News & Updates

Oct. 19, 2023 – Spooky season is upon us, so we asked library staff for their scary story recommendations. From gothic horror to vampires to zombies, these books are sure to give you a fright.

Oct. 13, 2023 – Dr. Joseph Engler, Pr. Technical Fellow and Chief Artificial Intelligence Scientist at Collins Aerospace, will give a presentation at the Cedar Rapids Public Library about artificial intelligence (AI). 

Oct. 9, 2023 – New art exhibits from local artists are up in the library's gallery spaces this fall. Read about them below!

Here are additional upcoming opportunities for local artists:

Oct. 3, 2023 – Celebrate the Freedom to Read October 1-7 by checking out a Banned Book.

Sept. 27, 2023 – Celebrate the Freedom to Read October 1-7 with special events at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in honor of Banned Books Week and by checking out a Banned Book!

Sept. 26, 2023 - Celebrate the Freedom to Read October 1 – 7 with special events at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in honor of Banned Books Week.

Sept. 18, 2023 – September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, and Cedar Rapids Public Library Materials librarian Kim Martens-Tyo selected 16 children's book to celebrate.

Sept. 11, 2023 – Fall is here, and Pumpkin Spice season with it. To help you get in the mood for cozy season - we're talking sweaters and baked goods fresh from the oven - we've collected a list of fall themed cozy mysteries, many prominently featuring pumpkins.

Sept. 6, 2023 – September is Library Card Sign Up Month, so for this week's "Check These Out" column, we're highlighting books featuring libraries and librarians.

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month! Get in Your Element this September—sign up for a library card! From borrowing books, ebooks, and museum passes to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending story time, a library card helps you do more of what you enjoy.

Aug. 28, 2023 – If you could use a laugh and enjoy funny, poignant, and clever stories told with lovely art, this book list is for you.

Materials Librarian Allison Zordell curated this list of humorous graphic novels available to borrow from the library.

Aug. 23, 2023 – The 2023-2024 Iowa Children's Choice books have been announced, and the library has them available at both the Downtown and Ladd locations.

Aug. 17, 2023 – When customers walk into Food 4 Paws, a pet food and nutrition store at 4330 Czech Lane NE, golden retrievers Ruby, Bella, and Kally are often at the back of the shop, waiting to welcome them with friendly barks and wagging tails.

Aug. 14, 2023 – School is starting all too soon, so we collected recommendations for school stories from library staff.