Oct. 30, 2025 – With the potential for SNAP benefits to not be renewed in November due to the federal government shutdown, many people in our community are looking for ways to find resources, as well as ways to help.
As your library, we aim to connect people to information, whether that is through books, online, or in the community. We maintain a Community Resources page, where you can search for organizations that offer help in specific areas, including food assistance, housing, child care, health, transportation, legal help, and more.
The Linn County Community Services database, maintained by county staff, is also a great way to find resources. They offer downloadable resource sheets for categories including basic needs, disability, refugee & immigrant, veterans resources, food assistance, shelter & transitional housing, and more. They also have a digital online resource hub and mapping tool, so you can find, for example, food pantries near you.
Those looking for help navigating these resources can also use 211 Iowa, a free and confidential information and referral service, ready to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 2-1-1 or toll-free: 866-813-1731, or text your ZIP code to: 898211. You can also use their live chat feature or email them for assistance.
People needing assistance with online applications and paperwork, or who would like more one-on-one help navigating resources, may make an appointment with a reference librarian by filling out a form here. You can also email reference@crlibrary.org call the library at (319) 261-7323 to make an appointment.
For assistance with finding employment or career advancement, make an appointment or stop into the Opportunity Center at Ladd Library. Staff there can help with searching for work opportunities, job applications, resume building, practicing interviews, and more. Call (319) 739-0456 or email opportunitycenter@crlibrary.org for an appointment. If you prefer to drop in, the weekly hours and schedule are also posted here.
Community Resources
Find food assistance and other resources on the library's Community Resources page.