News & Updates

March 18, 2026 –  The library's Maker Fest returns on Saturday, March 28, and this year, we're blasting off into outer space.

March 16, 2026 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library seeks an artist for a special Grand Opening Exhibit in the art gallery at the new Busse Branch.

City Manager Pomeranz presented the Fiscal Year 2027 budget (for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027) to the Mayor and City Council in February.

March 9, 2026 – In honor of Women's History Month, here are ten recently published books that dive deep into the lives of women who changed American history.

March 9, 2026 – The third annual Maker Fest at the Cedar Rapids Public Library will celebrate space with an afternoon of programming at the Downtown Library on Saturday, March 28, from 1-3 pm.  

March 2, 2026 – The Academy Awards are March 15, and if you're hoping to watch the top Oscars contenders, we have you covered.

March 2, 2026 – Library staff love when new boxes of books arrive – and library patrons are often eager for the newest releases – but it takes more than unboxing those books to get them onto library shelves and into readers’ hands.

Feb. 26, 2026 – Winter weather has not slowed progress on the Busse Branch, which is set to open this fall. Spaces are beginning to take clear shape, including staff offices, meeting rooms, and collection areas. 

Feb. 23, 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.

Feb. 16, 2026 – February marks Black History Month, and we've collected a list of recently published novels that dive into that history. Some follow families across generations, some focus on one point in time, but all illuminate essential parts of the American story.

Feb. 11, 2026 – Dearest Gentle Reader, it is almost Valentine's Day, so what better time for a romantic read? And with the current season of "Bridgerton" underway on Netflix, what better time for period romance?

Feb. 6, 2026 – The news can be overwhelming and scary sometimes, even for adults. Talking to kids about hard things they see on TV and in the news – or in their own community – isn't easy, and there's no set script for caregivers to follow.

Jan. 26, 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.

Jan. 22, 2026 – The show "Heated Rivalry" is burning up TV screens and social media right now. The story of two rival hockey players who start a secret steamy love affair is based on books in the "Game Changer" series by Rachel Reid.

Jan. 12, 2026 – It's the season to curl up with a good book – perhaps a murder mystery might feel appropriate in the cold of winter. If you don't want your fiction to be too dark and dire, the cozy mystery genre might be for you.