Despite some librarians and advocates’ warnings that a bill passed by a House subcommittee Thursday would endanger the continued existence of public libraries across the state, supporters said the measure […]
Books
The Black Rose will continue as an online bookstore after closing its West Branch location
The Black Rose, the West Branch bookstore and cocktail lounge that opened earlier this year, has closed its brick-and-mortar location, owner Ashley Kofoed announced on Sunday on social media. “This […]
En Español: The 147 kilos I left behind
Ma viene de viaje la semana siguiente. Vendrá por tres para celebrar la graduación de mi sobrino mayor. La única vez que Ma vino a este país fue hace veintidós […]
The Black Rose in West Branch aims to be a cozy, boozy and bookish hangout ‘for anyone who feels othered’
When Ashley Kofoed first arrived in West Branch with her fiancé, it was to meet her future in-laws for dinner at the local Brick Arch Winery. Dining with her family […]
All of the ‘Big 5’ publishers are now suing Iowa over its school book ban
All of the “Big 5” publishing houses are now suing Iowa to overturn the state’s school book ban signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in May 2023. Hachette Book […]
Storyhouse Bookpub invites three Iowa authors to drink and mingle with readers on Nov. 4
For Storyhouse Bookpub store owner Abigail Paxton, her upcoming “afterparty” is the main event. “We’ll start the evening in the bookstore with a more casual start to everything with getting […]
ESPN sportscaster Jesse Rogers to bring ‘The Franchise: Chicago Cubs’ book tour to Iowa City
Jesse Rogers and Bruce Miles want to cut to the heart of what makes the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Cubs. In their new book, The Franchise: Chicago Cubs, the season […]
Buy books, support reproductive education at the 60th Planned Parenthood Book Sale
Autumn is here and you may be looking forward to cozying up with a few books as the weather gets colder. But if your bookshelves are in need of an […]
Five questions with: Bestselling crime author Karin Slaughter
To promote her new book, Girl, Forgotten, the aptly named Karin Slaughter will be visiting Des Moines on Wednesday, Aug. 24 as a part of the Des Moines Public Library’s […]
Clive Library joins the list of fine-free public libraries in Iowa
If you’re an avid library-goer, you may have noticed a change in the way your favorite library is collecting (or not collecting) late fees recently. Following a resolution passed by […]
Five questions with Amanda Montell, podcast host and author of ‘Cultish’
Author Amanda Montell has never been to the Midwest before. But she’s rectifying that with a visit to the Des Moines Public Library on April 21 to talk about her […]
Interview: Paul Ingram sheds light on his new book and talks about his rhyming verbal tick
For those of you who haven’t met Paul Ingram, he is an Iowa City icon and fixture at Prairie Lights Books. Like countless others, I have, over the years…

