By Leah White
Are you interested in learning more about your family’s history? The Waukee Public Library maintains a wide variety of databases for our patrons to use for genealogy research. These databases give you access to the same collections used by genealogists and historians.
Ancestry Library Edition – Accessible from the Waukee Public Library only.
This is the world’s most popular genealogy collection, with census reports, city directories, public records, military records, immigration and naturalization records and more. You can find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials and add virtual flowers and a note to a loved one’s grave.
Heritage Quest – Accessible through our website and used from your home.
With Heritage Quest, you can search census records, family and local histories, the PERSI archive, Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank applications and the U.S. Serial Set.
Newspaper Archive – Accessible from the Waukee Public Library only.
The Newspaper ARCHIVE contains tens of millions of searchable pages from over four hundred cities and towns from hundreds of newspapers dating back as far as the 1700’s. The collection includes coverage from the United States, the United Kingdom and more than 15 other countries.
Waukee High School Yearbooks – Available for 1921, 1931 and 1948-2015
The library has 69 years’ worth of Waukee High School yearbooks that can be used for research. The yearbooks are available for in-house use.
To find out more about using our online library, visit waukeepubliclibrary.org.
For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR ADULTS
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
THURSDAY, MARCH 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
NATIVE PLANTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 – 2:00 p.m.
Do you want to know how to reduce the amount of work you put into your landscaping? Want plants that will come back year after year and perform well in your yard? Come to learn from horticulturist Derek McKay about native plants, cultivars of native plants, and why you should be planting them. Placement, light requirements, water requirements and care will be discussed.
MOVIE MATINEE: “Gifted”
THURSDAY, MARCH 8 – 10:00 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. All movies are free and refreshments will be available. No registration required.
BUTTERFLY GARDENING: PLANT. GROW. FLY.
SUNDAY, MARCH 11 – 2:00 p.m.
Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they are also a huge benefit to our environment! Join wildlife conservationist Jessie Lowry from the Blank Park Zoo as she shows you how to attract important pollinators—bees and butterflies—to your garden.
BOOKS ON TAP: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlyn Doughty
TUESDAY, MARCH 20 – 6:00 p.m.
Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
PROHIBITION IN IOWA
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 – 10:00 a.m.
Linda McCann, researcher and author of numerous books on Iowa history, will share information and examples of prohibition activities in the Waukee area. She will also share some of the stories and comments from the children of Iowa moonshiners and bootleggers with whom she has spoken.
GROWN-UP EGG HUNT
FRIDAY, MARCH 23 – 7:00 p.m.
Don’t let kids have all the fun! Teens and adults are invited to bring a flashlight and go on an egg hunt at the library. Lucky egg hunters may win cash, chocolate, gift certificates to local businesses and other great prizes. Light refreshments will be served at 7:00, and the hunt will begin at sundown. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will take place inside the library (still via flashlight!). This event is for ages 13+ only for the safety of participants.
This event is a fundraiser for teen programs at the library. Tickets will be available at the library or online starting March 1. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and they are non-refundable.
CRAFT WORKSHOP: WOODLAND CRITTER NEEDLE FELTING
SATURDAY, MARCH 24 – 1:30 p.m.
Join us for an intermediate class on needle-felting. We will show you tips and tricks that will take your felting to another level as you make an adorable fox. No prior experience needed. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
IOWA’S MISBEHAVING WOMEN
SUNDAY, MARCH 25 – 1:00 p.m.
Presented by author Cheryl Mullenbach
It’s been said that well-behaved women rarely make history. As it turns out, Iowa has plenty of women who have made history by behaving in uncommon ways. Learn more about these heroic, amusing, imaginative and nervy individuals.
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB: Kitchens of the Great Midwest by Ryan J. Stradal
THURSDAY, APRIL 5 – 2:30 p.m.
Meet at the library on the first Thursday of every month for a lively discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk.
MORNINGS MADE EASY
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 – 2:00 p.m.
No time for breakfast? No problem! Waukee Hy-Vee Dietitian Paige Hoyle has you covered with three quick and convenient morning meals that will have you jumping out of bed. Samples will be served! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
MOVIE MATINEE: “A League of Their Own”
THURSDAY, APRIL 12 – 10:00 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. All movies are free and refreshments will be available. No registration required.
BOOKS ON TAP: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
TUESDAY, APRIL 17 – 6:00 p.m.
Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub (50 SE Laurel Street) on the third Tuesday of every month for food, drinks and a discussion of that month’s book. Copies of the discussion book may be picked up at the library’s front desk or at Mickey’s during the meeting.
CRAFTERNOON
SATURDAY, APRIL 28 – 2:00 p.m.
Adults need crafty time too! Get together with your friends and neighbors to have some crafty fun creating one craft. All supplies will be provided by the library. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS
SPRING CRAFTS FOR KIDS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 – 2:00 p.m.
Let your creative juices flow and make some fun spring crafts. Recommended for students in grades K-5. Parents of younger students are encouraged to remain in the program to assist as needed. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
KIDS’ HAIRSTYLES 101
SATURDAY, MARCH 16 – 10:00 a.m.
Parents of children with long hair are welcome to attend with their child/children to learn the basics of styling children’s hair (ponytails, braids, etc.). Teen volunteers will read to the kids to keep them entertained while their hair is styled. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
BASEBALL BEDTIME STORIES
THURSDAY, MARCH 29 – 6:15 p.m.
Families with young children are invited to enjoy baseball themed bedtime stories, followed by a baseball craft. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.
UNICORN PARTY
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 – 10:00 a.m.
Young fans of rainbows and unicorns won’t want to miss this celebration! Make unicorn crafts, hear a unicorn story, have a unicorn snack and play unicorn games. Recommended for K-5th graders. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event.