Have you ever placed a hold on an e-book only to learn you had to wait months for the book to be available? 

We wish digital books meant access to multiple digital copies at one time, but it doesn't work that way. Just like physical books, libraries purchase multiple digital copies of one title. 

Unfortunately, one publishing company has decided to take things a step further. Beginning November 1, Macmillan Publishers will allow libraries to purchase only one copy of each new eBook title for the first eight weeks after a book’s release.

The Iowa City Public Library partners with Coralville Public Library and North Liberty Community Library to offer access to e-books, digtail magazines and audiobooks under the Digital Johnson County umbrella. We made this decision to increase digital collection numbers for all libraries and their patrons. However, Macmillan's new mandate means three libraries will have access to just one digital copy of a new release for the first two months of publication. 

ALL libraries will be impacted by this decision, which severely limits libraries' mission of accessibility for all. To learn more about this issue, read Melody's blog post, which includes a link to the American Library Association's petition to fight Macmillan's decision. 

The Iowa City Public Library and Prairie Lights are pleased to welcome New York Times bestselling author Markus Zusak to the Library on Monday, October 21.

Zusak, author of The Book Thief and I Am the Messenger, will read from Bridge of Clay, which was released last year. He’ll also participate in a question and answer session.

Bridge of Clay is the story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance.

Zusak’s reading will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in Meeting Room A at the Library, with a signing afterwards. Prairie Lights will have copies of Bridge of Clay available for purchase at the program. Zusak will personalize an unlimited number of copies of Bridge Of Clay purchased at the event. Attendees are permitted to bring only one previously purchased book to the event to be signed.

Earlier this year, the Library added something new to its collections: Discovery Kits. Discovery Kits are a collection of hands-on activities that allow patrons to “try before they buy” something new.

“When people are trying to start a new hobby, there’s an investment in the tools or materials to make it a success,” ICPL Collections Coordinator Anne Mangano says.

Sometimes the venture pays off, other times the bag of knitting supplies or gym membership go unused, with only a receipt to show for the efforts. Discovery Kits remove the initial outlay, as each kit has everything a patron needs to explore a hobby, have fun on a snowy afternoon, or try a different sport.

One of our favorite kits for adults is the Home Energy Efficiency Kit, which will help you get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. Interested in making something for this year's Arts and Crafts Bazaar? Check out the Knitting Kit -- then attend October's Sunday Crafternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 13 in Room A for an afternoon of creativity.

Discovery Kits may be checked out for three weeks with no renewals. Patrons may only check out one kit at a time.