The Iowa City Public Library is in the running for the best library in the United States!
Presented by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL), the Leslie B. Knope Award is meant to highlight “organizations and individuals that motivate, inspire and attract the best and brightest to local government.”
ICPL was one of nearly 90 public libraries initially nominated for the award, which is named after local government champion Leslie B. Knope on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Knope is played by actress Amy Poehler.
Public votes determine which libraries advance in the competition. Thanks to support in the first two rounds of voting, ICPL is now in the Sweetums16 Ron Swanson bracket, competing for Big Ten bragging rights against Schlow Centre Region Library, in State College, Penn., home to Penn State University.
Voting in the Sweetums16 round continues through Friday, February 9. Voters may only vote once. The libraries with the most votes will advance to a group of eight. Currently, Iowa City and the City of Cedar Rapids are the only libraries in Iowa still in the contest.
Bookmobile schedule spotlights lunch, after work stops
Running errands on your lunch break? Why not cross another item off your to-do list by visiting the Bookmobile during one of our Lunchtime Stops? You can return Library materials, pick up Holds, or simply browse the shelves for some lunchtime reading.
Our Lunchtime Stops include the following:
North Dodge Hy-Vee, Noon to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays
UI College of Medicine Courtyard, Noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays
First Avenue Hy-Vee, 11 a.m. to Noon on Thursdays
Is your lunch hour too busy? Then our After Work Stops are perfect! What better way to wind down from a busy day than visiting the Bookmobile for a book or movie?
The Bookmobile's After Work Stops include the following locations:
Waterfront Hy-Vee, 5 to 6 p.m. on Mondays
UI Community Credit Union (Mormon Trek), 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
Our complete Bookmobile Schedule can be found here.
Love Your Bookmobile? Make it a valentine!
It's Love Your Library Month at ICPL and that includes the Bookmobile!
Visit the Bookmobile this month and leave a Valentine's Day card telling us why you love the Bookmobile. It's a great way to spread the love all month long!
This comment from one of our young patrons at Lemme Elementary was shared with us personally. It filled us with warm fuzzies all day: "I always keep my library card in my
backpack JUST in case I see the Bookmobile."
Book recommendations from Bookmobile staff
Are you in need of book recommendations? Our Bookmobile staff has you covered!
Anne lovedMrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta. "Witty, well-crafted, insightful, and timely, Mrs. Fletcher
deals with gender norms, sexual dynamics, and modern romance. The titular Mrs.
Fletcher, a single parent, is dealing with the departure of her only son for
college. Both of them attempt to navigate their new landscape and make human
connections, with mixed results."
If you didn't already know this, Shawna is a major Stephen King fan and his latest book -- Sleeping Beauties, which he wrote with Owen King -- does not disappoint. "It follows the story of a
curious phenomenon that is causing women across the globe to fall into an
unnatural sleep. As with many Stephen King books, the best part is getting to
know the characters and going on this terrifying journey with them."
