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DIY Book Safes

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Turn an old book into a hidden treasure!

Learn how to transform a book into a secret storage safe, perfect for keeping small valuables tucked discreetly on your shelf. All supplies will be provided. 

Closed
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Registration Required
Event Details:

Turn an old book into a hidden treasure!

Learn how to transform a book into a secret storage safe, perfect for keeping small valuables tucked discreetly on your shelf. All supplies will be provided. 

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Who picked this book? Club

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Who picked this book? Club:

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generall...

This month we're reading: From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Who picked this book? Club

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla. 

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Booked for Lunch Book Club:

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book i...

This month we're reading: From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book.

Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla.

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.

Open Hub

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required

hands holding gel pens on a wood background and an adult coloring sheet

Adult Coloring @ Brightside

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Adult Coloring at Brightside Aleworks:

Join us at Brightside Aleworks (480 Center Pl) at 6:30pm for a fun night of coloring! We will bring the art supplies, you can bring your friends and money for drinks!

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers

Adult Coloring at Brightside Aleworks

Join us at Brightside Aleworks (480 Center Pl) at 6:30pm for a fun night of coloring! We will bring the art supplies, you can bring your friends and money for drinks!

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is Not Required

Open Hub

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required

Social Stitch

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers, Social Gathering
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Bring your knitting, cross-stitch, hand sewing, or other fiber crafts to the library and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fellow Stitchers! Whatever you're working on, drop in to share tips, swap patterns, and make new friends. 

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers, Social Gathering
Event Details:

Bring your knitting, cross-stitch, hand sewing, or other fiber crafts to the library and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fellow Stitchers! Whatever you're working on, drop in to share tips, swap patterns, and make new friends. 

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is Not Required

Engraved Leather Pouches

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

It's time to get crafty and pick up some new skills! In this project-based Maker Hub program, we'll use the Glowforge to engrave leather, then assemble it to create a small pouch. All materials provided. 

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Registration Required
Event Details:

It's time to get crafty and pick up some new skills! In this project-based Maker Hub program, we'll use the Glowforge to engrave leather, then assemble it to create a small pouch. All materials provided. 

Black background with art supplies in circle around library logo

Mindful Painting

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Are you ready to explore a unique, creative way to reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and tap into your inner artist?

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you ready to explore a unique, creative way to reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and tap into your inner artist?

Disclaimer(s)

Residency Registration Limit

Registration is open to Altoona and rural Polk County residents 4 weeks before the event. Registration will be open to the general public 3 weeks before the event. Registration for non-residents that is marked "yes" for residency will be canceled and moved to the pending waitlist if space is available. You may receive two emails, one for the cancelation and one for the pending waitlist. Your registration will automatically move to confirmed on the correct date if seats are available.

Open Hub

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Who picked this book? Club

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Who picked this book? Club:

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generall...

This month we're reading: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Who picked this book? Club

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla. 

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young.

Open Hub

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required

Weep, Wail, Write

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Have you experienced loss and you are still trying to find words to define it? Have you busied yourself to avoid thinking about it? Have you been thinking of starting a journal to write some of your thoughts down?

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Guest Speaker
Registration Required
Event Details:

Have you experienced loss and you are still trying to find words to define it? Have you busied yourself to avoid thinking about it? Have you been thinking of starting a journal to write some of your thoughts down?

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Booked for Lunch Book Club:

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book i...

This month we're reading: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book.

Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla.

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young.

Learn to Play Mah Jongg

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Games, Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Join the Dealt Hand for an introduction to American Mah Jongg! This hundred year old game is experiencing a new resurgence, and we'll help you get up to speed.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Games, Guest Speaker
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join the Dealt Hand for an introduction to American Mah Jongg! This hundred year old game is experiencing a new resurgence, and we'll help you get up to speed.

hands holding gel pens on a wood background and an adult coloring sheet

Adult Coloring @ Brightside

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Adult Coloring at Brightside Aleworks:

Join us at Brightside Aleworks (480 Center Pl) at 6:30pm for a fun night of coloring! We will bring the art supplies, you can bring your friends and money for drinks!

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers

Adult Coloring at Brightside Aleworks

Join us at Brightside Aleworks (480 Center Pl) at 6:30pm for a fun night of coloring! We will bring the art supplies, you can bring your friends and money for drinks!

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is Not Required

Social Stitch

Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers, Social Gathering
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Bring your knitting, cross-stitch, hand sewing, or other fiber crafts to the library and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fellow Stitchers! Whatever you're working on, drop in to share tips, swap patterns, and make new friends. 

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers, Social Gathering
Event Details:

Bring your knitting, cross-stitch, hand sewing, or other fiber crafts to the library and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fellow Stitchers! Whatever you're working on, drop in to share tips, swap patterns, and make new friends. 

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is Not Required

Glowforge Basics

Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Interested in using our Glowforge Pro in the Maker Hub? This is where to start! We'll go over safety, cleaning, materials, and basic operation.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Registration Required
Event Details:

Interested in using our Glowforge Pro in the Maker Hub? This is where to start! We'll go over safety, cleaning, materials, and basic operation.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

E-Waste Drive

Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Empty that drawer of old electronics you've been hoarding! Stop by the library and we'll recycle your old and non-working e-waste for you. If you have any questions about what we can accept, feel free to reach out for clarification. 

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Event Details:

Empty that drawer of old electronics you've been hoarding! Stop by the library and we'll recycle your old and non-working e-waste for you. If you have any questions about what we can accept, feel free to reach out for clarification. 

Conservation Trivia Night

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Guest Speaker
Age Group:
Adults (18+)

Think you know nature? Prove it at Conservation Trivia, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Polk County!

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Guest Speaker
Event Details:

Think you know nature? Prove it at Conservation Trivia, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Polk County!

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Who picked this book? Club

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Who picked this book? Club:

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generall...

This month we're reading: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Who picked this book? Club

Who picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla. 

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.

Open Hub

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required

Group sitting around table with library logo in middle

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meeting Room Full (A&B) at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
Adults (18+)
Booked for Lunch Book Club:

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book i...

This month we're reading: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Meeting Room Full (A&B)
Age Group: Adults (18+)
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:

Booked for Lunch Book Club

Booked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for all or some of the hour to discuss this month's book.

Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the previous month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla.

The book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers, please plan to attend one.

Click here for more information about our book clubs.

This month we're reading: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker.

Open Hub

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Glowforge Reservation at Altoona Public Library
Program Type:
Creative Makers
Age Group:
Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Library Branch: Altoona Public Library
Room: Glowforge Reservation
Age Group: Adults (18+), Seniors (Ages 60+)
Program Type: Creative Makers
Event Details:

Drop in and visit the Maker Hub! Ask questions, look at the equipment, and see some projects completed using them.

Disclaimer(s)

Maker Hub

Maker Hub use is available for ages 18+. Minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult with the appropriate training certificate (issued by the library). You will be required to maintain proof of your certification(s). A waiver is required every time you use the Maker Hub. Waivers are available at the front desk, to be signed when you arrive for your Maker time slot.

Registration is Not Required