May 6, 2024 – 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 five books they love. 

Events Specialist Jacob has been at the library for a year. He manages events spaces and reservations - if you need to reserve a library space for anything from a meeting to a birthday party to a wedding, he can help you. He also helps with library outreach efforts.

"There is a lot of flexibility in my position and no two days are alike," he said. "I am fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in off-site programing ranging from summer park visits to providing materials and computer access to those at ASAC. I really enjoy being able to interact and meet with patrons both at the library and off-site out in the world."

Browse Jacob's book recommendations below, and put them on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.

"Caps For Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina

This is probably the first book that I actually remember, as my grandmother would read it to me quite often. It is a simple and silly story about a cap salesman that has been outsmarted by a group of monkeys.

"Dark Tower" series by Stephen King

As a constant reader, I think the "Dark Tower" series is the peak of Stephen King's huge catalog. Not only does this epic tale span different universes, but it seamlessly weaves in many different characters and storylines from other King books.

"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

While I am generally more of a fiction reader, I really enjoy Krakauer's work and, in particular, "Into Thin Air." This is a very engaging firsthand account of Krakauer's trip to the top of Mt. Everest, and we see both the environmental and individual costs that trying to conquer the top of the world can cause.

"Geek Love" by Katherine Dunn

This graphic and disturbing novel follows a family created solely to become circus freaks and lower the overhead of the traveling carnival. From cults to telekinetic powers, we quickly see the tragic effects Oly and her family have experienced through their distinctly intentional flaws.

"Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

This is the first book in the unfinished "Kingkiller Chronicles." We immediately dive into the world of Kvothe and follow his life as an orphan fighting his way through the world. A great example of a well-developed fantasy world along with a quick-moving and well-constructed storyline.