News & Updates

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.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 – Cedar Rapids artist Akwi Nji has been many things over her career, including a teacher, a poet, a performer, a community arts facilitator, and a visual artist. 

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. 26, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation has launched the “Inspiring Big Dreams” capital campaign for the Westside Library project. 

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. 22, 2024 – On a rainy October morning, several people visited the Opportunity Center at Ladd Library, looking for assistance building resumes and applying for jobs.

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. 16, 2024 –  Usually when school is in session, student-aged kids and teens are absent from the library. But this school year, most days have seen groups of ninth and tenth graders heading to the Downtown Library.

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. 4, 2023 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation is throwing a birthday party in Dolly Parton’s honor and inviting the public to join the celebration.  

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.

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.