Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new westside branch of the Cedar Rapids Public Library attracted a large crowd. Work on the project began in 2022, when the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation acquired land for the new branch near the corner of 20th Avenue SW and Wiley Blvd SW. […]
Libraries
Letter to the editor: Library outreach is neither radical nor reckless. All Iowans have a right to read.
By Cathy Zimmerman and Sam Helmick We write in firm and solemn opposition to HF 2324, now before the Iowa General Assembly. This measure forbids school districts, charter schools and innovation zone schools from entering into partnership with their public libraries, denies students the use of their school-issued identification to obtain books and learning materials, […]
Iowa House bill would impose new restrictions on minors at public libraries, create criminal penalties for librarians
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 is needed to prevent minors from accessing “harmful” materials. HF 2309 prohibits public libraries from disseminating “material harmful to minors,” unless the library has gained […]
Little Big Screen: ‘Party Girl’ and other movies to stream with your library card this month
The headlines haven’t been too kind to libraries of late, what with the book ban nonsense and slashed funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To plant some good press in your newsfeed, Little Big Screen is letting everyone in on a little secret. Kanopy, one of the best streaming services, is free […]




