News & Updates

Dec. 31, 2023 – Patron Services Specialist Maria Jose Eyzaguirre never dreamed she wanted a career as a librarian – until she started serving at the library. 

Dec. 27, 2023 – For Librarian Rebecca Vernon, taking the time to answer reference questions is just part of her job – but a rewarding part. 

“It’s a pretty good feeling when you can find the answer someone’s been looking for,” she said. 

Dec. 27, 2023 – What did Cedar Rapid read this year? We're here to tell you with our lists of the the top borrows of 2023.

Dec. 21, 2023 – As 2023 winds down and a new year approaches, some things remain unchanging: the popularity of the wimpy kids, pigeons who just want to drive buses, Pokemon, and Minecraft being chief among them. 

Dec. 18, 2023 – Patron Services Specialist Michele Prostine runs the Books By Mail program for the library which delivers books, audiobooks, and movies to homebound patron’s homes.

Dec. 13, 2023 – On a warm March evening, dozens of parents and young children gathered in classrooms on Kirkwood Community College’s campus for a meal, conversations about parenting, and story time.

Dec. 11, 2023 – As 2023 draws to a close, we're looking back on the best books we read over the last year. Library staff recommended some of their favorite reads of the year, from novels to nonfiction. Most were published in 2023, but some are older.

Dec. 5, 2023 – New art is on display at the Downtown and Ladd libraries this winter. Here's a little bit about the exhibits – stop by to view them anytime during regular library hours.

Interested in exhibiting your art? Apply here.

Dec. 4, 2023 – 'Tis the season for holiday baking, and the library is celebrating with cookie-centric events:

Nov. 27, 2023 – As part of the collection moves the library undertook this year as part of our strategic plan, the library has a new Urban Fiction collection.

Nov. 20, 2023 – The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is recognizing Cedar Rapids with Pacesetter Honors for its 2022–23 work.  

Nov. 20, 2023 – In honor of Thanksgiving, library staff shared books they are thankful for. From a children's book with stories of Zen enlightenment to poetry to self-help, there are a variety of topics and genres. All are available in the library's catalog.

Nov. 16, 2023 – November is National Native American Heritage Month, so our librarians curated a list of adult fiction and nonfiction featuring Native voices.

Nov. 6, 2023 – For Native American Heritage Month, we're highlighting children's books by and about Indigenous people in the United States. Browse the titles by scrolling through the list below, then find these books at the library, or put them on hold in our catalog now.

Nov. 2, 2023 – If you’ve noticed some changes at the Downtown Library lately, rest assured they’re all part of a carefully thought-out plan.