News & Updates

UPDATE: After the ice storm led to Merry TubaChristmas being cancelled at the Downtown Library on Dec. 14, the organizers have found a new date and location for this annual event.

Nov. 8, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a certified “Dementia Friendly Organization” by Dementia Friendly Iowa after staff underwent training to be “Dementia Friends.” 

Oct. 11, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library will host an Ask-A-Lawyer event Oct. 24-25, in partnership with the Linn County Bar Association, the State Library of Iowa, and the University of Iowa’s Law Library. 

Oct. 7, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library invites community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Westside Library on Friday, Oct. 18, at 10 am.

Aug. 30, 2024 – Welcoming Week in Cedar Rapids is Sept. 13-22, 2024, and the library is participating.

Welcoming Week fits under the City of Cedar Rapids “Welcome is Our Language” campaign, seeking to highlight and celebrate the diversity of the community.

Aug. 28, 2024 – Local children's author Charlotte Gunnufson will visit the Downtown Library on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for a very special story time.

July 15, 2024 – Musician and children's entertainer Tom Pease has been delighting Cedar Rapids children for more than 30 years with energetic songs and interactive performances.

June 17, 2024 - At the library, we believe summer should be fun for everyone – adults and kids alike. That's why we're hosting an Adult Summer Camp series, with weekly nostalgia-themed programs beginning June 27.

June 10, 2024 – Amber Hansen is more than a singer-songwriter – she's also a music teacher at Prairie Hill Elementary in the College Community School District.

June 3, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library welcomes everyone to the library this Pride Month and beyond. The library is celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride with events and curated book lists.

Update, June 5 – The Downtown Library is out of Tiny Art Kits, but kits are still available at Ladd Library. You may also check with Marion or Hiawatha Public Library for kits.

April 29, 2024 – Cedar Rapids Public Library 2024 Artist in Residence Akwi Nji's work at the library has focused on the power of books, the written word, and the intersections of words, poet

April 3, 2024 – Technology and creativity will meet at the Cedar Rapids Public Library with the Maker and Technology Fest, coming to the Downtown Library on Saturday, April 13, from 10 am-2 pm.

March 18, 2024 – Darcy Doughtery Maulsby, author of "A Culinary History of Iowa" will bring her tales of Iowa history and food to the Downtown Library on March 30, 1-2 pm.

March 6, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private non‐profit, to host a presentation called “Savor Iowa’s Culinary History” by author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby at the Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave.