News & Updates

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. 

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.