![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, banners with "2023 Top Borrows" and "YA, children's books, manga, & graphic novels."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/2_0.png?itok=MdNVCnxM)
Check These Out: 2023 Top Borrows – YA, Children's Books, Manga, & Graphic Novels
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.
![An older woman uses a screen magnifier to read.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/barabara%20reading.jpg?itok=KMMdXDNl)
Reaching Readers Where They Are With Books By Mail
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.
![A woman holds up a children's book she is reading to a room of parents and children.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/YPN%20night_2.jpg?itok=feu42Zz2)
Supporting Young Parents: Library Partners with YPN to Support Early Literacy
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.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "The Bandit Queens," "Fourth Wing," and "The Covenant of Water."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/Check%20These%20Out%20Best%20Books%20of%202023.png?itok=KXOEVhDS)
Check These Out: The Best Books We Read in 2023
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.
![An abstract painting has yellow, white, green and blue blocks and splotches.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/Eighteen.jpg?itok=xBjqACUv)
Art on Exhibit this Winter at the Library
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.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "Christmas with Kim-Joy," "The Gingerbread Book" and "Holiday Cookies."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Check%20These%20Out%20Holiday%20Cookies.png?itok=Y0Mo01uL)
Check These Out: Holiday Baking Cookbooks
Dec. 4, 2023 – 'Tis the season for holiday baking, and the library is celebrating with cookie-centric events:
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "Cold Blooded," "The Coldest Winter Ever" and "Queens."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Check%20These%20Out%20Urban%20Fiction.png?itok=W8tEmCbg)
Check These Out: Urban Fiction
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.
![A woman holding a baby smiles at the child.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/YPN%20night_4.jpg?itok=Uvr4n93m)
Cedar Rapids Recognized by Campaign for Grade-Level Reading with Pacesetter Honor
Nov. 20, 2023 – The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is recognizing Cedar Rapids with Pacesetter Honors for its 2022–23 work.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "Burnout," "Everything Happens for a Reason," and "The Book of (More) Delights."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Check%20These%20Out%20Books%20We%20Are%20Thankful%20For.png?itok=79RPgspY)
Check These Out: Books We're Thankful For
Nov. 20, 2023 – In honor of Thanksgiving, library staff shared books they are thankful for. From a children's book with stories of Zen enlightenment to poetry to self-help, there are a variety of topics and genres. All are available in the library's catalog.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "Woman of Light," "The Berry Pickers," and "There There."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Copy%20of%20Check%20These%20Out%20Musical%20Memoirs.png?itok=Qp3odbl5)
Check These Out: Books for Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 16, 2023 – November is National Native American Heritage Month, so our librarians curated a list of adult fiction and nonfiction featuring Native voices.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "Buffalo Bird Girl," "We Are Grateful" and "Jingle Dancer."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Copy%20of%20hispanic%20heritage%20month%20kids%20books%20%281%29.png?itok=BMG38FFp)
Check These Out: Picture Books for Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 6, 2023 – For Native American Heritage Month, we're highlighting children's books by and about Indigenous people in the United States. Browse the titles by scrolling through the list below, then find these books at the library, or put them on hold in our catalog now.
![A woman sits and organizes books on a shelf.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/IMG_4946.jpg?itok=spDXr5-J)
Our Collection is On the Move
Nov. 2, 2023 – If you’ve noticed some changes at the Downtown Library lately, rest assured they’re all part of a carefully thought-out plan.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "I'll Never Write My Memoirs" by Grace Jones, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey" by Marian Carey and "Me" by Elton John.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-11/Copy%20of%20Check%20these%20out%20Abby%27s%20Spooky%20Stories.png?itok=VaN1C8Ik)
Check These Out: Musical Memoirs
Nov. 2, 2023 – Waiting for your hold to come in on Britney Spears' explosively popular new memoir, "The Woman in Me"? Pick up another musical memoir available at the library.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "The Graveyard Book," "Twisted Fairy Tales," and "Stiff."](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/Copy%20of%20Check%20these%20out%20Spooky%20Stories.png?itok=iypf8BDD)
Check These Out: Scary Stories for Halloween
Oct. 26, 2023 – Last week we shared spooky book recommendations from library staff. One staff member, Public Services Specialist Abby Cornelison, had so many picks we decided to dedicate an entire blog post to her favorite scary stories.
![A graphic has an orange circle with a thumbs up that says "Check These Out," the library logo, and three book covers: "The Old Willis Place," "Mexican Gothic," and "Monstress"](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/Copy%20of%20Check%20these%20out%20National%20Book%20Award.png?itok=kl6VDOa1)
Check These Out: Spooky Stories We Love
Oct. 19, 2023 – Spooky season is upon us, so we asked library staff for their scary story recommendations. From gothic horror to vampires to zombies, these books are sure to give you a fright.