Feb. 3, 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.
Zachary Stout is a Patron’s Services Specialist, working primarily at the Downtown Library. Zachary began working at the library in 2019 and recently celebrated his fifth year.
Patron Services Specialists greet you when you come in, help you sign up for library cards, use the computers, find the books you’re looking for, and more.
"My favorite part of my job is that you never know whose life you’re going to change for the better," he said. "Patrons come in with all manner of requests, many of which are urgent and high demand. It feels nice to take the burden off of someone else’s shoulders and help them file that rent reimbursement, that stressful job application, or that rental agreement. Sometimes, not always, the job gets even better when the patron comes back in to personally let you know that they got support, that dream job, or stable housing. Then you both get to share a moment celebrating that win that both of you accomplished together."
Browse Zachary's book recommendations below, and put books on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking" by T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon)
After finishing college, I hit a reading slump where nothing really sounded engaging, and I felt like a much-needed hiatus from reading was necessary. Cue my wonderful coworker Rebecca recommending “A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking.” The book is exactly how it sounds – it combines wizardry and baking wonderfully. In a land where wizards can have as grand of powers as summoning wildfires, or as seemingly simple as animating some bread dough, you get to see a variety of magical applications. Mona, the main character, is one such wizard. Believing herself to be confined merely to being a baker, she finds herself flung into a murder mystery where she begins to understand her powers are more than what they appear. Though she believes she can only make baked goods do “stuff,” she quickly learns she is capable of much, much more. If you enjoy magical books that use small tools to fix big problems, it’s a wonderful read.
"Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree
The pioneer of cozy fantasy. For a feel-good book that truly has low stakes, you can’t beat this one. The book follows Viv, an Orc barista, who has recently put down her weapons in favor of starting up a unique business, the first of its kind, a coffee shop. Though the town isn’t quite ready for her newest venture, she quickly cements her place in the community and wins over her neighbors and friends. The book is heavy on found family and feel good vibes, with a little bit of romance intermixed as well. If you don’t know whether you would like cozy fantasy or not, this is the book that’ll get you started
"Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne
Reyna and Kianthe are two girlfriends that want to escape the politicking and royal courts and establish a combination tea shop and bookstore together. The story follows these two lovebirds in their construction of their dream life, while mild interferences try to get between the two of them. Mixing the magical and mundane, this book gives a cozy slice of life amidst court intrigue and dangerous dragon attacks. This book, though similar to “Legends & Lattes,” ups the stakes substantially, but it still gives you that cozy feeling of being in a fantasy bookstore.
"The House in the Cerulean Sea" by T.J. Klune
This book follows Linus, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent to investigate an orphanage that is of major interest to Extremely Upper Management. Linus is sworn to secrecy and quickly swept away from his usual day job to investigate an island orphanage where he finds children of various backgrounds and abilities. Though initially wary, Linus quickly grows fond of the children and discovers there’s more to his job than over-professional bureaucracy. The book is heartwarming and wonderful, and it will make you feel everything. If you enjoy found-family books, this is the book for you.
"A Rival Most Vial" by R.L. Ashwick
Ambrose owns and operates the only potion shop on Rosemond Street – that is until a shop opens across the street and begins stealing his business. Eli, who has changed careers countless times, has finally settled on being a potioneer as well … putting him at odds with Ambrose’s establishment. Though bitter rivals and constantly at odds, something begins to blossom between the two of them. With each additional side quest, they become closer and closer. If you like fantasy settings, but appreciate the NPC (non-player character) side of things, or you wonder what it would be like to be the people SERVING the adventurers – this is the book for you.