Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke EmeziPublished June 8, 2021. Biography. The New York Times-bestselling author of “The Death of Vivek Oji” penned this memoir through letters, exploring their life from their childhood in Nigeria to their path to success as an author, all the while diving into spiritual and artistic explorations of… View more
Cedar Rapids fifth grader Reese Olalde is a published author, and she’s loving it. “I’ve always wanted to write a book,” she said. “I’ve been making a lot of stories at home. I really like how I can be creative with them.” She’s one of four students from Cedar River Academy at Taylor Elementary who… View more
When Carl Rush gathered in a room with teens at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center to discuss books recently, he was encouraged by what he heard. “I read a lot. I read like every night before I go to sleep,” one of the teenagers said. The teen went on to describe one of his… View more
The Mobile Technology Lab is rolling to a Cedar Rapids park near you this summer, and this is not your average library outreach. Instead of a traditional bookmobile, the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s new van is fully loaded with all kinds of technology, from laptops to 3D printers to Ozobots – tiny robots designed to… View more
When the pandemic forced the closure of in-person events last summer, the programming team at the Library had to quickly pivot. They had a summer’s worth of camps planned for teens and kids, and suddenly, they couldn’t hold them as planned. “We were really committed to not canceling those camps,” Programming Manager Kevin Delecki said. … View more
Along with soup, salads and sandwiches, they have ramped up the breakfast choices, including a biscuit sandwich, with a maple biscuit, bacon, egg, and cheddar, and a breakfast bowl featuring greens topped with roasted vegetables, cheese, and a fried egg, among other dishes like avocado toast and quiche. “We have lots of ideas,” Steines said…. View more
A letter to our patrons, from Cedar Rapids Public Library Director Dara Schmidt: The CDC has come out with new guidelines to say people who are vaccinated do not need to wear masks or social distance. This is exciting news, and we are so excited to welcome more people to the Library with no restrictions! While we wish we… View more
The Opportunity Center at Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The free clinic will be Thursday, May 27, 9 am to 5 pm. It is a walk-in clinic, open to anyone ages 18 or older, with no appointment required. It is for the one dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine…. View more
Look for the van all summer long, four days a week: Mondays, except July 5, 1:30-3:30 pm, Jacolyn Park, 198 Jacolyn Dr. NW Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 pm, Hayes Park, 1924 D St. SW Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 pm, Cleveland Park, 1600 8th Ave. SW Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm, Greene Square, 400 4th Ave. SE The Library’s new Mobile Technology… View more
The Cedar Rapids Public Library now has laptop kits available for patrons to borrow and take home from the Downtown and Ladd Libraries. The kits are part of an effort to expand internet and computer access for patrons, a need highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to offer options for patrons who prefer home access… View more