March 25, 2026 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library is made possible by our incredible staff. And we are staffed by book lovers. To celebrate the people who keep our library running, we're highlighting different staff members and books they love.
Programming Specialist Erin C. has been with the library since 2023. Programming Specialists plan and host library programs, from story times to park visits to games and activities for all ages. They also work with patrons in the library's Maker Spaces and do outreach in the community. Read more about Erin's work with senior living communities here.
"I enjoy working with patrons of all ages and backgrounds, from the newborn babies in my Baby and Toddler Story Times to my 103-year-old patrons in my nursing home outreach," Erin said.
Browse Erin's book recommendations below, and put books on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins
This heart-wrenching story follows a fan-favorite character who endures unimaginable horrors. Getting to see the world from this character's perspective was eye opening and added new insights into the original trilogy.
"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" is a book about finding yourself and creating the life that you want. It follows a funny, quirky protagonist that I couldn't help but root for.
"What Moves the Dead" by T. Kingfisher
"What Moves the Dead" is a beautifully written gothic horror novella, set in a world with sentient fungi. This retelling of "The Fall of the House of Usher" blends horror, fantasy and science fiction and is a stark reminder of the horrors of the natural world.
"Idle Grounds" by Krystelle Bamford
This atmospheric book created feelings of unease and wonder. It blends the feeling of childhood magic and fear as a group of children are lost in the woods.
"Farmhouse" by Sophie Blackall
This book follows the story of an old abandoned house and the family that filled it with life. It is illustrated using real artifacts recovered from the house alongside ink and watercolor paintings.