Just in time for the launch of the final stage of the City’s Pedestrian Mall Improvements Project, come learn about pre-Urban Renewal downtown, controversies plaguing its redesign, and favorite hangouts and watering holes of Iowa City literary legends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at Big Grove Brewery and Taproom.

Iowa City Public Library’s history experts will tell the tale of 1960s-‘80s downtown Urban Renewal, and how it led to the beloved and thriving Pedestrian Mall of today. 

This event is part of the Library's annual celebration of local history: Weber Days. Check out our full list of 2019 Weber Day events here. 

Are you in need of a new lawnmower this spring? How about a grill or perhaps a patio set?

Before you buy what you need for the season, stop by the Library to access Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports includes reviews, ratings, recommendations, video clips and buying advice for thousands of products and services.

The Library's subscription is free to all who access the service at the Library as part of our network of online resources. Resident Library Card holders can access the database at home.

Another year of Book Madness has come and gone, and this year’s winners are ….

(drum roll, please)

Children’s Bracket: Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

Adult and Teen Bracket: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Fans of Adam Rubin’s laugh out loud picture book came out in full force the last weekend of voting, stuffing the box with their votes for the taco party enjoyed by dragons. In the end, it was 70 votes for Dragons Love Tacos versus 58 for the beloved duo Frog and Toad.

The Adult and Teen bracket came down to our Facebook poll for a tiebreaker, with both Pride and Prejudice and Becoming garnering the same number of votes in the voting box and on Twitter. The Facebook vote had the final say, with Pride and Prejudice taking the title by six votes.

Thank you, everyone, for participating in this year’s competition!