When local libraries closed their doors in March due to COVID-19, it was unclear what would happen to their popular summer reading programs. With the duration of COVID-19-related closures unknown and summer reading program plans nearly solidified, local libraries had limited time and information to decide if summer programs would continue this year, and if […]
Iowa City Public Library
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion public libraries will resume curbside hold pick-up
The public libraries in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion will resume curbside hold pick-up of library materials on Friday, May 22. The libraries, which are part of the Metro Library Network, are currently closed to the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are working on a “phased approach to reopening and providing […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City Public Library is closed, but offering services and storytime online
The Iowa City Public Library will not be answering its phones as staff begin working remotely in an effort to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the library explained in a press release on Monday. People will still be able to contact the library with questions via online chat. The chat will be live 10 […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Two houses represent a forgotten period of segregation in Iowa City, University of Iowa history
The houses at 942 Iowa Ave and 914 S Dubuque St in Iowa City may seem nondescript — just another couple of old, off-campus rental properties for college students — save for the rust-brown metal signs out front. These signs, funded by a grant from the National Park Service, detail the background of the Iowa Federation Home and Tate Arms house, which have had quiet but important roles in the history of Iowa City and the University of Iowa.
Posted inCommunity/News
Three Linn County libraries to eliminate fines for overdue materials
The public libraries in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion are moving forward with the elimination of fines for overdue materials in an effort to better support and serve the community. The policy change has been approved by the boards of trustees of all three libraries. Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL) director Dara Schmidt said the next step is
Posted inCommunity/News
Library users in Johnson and Linn counties will see increased wait times for new ebooks as a major publisher restricts access
Starting on Nov. 1, wait times to borrow some new ebooks from public libraries will get longer — in some cases, significantly longer — as publishing giant Macmillan imposes new limits on the number of copies of its ebooks libraries can loan. Public libraries will only be able to purchase one copy of a book during the first eight weeks after its publication
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Five questions with: author Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak was already a successful author before the publication of The Book Thief, the novel that propelled the Australian writer to international stardom, in 2005. But it was another book that he struggled to write for many years. Zusak is returning to Eastern Iowa to read from Bridge of Clay at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, Oct. 21.
Posted inCommunity/News
Drink beer and support the Iowa City Public Library at Big Grove for Good on Tuesday
Reading a good book with a cold brew in hand may be one of life’s simple pleasures, but beer and public libraries don’t usually go hand-in-hand. That will change for three hours on Tuesday evening, as Big Grove for Good raises money for the Iowa City Public Library.
Posted inCommunity/News
Four Iowa City teachers to receive Inclusive Teaching Awards at event honoring the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board
In light of the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the Iowa City Department of Equity and Human Rights is recognizing area teachers for their inclusivity at the Iowa City Public Library on Friday afternoon. The event is the first of its kind.
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Letter To My Body’ brings voices from around the state to the Iowa City Public Library
“Letter To My Body,” a unique exhibit about how people perceive their physical selves will be on display at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday. “The letters highlight sexual harassment and violence, gender norms, sexism, and taught beliefs,” according to Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, the group that organized the exhibit.
Posted inCommunity/News
Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana and 2020 presidential candidate, discusses his qualifications, husband and ‘the freedom to’ in Iowa City
Pete Buttigieg started his remarks at The Airliner on Monday by addressing the most obvious question about his run for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president. “I find everywhere I go, people are sometimes — especially here in Iowa — a little too polite to ask the question of why a 37-year-old mayor thinks he […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Go big and be bold’: Potential presidential candidate Eric Swalwell discusses national issues at ICPL
It wasn’t officially a campaign event, and California Congressman Eric Swalwell hasn’t officially (or unofficially) declared he’s running for president, but the Monday afternoon town hall event in Meeting Room A at the Iowa City Public Library looked like a campaign event, and Swalwell sounded like a presidential candidate. The town hall was sponsored by […]
