The Iowa City Public Library’s Westgate Collection will be part of the Downtown District Gallery Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 5.

The Westgate Collection features original children’s book art by well-known illustrators, including Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz, and Margret and H.A. Rey, as well as local artists Claudia McGehee and Jennifer Black Reinhardt. Illustrations by McGehee and Reinhardt are our newest additions to the collection, and both artists will be present during the Gallery Walk.

With nearly 60 original artworks displayed throughout the Ellen Buchanan Children’s Room, the Westgate Collection is a unique feature at ICPL. The collection began with long-time children’s librarian Hazel Westgate, who contacted illustrators requesting art she could display in the Children’s Room. The tradition continues in her name.

The Library’s participation in the Downtown District Gallery Walk also is a rededication of the collection, which was absent from the Children’s Room during a year-long preservation project.

“I think it’s wonderful we had her collection reframed and in some cases restored just in time to mark 70 years of her coming to Iowa City,” Children’s Room Coordinator Angela Pilkington says. “Along with her love of children’s literature, she was a very talented artist and appreciated the art of others. Because of that keen eye and love, we have this wonderful collection. It is our hope that Hazel Westgate’s memory lives on through this collection for another 70 years.”

Are piles of discarded Halloween costumes crowding your closets? Donate them to the Iowa City Public Library’s Costume Exchange!

The Library is currently accepting gently-used Halloween costumes and accessories for all ages. Donations may be brought to the Children’s Room desk any time the Library is open. Costumes will be accepted until noon on Friday, October 12.

All donated items will be heat-treated.

The Halloween Costume Exchange will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 12, in the Tween Space. Families don't need to donate in order to receive a costume, but everyone is asked to limit themselves to one costume per person. Families with children of all ages are welcome to peruse the selections.

The Iowa City Public Library’s Totally Tweens Chess Tournament will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 17, in Meeting Room A.

A staple of the Library’s tween programming, the tournament is held in honor of Steve Young, who was active in the community’s chess population until his death in 2012. 

The tournament is open to students in third through sixth grades. Members of the United State Chess Federation (USCF) below third grade also are welcome. Players rated over USCF 1,000 will be in a separate section.

Membership in the USCF is not required except for the over 1,000 section and participants in second grade and younger. 

This event is free, but pre-registration is required. Children can register by e-mailing Eric Vigil at evigil@gmail.com. Walk-ins may register the day of the event from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Trophies awarded for each grade. Refreshments will be provided. Participants should plan to stay for the entire afternoon.