News & Updates

April 9, 2024 – Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censor

April 3, 2024 – April is National Poetry Month, and we're celebrating with this reading list of new poetry available at the library. These collections from a diverse array of voices were all published in the last two years.

March 18, 2024 – Darcy Doughtery Maulsby, author of "A Culinary History of Iowa" will bring her tales of Iowa history and food to the Downtown Library on March 30, 1-2 pm.

March 14, 2024 - Pi Day is celebrated every year on March 14, which in month-day format (3-14) represents the three digits of the value of π. Pi is the mathematical constant of the ratio of any circle's circumference divided by its diameter. 

March 13, 2024 – In honor of March Madness, we wanted to collect a list of sports stories to read in between games. Most of these are related to Iowa, with a few stories about women in sports, specifically basketball, in honor of Iowa's current star, Caitlin Clark.

March 4, 2024 – The theme for Women's History Month 2024 is "Women who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," and Materials Librarian Allison Zordell curated a list of nonfiction reflecting this theme.

Feb. 26, 2024 – The library has more than books – we also have Spark Kits. These kits are designed to help spark imagination and curiosity and to let people explore a new hobby without first needing to invest in supplies for it.

Feb. 21, 2024 – In honor of Black History Month, Cedar Rapids Public Library Materials Librarian Kim Martens-Tyo curated a list of books for children that celebrate Black history.

Feb. 12, 2024 – Romance has long been one of the most popular genres of literature, and recent offerings feature a diverse array of characters and settings, from Regency England to Ancient Greece and even contemporary Iowa.

Feb. 5, 2024 – In honor of Valentine's Day, Materials Librarian Allison Zordell put together a list of books in the quickly growing and wildly popular "romantasy" genre.

Jan. 31, 2024 – February is Black History Month, and Materials Librarian Allison Zordell put together this list of recently published books that celebrate African Americans and the arts, with books about poets, dancers, actors, musicians, and more.

Jan. 23, 2024 – When patrons visit the Downtown Library, they may notice new shelves in the center of the second floor with books in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Swahili, Chinese, Nepali, and more.

Jan. 17, 2024 – Snowstorms and freezing temperatures have us wanting to just curl up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. So we asked library staff for their book recommendations for books to read when you need to feel cozy on a cold winter day.

Jan. 5, 2024 – After any tragedy, it can be hard to know where to turn or how to talk to children about what has happened. In response to the school shooting in Perry on Jan.

Jan. 3, 2024 – As 2024 begins, many people are committing to new routines and new resolutions. Materials Librarian Allison Zordell, however, wanted to approach the idea of a new start a little differently.