When McKinley STEAM Academy principal Jason Martinez walked into the Downtown Library April 29, he saw about 20 of his students, using the computers and spending time in the Union, the library’s teen area, after school. Right behind them were another McKinley group – teachers. They were here for a professional development collaboration between the… View more
Our staff are what keep our library running smoothly. Take a peek behind the scenes at the wide variety of jobs at the library with this series highlighting a day in the life of different employees. Patron Services Specialist Tait says the patrons he interacts with are his favorite part of the job. “I love… View more
Our staff are what keep our library running smoothly. Take a peek behind the scenes at the wide variety of jobs at the library with this series highlighting a day in the life of different employees. Patron Services Specialist Mark started working at the library seven months ago, and primarily works at Ladd Library. Patron… View more
Spring has sprung, and if you’re eager to get out of the house and into the garden, the library has resources for you. Start with some inspiration from notable gardens around Iowa. The Master Gardeners of Linn County are wrapping up their Tuesday evening talks at Ladd Library on March 29 at 6:30 pm with… View more
Want to learn more about catering from Roasters? Email catering.roasterslibrary@gmail.com. This article is from the spring edition of OPEN+ magazine, available at the library and metro-area Hy-Vees or online at CRLibrary.org/open When people hold their events at the library – whether they are having a business meeting or a child’s birthday party – they don’t have… View more
This article is from the spring edition of OPEN+ magazine, available at the library and metro-area Hy-Vees or online at CRLibrary.org/open Learn more about meeting and event space rental at the library at CRLibrary.org/rental or by calling 319.261.7323. When Programming Librarian Jen Eilers wanted to hold a panel discussion on allyship in November, she had a… View more
With the new year, the Library is bringing back in-person story times. In-person Mother Goose on the Loose and Early Learning Story Time kick off the first week of January at the Downtown Library. Participants need to register in advance, with story times limited to 10 families per session. Registration for each session can be… View more
As the year draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of the most popular items in our collection in 2021. We analyzed the data to put together lists of the most borrowed books and digital resources to see what Cedar Rapids was reading, listening to and watching this year.* The most popular books… View more
From January 1 to January 31, the Cedar Rapids Public Library will participate in Beanstack’s Fifth Annual Winter Reading Challenge, “Read for a Better World,” sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. “Read for a Better World” encourages readers of all ages to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature. Our community will have unlimited access to digital copies of Lerner’s “Read for… View more
On Jan. 15, 2022, the Cedar Rapids Public Library will mark 125 years since first opening with exhibits and celebrations at the Downtown and Ladd Libraries. The exhibit at the Downtown Library’s Third Floor Gallery, at 450 Fifth Ave. SE, will explore the timeline of the library’s history. The exhibit at the Ladd Library Gallery, 3750 Williams Blvd. SE, will spotlight library… View more