March 24, 2025 – 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.
Jo-Ann Cook is a Public Service Associate, working primarily at Ladd Library. She began working at the library in 2021 and recently celebrated her four-year anniversary. As a Public Service Associate, Jo-Ann does a bit of everything: shelving books, processing hold requests, making library cards, helping patrons find materials and print, make copies and send faxes, as well as providing computer assistance as needed.
"What I like about my job is that I am constantly moving around, and I am surrounded by coworkers who truly love their work, and they inspire me to continue to learn and grow," she said. "One of my favorite things to do at Ladd is chat with patrons near the New Books shelves. I enjoy hearing about what they are reading, getting recommendations from them, and giving recommendations when they ask. I also enjoy sharing information about our three 'virtual' library apps: Libby, Hoopla, and CloudLibrary. It's always a great day when I get to sit with a patron and help them download these apps and open up three new resources of content for them."
Browse Jo-Ann's book recommendations below, and put books on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"In an Instant" by Suzanne Redfearn (psychological thriller, 2020)
Life for 11 people is changed in an instant when their camper plunges over the side of a snow-covered mountain in the middle of a storm. Impossible choices and decisions ensue. The story is told from multiple points of view and chronicles their journey from grief to acceptance and hope. One of the characters is based on a family member of the author – can you figure out which? I enjoy books that make me ponder, "What would I do?", and this story marches straight up to that question.
"The Measure" by Nikki Erlick (science fiction, suspense, dystopian, 2022)
Follow eight ordinary people as they wake up in a world where a box appears on the doorstep of everyone over the age of 22, and the contents of that box tells you the exact number of years you will live. Every person on every continent receives a box. No one knows where the boxes came from, and the world is thrust into a frenzy. The story is about moments, big and small. It's about family, friendship, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest. I am not generally a science fiction reader, but this book hit all the marks for me, and I still haven't yet decided if I would open my box. Would you open your box?
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen (autobiography, 2017)
This Jersey Girl (Exit 88) is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, and his autobiography (audiobook), was 18+ hours of pure enjoyment, read by Bruce himself. In 2009 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl's halftime show, and that experience was the spark that started Bruce writing his story, which took seven years. You can't start a fire without a spark. He brings honesty and humor and recounts his relentless drive to become a musician, from his early days in Asbury Park to the rise of the E Street Band. His candor tells the story of the personal struggles that inspired his work. But the book is much more than a legendary rock star's memoir. "This is a book for workers and dreamers, parents and children, lovers and loners, artists, freaks, or anyone who has ever wanted to be baptized in the holy river of rock and roll." You can find the audiobook on Libby.
"The Next Thing You Know" by Jessica Strawser (contemporary romance, psychological fiction, medical fiction, 2022)
This story is about a musician facing the untimely end of his career who seeks out an end-of-life doula. I found the all-encompassing description as to what a Death Doula IS and DOES and DOESN'T DO fascinating and educational. The author weaves this information into the story, not only enlightening all who read it, but also instilling the importance of the job itself. "It's an emotional story about the power of human connection, love when you least expect it, hope against the odds, and what it really takes to live life with no regrets." In my opinion, this would make a great book club pick.
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury (political fiction, science fiction, dystopian, classic, challenged/banned, 1953)
My list of recommendations wouldn't be complete without at least one classic title. Ray Bradbury's internationally acclaimed novel, "Fahrenheit 451," has stood the test of time and is to this day eerily poignant and maybe even more relevant than ever before. Set in a future American society where books have been outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, the novel follows Guy Montag, a fireman who comes to term with his role in the censoring of literature, destroying knowledge, maintaining conformity, and suppressing dissenting ideas. I tandem read this print book and audiobook, which I do at times, and found this was a great combination for this specific title. You can find the audiobook on Hoopla and Libby.