Photo: Council Bluffs Public Library
Photo: peetre
Photo: Sarah Calderón
Council Bluffs Public Library
★4.8(212 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers enjoy weekly story times with songs and movement, preschoolers love the hands-on activities and early literacy programs, while elementary-aged kids thrive with the summer reading challenges, chapter book selections, and STEAM-based programs.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
The Council Bluffs Public Library is a family favorite offering far more than just books. With its highly-rated children's programs, engaging story times, and popular summer reading challenges, this modern library creates a welcoming space where kids can explore, learn, and develop a love of reading through interactive activities and educational resources.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive story times with songs, fingerplays, and movement activities for young children
- ✓Summer reading programs with prizes, challenges, and themed events
- ✓Extensive children's book collection including board books, picture books, and middle-grade novels
- ✓Educational programs covering STEAM topics, arts and crafts, and literacy development
- ✓Comfortable children's area designed for exploration and reading
Pro Tips
- 1.Sign up for a library card online before your first visit to save time and immediately access programs and book checkouts
- 2.Check their online calendar before visiting to catch special events like author visits, craft sessions, or themed story times that run throughout the week
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) for the quietest browsing experience when story time groups aren't in session
- 4.Take advantage of their extensive educational resources including homework help services and free museum pass programs for Iowa families
- 5.The children's section has comfortable reading nooks perfect for settling in,bring extra time for kids to explore and get lost in books
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) offer the calmest environment for browsing. For story times and social programs, check their schedule for specific days. Avoid the first weeks of summer reading program launch when crowds peak, or embrace the buzz if your kids enjoy group energy.
What to Know
All programs and services are completely free with a library card (available to Iowa residents). Ample free parking is available on-site. The facility is fully accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms throughout.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs (June-July) are the busiest and most activity-packed time with weekly events, challenges, and prizes. School break weeks often feature special programs. Reduced Sunday hours (1:00-5:00 PM) year-round. Holiday closures follow typical library schedules.
Nearby Eats
Grab lunch at Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room (0.6 miles away) for Southern comfort food with a kids menu, or try Hy-Vee Market Grille (1 mile away) which offers casual family dining with plenty of kid-friendly options.
More Activities Near Council Bluffs
Activity
Gerald W Kirn Middle School
$❤️7
Gerald W Kirn Middle School opens its public swimming pool during summer months, providing Council Bluffs families with an affordable way to beat the heat. This community facility offers both open swim sessions and swimming lessons, making it perfect for kids learning water safety skills or families just looking to splash around together.
Adventure
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
★4.9Free❤️197
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail offers families a beautifully paved, multi-use path that's perfect for introducing kids to biking, rollerblading, or simply enjoying an easy nature walk together. With its smooth surface and scenic route connecting various Council Bluffs neighborhoods, it's an ideal spot for families with young cyclists still building confidence or parents pushing strollers through peaceful, tree-lined surroundings.
Sports
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
★4.8Free❤️128
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge offers families a unique adventure where kids can literally stand in two states at once! This 3,000-foot bridge spans the mighty Missouri River, connecting Nebraska and Iowa, and provides an exciting outdoor experience with stunning river views. Children love the novelty of running back and forth across the state line marker at the bridge's midpoint, making it both an educational geography lesson and an active outdoor adventure.
Museum
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
★4.7$❤️166
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum brings railroad history to life with interactive exhibits that let kids experience the golden age of trains. Young engineers can explore detailed model train layouts, climb into vintage railroad equipment, and participate in hands-on activities that make learning about transportation history exciting. With its impressive 4.7-star rating, this museum consistently delights both train-obsessed toddlers and curious older children.