportunity to shine in a positive, rewarding, and exhilarating competition setting.
Crochet Basics Class – Learn the Basics & Create Your First Project!
Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet but didn’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly class is the perfect introduction & is led by the incredibly talented Christy Jaworski, owner of V. Ferme in Blair, NE.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the foundational skills every crocheter needs, including:
-How to properly hold and use a crochet hook
-How to make a slip knot
-How to make a chain stitch
-Single crochet
-Half double crochet
-Double crochet
-Slip stitch
-How to weave in ends for a clean, finished look
During class, you’ll complete a small, simple project to practice your new skills and leave feeling confident to continue crocheting at home.
All students will receive a crochet hook, a skein of yarn, stitch markers, and blunt needle to use in class and take home.
No experience necessary — just bring your creativity and willingness to learn!
Sit & Stitch Sundays feel like the gentle exhale you didn’t know you were holding in. Picture yourself tucked into a warm corner of the orchard’s tasting room, yarn or thread in hand, spreading out your project bag like you’ve finally found your crafting sanctuary.
This isn’t a class, there’s no instructor, no pressure—just a cozy, welcoming space to work on whatever’s been calling your name while chatting with friends or striking up a conversation with someone new.
Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilting squares, or any half-finished project that’s been giving you the side-eye at home. Ask questions, trade tips, share patterns, or simply sit and stitch in companionable silence. It’s community in its softest form.
We also have a free box! Are you looking to clear out your excess yarn stash? Old patterns? Duplicate crochet hook or knitting needles? Fabric? Anything craft related! Bring it in & toss it in the box - feel free to look through for something you need!
Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address, but you’re not sure where to start? Would you like to learn how to download an eBook, audiobook, movie or music?
We’re here to help! Bring your laptop, tablet or phone with you.
Step right up for a carnival at the library!
We’ll have games, prizes, and treats.
For kids in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Draw your masterpiece on a Post-It note and add it to our gallery! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Join us for "Etched in Stone," presented by Dr. Richard Warner of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.
This presentation will use the historical markers and monuments around Council Bluffs as a gateway to explore distinctive moments in our city's history. These markers reflect what people at the time considered important, offering a unique perspective that can differ from our current view of local history. Learn to view these historical markers in a new light, understanding them as more than just slabs of granite.
Attendees will learn about: Abraham Lincoln's visit, the Mormon Battalion, the 1952 and 2019 floods, the first building in the city, the arrival of the Potawatomi, the expansion of Lake Manawa, the channelization of Indian Creek, and more.
This program is free and open to the public, presented in partnership with the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.
Join us for an evening hike on the trails at Hitchcock Nature Center. We'll start off under the glow of sunset as we hike to the best vantage point to witness the rise of the Worm Moon!
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
10am - 11am Veterans
11am - 2pm Everyone is welcome
We have space for 100 employers. So far, we have major companies in production, transportation, casino operations, security, construction, and finance. More to come. We will be at the SportsPlex on the Soccer Field. Please join us! If you need help with your resume or practicing interview skills beforehand, please contact IowaWORKS in Council Bluffs, we are happy to help.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Draw your masterpiece on a Post-It note and add it to our gallery! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Are you into thrillers and always looking for the next adventure? Immerse yourself in a mystery book, then meet up to talk about it! Our selection is sure to keep you on your toes and always wanting more.
Join: Pick up discussion books at the Reference Desk.
Join us for a playdate where parents and caregivers can get together to talk about childcare over coffee and tea while their children play, fostering new friendships for kids and their caregivers.
Appropriate for kids 5 and under.
Draw your masterpiece on a Post-It note and add it to our gallery! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Come learn the key points of storycrafting and performance with Dirk Walker and Summer Kemp-Schlemmer in this 8-week workshop. We will talk about how great storytelling impacts our communities, brainstorm inspiring themes and craft our individual tales for small-group presentation.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Draw your masterpiece on a Post-It note and add it to our gallery! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Don't miss out on this amazing thought provoking evening with Dan Gish - this series of events is free to attend!
Stories the Earth Tells with Dan Gish
Yellowstone: Beauty, Power, and the Supervolcano Beneath
Yellowstone is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, geysers, and wildlife, but beneath its beauty lies one of the most powerful geological systems on Earth. In this session of Stories the Earth Tells, geologist and geophysicist Dan Gish explores the science and scale of the Yellowstone supervolcano and what it reveals about our planet’s inner workings.
Dan is a geologist and geophysicist with 50+ years of global exploration & research.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Come by the Makerspace and learn how to embroider your name on fabric! Choose from a selection of fonts and colors, and build your skills with our embroidery machine.
The Brother Stellaire embroidery machine makes converting images or text into a finished project quick and easy. Perfect for patches, clothing, or household decorations, add that finishing touch or bit of personalization to make your creation even more special.
This class is free and open to the public – ages 14+.
Space is limited - registration required!
Come grab a drink, some snacks, and a cozy little table in our cabaret "night club". Join us for a relaxing evening that showcases our talented IWCC singers and our own Reiver Jazz Ensemble.
Escape the ordinary and plunge into the unique, alternate worlds depicted in science fiction and fantasy genres. Our Worlds Away Book Club will transport you into other cultures, peoples, eras and galaxies with our selection.
Join: Pick up discussion books at the Reference Desk
Join us for Karaoke Nights EVERY Thursday! While you are here enjoy our Thirsty Thursday special! Come ready to sing, eat, drink and have a great night!
Strings Unleashed: A Rock Fusion Experience with Dallas String Quartet is a brand-new electric evening, perfect for a date night or the entire family! Brimming with your favorite rock songs - played on electric string instruments - your ears will be delighted, your feet will be tapping and you won’t take your eyes off the captivating stage presence that is DSQ. The electric violin and viola instrumentation will be accompanied by bass, guitar, and drums for a sonically thrilling, classic rock experience with favorites from Led Zeppelin, Metallica, ACDC, Journey, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses and more! Dallas String Quartet, also referred to as DSQ or DSQ Electric, is a #2 Billboard charting American Classical Crossover ensemble founded in 2007 by composer and violist Ion Zanca. A fusion of contemporary classical and pop music, DSQ’s style is referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi” and is compared to artists like Lindsey Stirling, Vitamin String Quartet, Brooklyn Duo and 2Cellos.
View all the exciting concerts happening at the Arts Center on our blog here.
Cost: $180.00
This class is for those that were arrested for an OWI over the age of 18. Class is designed to help each person reduce risk for any type of alcohol or drug problem by helping them understand and accept the need to make necessary changes to reduce the risk for future problems. The class meets state requirements under sections 321J.2 and 321J.17, Subsection 2, and is open to anyone wishing to better understand their problem. Students with limited English proficiency must provide their own interpreter
Friday Luncheons are hosted by the Culinary Arts Students of Iowa Western Community College. Luncheons are planned, prepared, and served by the students. The luncheons offer our students real-world restaurant experience to help them prepare for their future careers.
All luncheons are open to the public. Reservations are appreciated! Please email [email protected] for reservations.
It’s Fish Fry season! The Fish Fry will include dine-in as well as carry-out. The cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
MENU INCLUDES:
We will be raffling a Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 5-Burner Propane Grill, gill cover, grilling utensils and $500 Bertelsen Beef! Many thanks to Cutler-O’Neill Meyer Woodring for sponsoring the raffle items. Tickets will be on sale soon and cost $10 per ticket. They can be purchased in-person at the event or at the Parish Office. Winner
Game Nights are back on Fridays. Save your frantic cleaning to host guests at your place & move your game night to the orchard. Dust off your favorite board games and get ready to roll the dice!
Forget the chill outside—we're turning up the cozy factor indoors for evenings packed with friendly competition, great company, and snacks & drinks to indulge. Our doors are open for you to come enjoy yourself and ease into the weekend!
We have board games & cards available here to play, but you are more than welcome to bring your favorite game to enjoy...all ages are welcome!
Our kitchen (with limited menu) & bar will be open to serve you!
Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this hands-on class designed for all skill levels. Each month features a new theme - like landscapes, florals, or abstract textures - while introducing techniques such as color mixing, brushwork, and layering. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, this class provides a creative, supportive space to explore and grow. Taught by Vivian Kvam, an experienced educator and creative professional with a background in media, branding, and visual storytelling. Vivian brings an encouraging and approachable style to the classroom, making art fun and accessible for ALL!!!
Cost: $40
Join Tom O’Brien, owner of Gardens on Glen, for an in-depth, hands-on workshop exploring the traditional and practical art of fruit tree grafting. Participants will learn how grafting enables gardeners to combine different tree varieties for improved pollination, greater fruit diversity, and extended harvest seasons—all while saving valuable space in the garden. Tom will demonstrate key grafting methods, including proper cutting, alignment, and binding techniques using grafting knives and tape. Attendees will practice making clean graft unions and securing them with clothespins to encourage successful growth. The class will also cover selecting compatible rootstocks and scions, aftercare tips, and troubleshooting common issues. Optional young trees and scion wood will be available for purchase.
Cost: $20
Join eNVy for a high-energy night of crowd-favorite hits spanning multiple decades and genres. Great drinks, great vibes, and live music that keeps the party going all night - see you at The B Side!
Get ready for a festive St. Patrick’s Day race winding through historic downtown Council Bluffs, finishing at the Historic 100 Block! Dress in your best Shamrock-themed attire and bring your friends and family for a fun-filled run this side of the rainbow. The event features a certified 3-mile route, professional timing, a live DJ, and even dogs are welcome! All participants receive swag with registration, making it a day full of fitness, music, and fun for everyone.
It's that time of year again! Bring the family out for our annual Maple Tree Tap at Botna Bend Park and learn the basics of syrup making—from tapping the trees to bottling the final product. You'll even get to explore the syrup shack at Botna Bend and learn how we make this sweet, sticky treat for our annual Pancake Feed every fall. Local maple syrup samples will also be available as supplies last.
If temperatures are cooperative and the sap is flowing, you'll also have an opportunity to taste the fresh sap as it flows from a maple tree!
Free with a $3/vehicle park entry fee or an annual park permit. This event will take place outside; please dress for the weather.
The Feed Trough will also be onsite offering delicious eats.
Sled after dark at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock and experience an elevated twist on this favorite winter pastime. Ride the chair lift up the hill and shoot down on a zippy Zibob sled. For safety reasons, all participants must be ages 7 or older. No outside sleds allowed; Sleds are provided by the area.
Sledding is $33 plus taxes and processing. Sledding is free for Crescent Hill season passholders.
Pre-registration is required for this event. Please click the icon above to register today.
Avoca residents will have a new opportunity to connect directly with City Administrator, Shawnna Silvius, at our new series called "Community Coffee Hour." These informal gatherings are designed to bring community members together in a relaxed setting to stay informed about City projects and initiatives.
We welcome all residents to stop by, ask questions, offer insights, and stay engaged with our community.
Cost: $180.00
This class is for those that were arrested for an OWI over the age of 18. Class is designed to help each person reduce risk for any type of alcohol or drug problem by helping them understand and accept the need to make necessary changes to reduce the risk for future problems. The class meets state requirements under sections 321J.2 and 321J.17, Subsection 2, and is open to anyone wishing to better understand their problem. Students with limited English proficiency must provide their own interpreter
It’s our first Pokémon Club! Whether you’ve played the game for years or are brand new, Catch ‘Em All at the Library!
Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for a First Responder Chili Cook-Off! Local first responders are firing up their best chili recipes and you get to decide the winner. Sample the chili, cast your vote, and help crown who takes home the bragging rights.
Entry Fee: $10
Sips & Swings: Judge Richard Gin Launch Party! Celebrate the Judge Richard Gin Launch with Par Defender a mobile golf simulator!
Come enjoy gin sips and golf swings — it’s going to be a hole-in-one!
Join us for a Wicked viewing, themed snacks, crafts, and more! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Burning Blue hits The Dock Bar & Grill with a setlist packed full of your favorite 90s and 2000s rock anthems, the songs you blasted in your car and still know every word to. Big hooks. Gritty guitars. Pure throwback energy.
Then they crank it up another notch with their own original music. Fresh, powerful, and built to shake the walls long after last call.
Grab your crew and come ready to sing, shout, and rock it out. March 7 is going to be one for the books.
Attention Music Lovers join us at the Whiskey Roadhouse for Lemon Fresh Day! Doors and Bar open at 9PM with no cover fee!
Stop by the Makerspace to learn about the process of 3D Printing! Take home a small 3D printed item.
Build original creations with Brain Flakes and Straw Connectors.
Most appropriate for kids K- 6th grade.
Try your hand at hot glue stamps, stencils, 3D painting, and more! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
The Pottawattamie County Recorder's Office will be holding traveling office hours on the second Tuesday of each month, from 4pm-8pm. Each month we will set up shop in a different town.
The initiative is designed to make Recorder’s Office services more accessible, especially for residents who are unable to visit the courthouse during standard business hours. During these traveling sessions, staff will be available to assist with:
Passport applications
Boat and ATV renewals
Copies of deeds
Marriage applications
Enrollment in Property Fraud Alert
Other Recorder’s Office services typically offered at the courthouse
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming program focusing on succulents!
This session is a perfect opportunity to learn how to keep succulents happy and thriving. We will be upcycling various receptacles into creative pots, which you are welcome to decorate and customize to your heart's delight.
This program is free, but registration is required to attend.
Give Blood – Give Life
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Stop by the Makerspace to learn about the process of 3D Printing! Take home a small 3D printed item.
Try your hand at hot glue stamps, stencils, 3D painting, and more! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
The City Planning Commission advises the City Council on matters of zoning, subdivision, development, and comprehensive planning for the City. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month at the Council Bluffs Public Library Meeting Room B.
Work smarter and get more out of Microsoft Office. Whether you’re new to Office or simply want to refresh your existing skills, you’ve come to the right place. Book a one-on-one appointment to get started.
Join us for a 30 minute yoga inspired storytime with Root & Roar Yoga!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and younger and an adult companion.
You are welcome to bring your own yoga mats or borrow one of ours.
Cost: $99.00 – Lunch provided
Learn what leadership truly means, whether you have formal authority or not. Define your leadership identity, map areas where you already influence, and begin habits of intentional leadership. Develop the foundational knowledge and competencies required to excel in your role as a leader supervisor.
*Zoom participation is available at Iowa Western center locations only.
Over a Cup of History The Civil War at 165 (PERDV-06)
“The Civil War at 165: Newest Interpretations of the Conflict”
Is there anything new left to say about the Civil War? This presentation will examine the latest historical scholarship on the Civil War Era and how that scholarship changes or complicates our understanding of the war.
Cost: $10
Location: Looft Hall 23
Stop by the Makerspace to learn about the process of 3D Printing! Take home a small 3D printed item.
Try your hand at hot glue stamps, stencils, 3D painting, and more! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Book a one-on-one appointment to learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine: from setting it up properly, to sewing straight lines! We’ll cover: sewing machine parts and accessories, how to thread the machine, how to install the bobbin, and more! Whether you need a refresher or are brand-new to sewing, bring your questions to get started (or restarted) on your sewing journey!
Upon completion of this class, you will be certified to check out the Janome Jem Gold Sewing Machine from the Makerspace! Must be age 14+.
***If you have your own portable sewing machine that works, feel free to bring it and a bobbin that fits the machine (the user manual may be helpful if available). Once your registration is confirmed, please email [email protected] if you plan to bring a machine.***
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Learn how to use Tinkercad to build and manipulate 3D designs. In this class, we’ll go over merging and subtracting shapes, readying objects for 3D printing by adding supports and exporting files. Finally, you will send your files to the 3D printer and watch them emerge in the real world!
Space is limited. Registration required.
Try your hand at hot glue stamps, stencils, 3D painting, and more! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
You’ve got the idea—now let’s talk dollars. Part 3 of the Startup Series covers the money side of running your own business: pricing, budgeting, and staying organized. Learn how to make your business make sense (and cents)!
Free and open to this audience in partnership with America's Small Business Development Center.
Don't miss out on this amazing thought provoking evening with Dan Gish - this series of events is free to attend!
Stories the Earth Tells with Dan Gish
Mid-Continent Rift: The Ancient Fracture Beneath the Midwest
Hidden deep beneath the heart of North America lies one of the continent’s most remarkable and little-known geological features: the Mid-Continent Rift. In this session, geologist and geophysicist Dan Gish unpacks the origins of this massive ancient rift and the clues that reveal its existence today.
Dan explores what the Mid-Continent Rift is, how scientists discovered it, and why it matters to states like Iowa and Nebraska, even though it lies far below the surface. The presentation also looks ahead to the emerging economic opportunities tied to this geological structure, shedding light on a new “gold rush” shaping the future of Mid America.
Dan is a geologist and geophysicist with 50+ years of global exploration & research.
The 746 Needlework Club meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month.
Needlework – Knitting, Crocheting, Embroidery – All skill levels welcome!
Please bring your own supplies.
Pet therapy teams visit the Library to help motivate children to read.
Wear your jammies to the Library, snuggle up to a pup and read.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
For groups larger than 5, please call ahead.
Join author Dion Leonard for a special event featuring his New York Times bestselling book, Finding Gobi. This inspiring true story follows Dion during a 155-mile ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert, where a chance encounter with a small stray dog turned into an extraordinary bond. Gobi ran alongside Dion to the finish line—and when she later went missing, a nationwide search began to reunite them.
At this library event, Dion will share their unforgettable journey, the search to bring Gobi home, and the powerful bond they share. This free, public event is perfect for animal lovers and adventure fans. Books will be available for purchase.
Join us for Karaoke Nights EVERY Thursday! While you are here enjoy our Thirsty Thursday special! Come ready to sing, eat, drink and have a great night!
Friday Luncheons are hosted by the Culinary Arts Students of Iowa Western Community College. Luncheons are planned, prepared, and served by the students. The luncheons offer our students real-world restaurant experience to help them prepare for their future careers.
All luncheons are open to the public. Reservations are appreciated! Please email [email protected] for reservations.
It’s Fish Fry season! The Fish Fry will include dine-in as well as carry-out. The cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
MENU INCLUDES:
We will be raffling a Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 5-Burner Propane Grill, gill cover, grilling utensils and $500 Bertelsen Beef! Many thanks to Cutler-O’Neill Meyer Woodring for sponsoring the raffle items. Tickets will be on sale soon and cost $10 per ticket. They can be purchased in-person at the event or at the Parish Office. Winner
Join a six-session educational series led by expert instructors, covering practical topics for gardeners and nature enthusiasts, including:
Designing a natural landscape
Selecting the right tree
Attracting birds to your yard
Garden sustainability
Plant propagation
The registration fee is $50 and includes all six sessions, a continental breakfast and lunch, access to merchant vendors, and raffle opportunities. Registration closes on 03/11/26.
Pre-registration is required. To ensure a high-quality participant experience, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. Please click the icon above to register today.
Want to sprout your little one's love for the outdoors? Come out and discover new places, faces, and the world around them!
Join us with your little ones to meet other families with young children as we venture into the great outdoors. Discover new places, new faces, and the joy of rediscovering the world around you with your youngster. This program is for parents/caretakers and their children ages three years and under.
The cost is $5 per adult; there is no cost for children.
The Makerspace has sewing machines! Learn how to use the machine and sew a small project! All materials will be provided. (Colors may vary.)
Skills learned: basic sewing & pressing.
Sign up in advance for this program; space is very limited! Ages 14+ only.
THREE class times to choose from!
Upon completion of this class, you will be certified to check out the Janome Jem Gold Sewing Machine from the Makerspace!
Thank you to the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation for supporting this program!
Cost: $50.00
This course is designed to educate and certify individuals who will be operating motorized vehicles. The course ensures that operators are knowledgeable about the safe and legal operation of MOPED. Students should bring a sack lunch as they will have 30-minute lunch break.
Join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation at our newly donated Buresh property just outside of Crescent to help clear invasive honeysuckle and cedar and restore native habitat.
Winter is the perfect time to get outside: no bugs, no humidity, and no thick summer growth to battle. Enjoy the crisp air and the quiet beauty of the prairie.
This volunteer day offers a special peek into a place not usually open to the public — a gorgeous landscape tucked away in the Loess Hills.
The Makerspace has sewing machines! Learn how to use the machine and sew a small project! All materials will be provided. (Colors may vary.)
Skills learned: basic sewing & pressing.
Sign up in advance for this program; space is very limited! Ages 14+ only.
THREE class times to choose from!
Upon completion of this class, you will be certified to check out the Janome Jem Gold Sewing Machine from the Makerspace!
Thank you to the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation for supporting this program!
Sled after dark at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock and experience an elevated twist on this favorite winter pastime. Ride the chair lift up the hill and shoot down on a zippy Zibob sled. For safety reasons, all participants must be ages 7 or older. No outside sleds allowed; Sleds are provided by the area.
Sledding is $33 plus taxes and processing. Sledding is free for Crescent Hill season passholders.
Pre-registration is required for this event. Please click the icon above to register today.
Attention Music Lovers join us at the Whiskey Roadhouse for Finding Gotham! Doors and Bar open at 9PM with no cover fee!
Cost: $125
The Iowa Driver Improvement Program (DIP) will examine attitudes and behavior in relation to driving. It will focus on teaching drivers how their behind the wheel attitude affects their driving behavior. Its purpose is to give participants an opportunity to reflect on their driving behavior and make a commitment to positively alter their daily driving experience. Please note, cancellations must follow IWCC Policy. If not followed, a rescheduling fee will be applied.
Create your own kite.
While supplies last.
For kids in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Pour acrylic paint into unique designs. This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days. Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits. Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
Experience the stress-reducing benefits and creative self-discovery of adult coloring. Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own coloring utensils and prints if you prefer. Color, relax and chat – bring a friend!
Join us for this captivating, Iowa-themed program presented by Iowa native Darrin Crow. State history comes to life in these delightful tales of early Iowa, featuring the Great Honey War of 1838, when Iowa was nearly invaded by Missouri!
This is a must-see program for anyone interested in the history of the Hawkeye State!
Free and open to the public.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us in the DeLong Lounge at Broadway United Methodist Church if you love reading authors that have a knack for storytelling. Conversations are organic and space is given for everyone to share.
Our outline of reading and discussing is:
March 17th - Spring
April 21st - Summer
May 19th - Fall
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join in as we discuss a mix of contemporary fiction and nonfiction books. Take your mind out of the grind of everyday life to be transported into captivating and calming reads.
Join: Pick up discussion books at the Reference Desk
Pour acrylic paint into unique designs. This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears requests for conditional use permits and requests for variances from the Zoning Ordinance. The board also conducts hearings on appeals of administrative interpretations pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month in the Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall.
Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days. Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits. Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
Come play new and classic board and card games. This group meets the third Tuesday of each month, and it is free to attend. You are welcome to bring your favorite games or just stop in to join a game.
Join us for 30 minutes of music, dance, and a story with Miss Abbey from Motion Works Dance.
Most appropriate for kids 5 and younger and an adult companion.
Cost: $99.00 – Lunch provided
“The most effective leader isn’t perfect. They’re real.”
Learn what leadership truly means, whether you have formal authority or not. Define your leadership identity, map areas where you already influence, and begin habits of intentional leadership. Develop the foundational knowledge and competencies required to excel in your role as a leader supervisor.
*Zoom participation is available at Iowa Western center locations only.
Pour acrylic paint into unique designs. This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days. Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits. Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
Book a one-on-one appointment to learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine: from setting it up properly, to sewing straight lines! We’ll cover: sewing machine parts and accessories, how to thread the machine, how to install the bobbin, and more! Whether you need a refresher or are brand-new to sewing, bring your questions to get started (or restarted) on your sewing journey!
Upon completion of this class, you will be certified to check out the Janome Jem Gold Sewing Machine from the Makerspace! Must be age 14+.
***If you have your own portable sewing machine that works, feel free to bring it and a bobbin that fits the machine (the user manual may be helpful if available). Once your registration is confirmed, please email [email protected] if you plan to bring a machine.***
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Pour acrylic paint into unique designs. This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Complete required coursework needed to apply for the State of Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization in 4 Days. Minimum educational requirements are 60 units completed college credits. Ideal for a person without a teaching degree who wants to become a substitute teacher. Paraeducators can also take this course to be able substitute in SPED classroom.
Council Bluffs Public Library and Pottawattamie Conservation have teamed up to offer a free four-part class series focused on giving you the confidence and background knowledge you need to grow a beautiful native garden that supports wildlife and provides benefits to you and your community. This is the third of four classes.
In this class, we will discuss how to choose a site for your garden, considerations to keep in mind when choosing plants, and garden design. This session will also provide information about working within city ordinances and HOAs.
Pre-registration is required. Please click the icon above to register today.
When it comes to working on electronics, soldering is an essential skill. In this class, we’ll go over the basics of the soldering iron, types of solder, basic terminology, and safety. Then, we’ll put that knowledge to use by practicing wire joining on spare circuit boards.
Space is limited. Registration required.
Join us for Karaoke Nights EVERY Thursday! While you are here enjoy our Thirsty Thursday special! Come ready to sing, eat, drink and have a great night!
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as a thrilling Wild West Show rolls into Council Bluffs, Iowa! With deep roots in cowboy history, this spectacular event showcases the rich traditions of the American West through daring rodeo performances, breathtaking stunts, and vibrant pageantry. Round up your family and friends for an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and awe-inspiring entertainment that captures the spirit of the frontier. Prepare to be transported to a time of cowboys, outlaws, and adventure at the Council Bluffs PRCA Rodeo!
Friday Luncheons are hosted by the Culinary Arts Students of Iowa Western Community College. Luncheons are planned, prepared, and served by the students. The luncheons offer our students real-world restaurant experience to help them prepare for their future careers.
All luncheons are open to the public. Reservations are appreciated! Please email [email protected] for reservations.
It’s Fish Fry season! The Fish Fry will include dine-in as well as carry-out. The cost is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12, and under 5 are free.
MENU INCLUDES:
We will be raffling a Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 5-Burner Propane Grill, gill cover, grilling utensils and $500 Bertelsen Beef! Many thanks to Cutler-O’Neill Meyer Woodring for sponsoring the raffle items. Tickets will be on sale soon and cost $10 per ticket. They can be purchased in-person at the event or at the Parish Office. Winner
Join Tom O’Brien, owner of Gardens on Glen, for an in-depth, hands-on workshop exploring the traditional and practical art of fruit tree grafting. Participants will learn how grafting enables gardeners to combine different tree varieties for improved pollination, greater fruit diversity, and extended harvest seasons—all while saving valuable space in the garden. Tom will demonstrate key grafting methods, including proper cutting, alignment, and binding techniques using grafting knives and tape. Attendees will practice making clean graft unions and securing them with clothespins to encourage successful growth. The class will also cover selecting compatible rootstocks and scions, aftercare tips, and troubleshooting common issues. Optional young trees and scion wood will be available for purchase.
Cost: $45
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as a thrilling Wild West Show rolls into Council Bluffs, Iowa! With deep roots in cowboy history, this spectacular event showcases the rich traditions of the American West through daring rodeo performances, breathtaking stunts, and vibrant pageantry. Round up your family and friends for an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and awe-inspiring entertainment that captures the spirit of the frontier. Prepare to be transported to a time of cowboys, outlaws, and adventure at the Council Bluffs PRCA Rodeo!
Cost: $125
The Iowa Driver Improvement Program (DIP) will examine attitudes and behavior in relation to driving. It will focus on teaching drivers how their behind the wheel attitude affects their driving behavior. Its purpose is to give participants an opportunity to reflect on their driving behavior and make a commitment to positively alter their daily driving experience. Please note, cancellations must follow IWCC Policy. If not followed, a rescheduling fee will be applied.
Cost: $150.00
Looft Hall Room 022
Please register at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. On that day, you'll attend a 4-hour review and Q&A session with the instructor, followed by the 2-hour certification exam. A ServSafe study guide will be mailed to your address on file upon registration. This is an independent study – ServSafe Manager course—students are expected to study the materials on their own in advance. The testing day includes a brief Q&A session and ends with the national certification exam. The course provides essential food safety knowledge for food handlers, covering topics such as foodborne illness, contamination, receiving and storing food, preparation, service, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, and inspections. It is ideal for those in restaurants, long-term care, assisted living, schools, food trucks, and small food businesses.
Pre-registration is required. To ensure a high-quality participant experience, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. Please click the icon above to register today.
Join us & celebrated educator Ron Cisar for the first full session of our 2026 season of "A Land Ethic Workshop." This program will be held at Hitchcock Nature Center and is perfect for anyone with an interest in conservation and a desire to develop a better understanding of the natural world outside their own front door.
Enjoy a full morning of instruction & learning:
Help us kick off Our Community Reads 2026: Coming Together! This is a family-friendly, all-ages community event to celebrate reading, crafting, and what makes this community special. There will be a food truck in the parking lot, performances, displays, and hands-on activities taking place throughout the Library. Join us for this Our Community Reads extravaganza!
Settle in for dinner, drinks, and dancing to live classic rock. Mostly Dead, a little unexpected, and a whole lot of fun from the first note to the last!
Sinners n Saints is bringing the party and a lot of rock n roll! LIVE at The Dock Bar & Grilll! Experience an electrifying night of music with Sinners N Saints performing live at The Dock! Get ready for a high-energy show packed with powerful vocals, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Round up your friends and make it a night to remember at The Dock in Council Bluffs!
Make your own candy sushi snack.
While supplies last.
For kids in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Create a unique and colorful bookmark using pressed flowers! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
Experience the Andean cultures of Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Chile through an acoustic journey and storytelling. The founder and director of the award-winning Lincoln-based Andean musical group Kusi Taki (Quechua for Enchanting Music) will play traditional South American instruments including the Quena (flute), Zampoñas (panpipes), Charango (ten-stringed small guitar) and Bombo (goatskin drum) and sing in Spanish and Quechua to bring alive the cultures and history of the indigenous peoples of the Andes.
This program is free and open to the public. Don't miss this opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the music and culture of South America!
Join us for a half hour of musical fun with Lori Lynn!
For kids ages 5 years old and younger and an adult companion.
This class is 1 of 7 in “Your Marketing Playbook Series”. Developing Your Marketing Plan, Strategy, and Calendar.
Goal: Establish a foundational marketing plan by guiding participants through essential marketing concepts, helping them
define their audience and brand message, set goals, and build a structured marketing calendar for effective execution. This course is led by Sue Pitts, an experienced business advisor and founder of Just Sue Creative, specializing in digital marketing, business strategy, and AI-driven innovation.
This is held at Looft Hall Room #023
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Create a unique and colorful bookmark using pressed flowers! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
So you want to write a book. Now what?! Join published author, writing coach, and creative novelist, Kris Sinclair and other local authors for a fun-filled writer’s discussion group.
A Work in Progress holds space for constructive brainstorming and is open to anyone who would like to share and discuss current works in progress to gain inspiration, swap ideas, and receive valuable feedback on the book you’ve been wanting to write.
Sign up to become part of this group to grow and develop writing skills that you can build on throughout the year.
Registration required.
Join us for this special Meet a Musician storytime with the Omaha Symphony!
We’ll be joined by a clarinet player who will bring the children’s book "Kitten’s First Full Moon" to life with live music.
Cost: $99.00 – Lunch provided
“Self-awareness isn’t soft—it’s the sharpest tool you’ve got.”
Equip yourself to recognize emotions in yourself and others; regulate responses; lead with empathy and clarity. Build tools for connection and cut miscommunication.
*Zoom participation is available at Iowa Western center locations only.
Create a unique and colorful bookmark using pressed flowers! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
The Makerspace has sewing machines! Learn how to use the machine and sew a small project! All materials will be provided. (Colors may vary.)
Skills learned: basic sewing & pressing.
Sign up in advance for this program; space is very limited! Ages 14+ only.
THREE class times to choose from!
Upon completion of this class, you will be certified to check out the Janome Jem Gold Sewing Machine from the Makerspace!
Thank you to the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation for supporting this program!
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
A ranger from the National Parks Service will join us to share Lewis & Clark’s epic journey across uncharted territory!
The presentation will be followed by activities for each age group (4-7, 8-11, 12 and up).
Create a unique and colorful bookmark using pressed flowers! This event is open to patrons in the 6th-12th grades while supplies last.
The 746 Needlework Club meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month.
Needlework – Knitting, Crocheting, Embroidery – All skill levels welcome!
Please bring your own supplies.
Learn how to make custom a mug with our sublimation printer and heat press! Create your image, use the sublimation printer to print onto an 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet, and head to our heat press to make your design a reality.
The Epson ET-2800 sublimation printer and HPN Signature Pro heat press are great tools to help you get started making custom apparel and other goods. Space is limited, so make sure to sign up for this new class today!
Join us for Karaoke Nights EVERY Thursday! While you are here enjoy our Thirsty Thursday special! Come ready to sing, eat, drink and have a great night!
The tour that lit up last year returns bigger and hotter than ever — with even more flames, more glow, and more high-octane action. Fans can expect the same edge-of-your-seat thrills they love, now supercharged with enhanced pyro effects, dazzling lighting, and jaw-dropping stunts. Get ready to cheer on your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks — Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™ — plus the all-new Rhinomite™, making its live debut this season! That’s not all: the epic transforming robot is back to wow the crowd, and the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team will once again deliver gravity-defying action. With special kids pricing available at every event, it’s the ultimate family experience you won’t want to miss.
View more about this event in our blog here.
Dates & Times:
March 27: 7:30 PM
March 28: 12:30 PM
March 28: 7:30 PM
March 29: 2:30 PM
Attention Music Lovers join us at the Whiskey Roadhouse for Midland Band! Doors and Bar open at 9PM with no cover fee!
The tour that lit up last year returns bigger and hotter than ever — with even more flames, more glow, and more high-octane action. Fans can expect the same edge-of-your-seat thrills they love, now supercharged with enhanced pyro effects, dazzling lighting, and jaw-dropping stunts. Get ready to cheer on your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks — Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™ — plus the all-new Rhinomite™, making its live debut this season! That’s not all: the epic transforming robot is back to wow the crowd, and the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team will once again deliver gravity-defying action. With special kids pricing available at every event, it’s the ultimate family experience you won’t want to miss.
View more about this event in our blog here.
Dates & Times:
March 27: 7:30 PM
March 28: 12:30 PM
March 28: 7:30 PM
March 29: 2:30 PM
Get ready to soar into spring at Springfest! This free, family-friendly event features high-flying entertainment as Great American Kites returns with their record-breaking giant and colorful kites filling the sky. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax and take in the views.
Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, water bottles, and snacks. A water bottle refill station will be available on site. Dogs are welcome if leashed, well-behaved, and cleaned up after. Parking is available in the 700-space garage at 4250 River’s Edge Parkway and on nearby streets. Bike parking will be available, and the first 100 cyclists receive a free T-shirt.
Attendees can join the fun by bringing their own kite or purchasing one on site, with a designated hobbyist flying area available. Springfest is presented by the City of Council Bluffs and made possible thanks to the support of Iowa West.
The Polar Plunge® is a signature fundraiser for Special Olympics in which individuals and organizations raise money to jump in frigid waters to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Participants can also register as chickens, raising pledges and participating in the event without getting wet.
Plungers and chickens must raise a minimum of $75 to participate. Registration fees include the opportunity to plunge, a meal, and prizes, with additional incentives for additional fundraising levels.
All funds raised by the Polar Plunge are used to support athletic training and competition, education, health, and leadership programming for 10,705 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners in all 99 counties of Iowa.
Join us on Main Street for a lively street dance to support our fire department! Enjoy entertainment by Aiden Mack Flathers starting at 7 PM, and grab a bite from the Dirty Pig BBQ and Hungry Spartan Pizza food trucks, both serving from 6 PM. Alcohol will be provided by Freds & The Exchange, and a $10 cover fee per person helps support this great cause.
Bring your Adventure League character to the Library and play a new module!
Guidelines for creating an Adventure League character can be found at dndbeyond.com.
The third annual Historic Preservation Party will be held on Saturday March 28, 2026 at the Council Bluffs Public Library from 9 am - 4 pm. The Council Bluffs Historic Preservation Commission hosts this event to celebrate historic preservation and inform the public what historic preservation is and how they can become involved. Attendees can visit table displays set up by groups around the region showcasing what their organization does with regard to history and preservation and attend several 15-30 minute presentations conducted by the same organizations highlighting some aspects of historic preservation. The table displays will be open all day; a schedule of presentations will be released as the event date draws nearer.
There is no admission charge and the public is invited.
Hitchcock Folk School is a series of programs and classes for adult and young adult learners. These programs are designed to help participants build deeper relationship with the natural world through the study of ecology and the practice of traditional craft skills.
Have you ever wished you could confidently build a campfire? Or, maybe you'd like to learn how to successfully build a fire in a survival scenario using only naturaly occuring materials? Perhaps you're interested in understanding the role fire has played in shaping Iowa's ecological communities? If so, then this class is for you! This program is designed for adults and older teens who are new to outdoor skills, and who have a desire to deepen their place-based knowlege. Join naturalist Dustin Clayton and learn how to build a fire using a variety of techniques and materials. We will have lots of time for practice and experimentation with the different methods discussed.
All program materials and tools will be provided.
In this class you will learn:
This program will take place on Saturday March 28th, at the Modern Group Tent Campsite.
Hitchcock Folk School is a series of programs and classes for adult and young adult learners. These programs are designed to help participants build deeper relationship with the natural world through the study of ecology and the practice of traditional craft skills. If you've ever wanted to learn skills such as woodcarving, firemaking, herb preservation, and much more, then these classes are for you!
Please meet at the Hitchcock Modern Group Tent Campsite.
Arts & Crafts Fair with local vendors.
No admission charge to the public.
Raffle items donated by the vendors.
Homemade cinnamon rolls, hot dogs, maid rites, chips, & 7 Weeks Coffee for purchase.
Vendors welcome, we have a few tables remaining.
Interested vendors email [email protected]
Registration is required for this event.
Registration will open on March 1, 2026 @ 9 AM
This event is for registrants grade 4th Grade to 6th Grade.
Learn how to make a junk journal and use our supplies to create a few customized pages for your journal.
You’re invited to tour our brand-new Fire Station! Enjoy a meal, hands-on kids’ crafts, see the fire trucks, ambulance, and LifeNet, bounce house, plenty of family-friendly fun — plus so much more!
Attention Music Lovers join us at the Whiskey Roadhouse for Roadhouse EDM Night! Doors and Bar open at 9PM with no cover fee!
ECKO at The B Side Bar! Let’s pack the place and party all night with all your favorite dancin' tunes!
The tour that lit up last year returns bigger and hotter than ever — with even more flames, more glow, and more high-octane action. Fans can expect the same edge-of-your-seat thrills they love, now supercharged with enhanced pyro effects, dazzling lighting, and jaw-dropping stunts. Get ready to cheer on your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks — Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™ — plus the all-new Rhinomite™, making its live debut this season! That’s not all: the epic transforming robot is back to wow the crowd, and the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team will once again deliver gravity-defying action. With special kids pricing available at every event, it’s the ultimate family experience you won’t want to miss.
View more about this event in our blog here.
Dates & Times:
March 27: 7:30 PM
March 28: 12:30 PM
March 28: 7:30 PM
March 29: 2:30 PM
Get ready to soar into spring at Springfest! This free, family-friendly event features high-flying entertainment as Great American Kites returns with their record-breaking giant and colorful kites filling the sky. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax and take in the views.
Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, water bottles, and snacks. A water bottle refill station will be available on site. Dogs are welcome if leashed, well-behaved, and cleaned up after. Parking is available in the 700-space garage at 4250 River’s Edge Parkway and on nearby streets. Bike parking will be available, and the first 100 cyclists receive a free T-shirt.
Attendees can join the fun by bringing their own kite or purchasing one on site, with a designated hobbyist flying area available. Springfest is presented by the City of Council Bluffs and made possible thanks to the support of Iowa West.
Cost: $180.00
This class is for those that were arrested for an OWI over the age of 18. Class is designed to help each person reduce risk for any type of alcohol or drug problem by helping them understand and accept the need to make necessary changes to reduce the risk for future problems. The class meets state requirements under sections 321J.2 and 321J.17, Subsection 2, and is open to anyone wishing to better understand their problem. Students with limited English proficiency must provide their own interpreter
Create mazes and obstacles for Hexbugs!
For kids in grades kindergarten through 6th grade.
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. Ages 13+
COST $69.00
"Iowa in the Civil War," will feature a first-person portrayal of Sgt. George Cruikshank.
Cruikshank, a soldier from Fort Dodge and Dakota City stationed at Fortress Monroe, wrote over three hundred letters to his fiancée and sister during the war. After surviving the conflict, he became a prominent businessman, railroad promoter, and political figure in northern Iowa.
The program uses many of Cruikshank's own words, facts, and opinions, bringing his compelling story and wonderful narratives to life.
This historical presentation is free and open to the public and is perfect for anyone who loves local and military history.
This class is 2 of 7 in “Your Marketing Playbook Series”. Equip participants with the skills to build a consistent brand identity
and develop content that resonates with their target audience across various formats. By the end, participants will have a
brand guide to ensure long-term consistency and a content plan ready for implementation. This course is led by Sue Pitts, an experienced business advisor and founder of Just Sue Creative, specializing in digital marketing, business strategy, and AI-driven innovation.
Held in Looft Hall #023
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
Cost: $180.00
This class is for those that were arrested for an OWI over the age of 18. Class is designed to help each person reduce risk for any type of alcohol or drug problem by helping them understand and accept the need to make necessary changes to reduce the risk for future problems. The class meets state requirements under sections 321J.2 and 321J.17, Subsection 2, and is open to anyone wishing to better understand their problem. Students with limited English proficiency must provide their own interpreter
Join us for stories, songs, and fun!
Most appropriate for kids 5 and under and an adult companion.
In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won't have
to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your
favorite songs right away. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also
an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and
partly lecture/demonstration. For ages 13+.
COST: $69.00
Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address, but you’re not sure where to start? Would you like to learn how to download an eBook, audiobook, movie or music?
We’re here to help! Bring your laptop, tablet or phone with you.
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