Celebrate the freedom of ideas with ICPL’s annual Carol Spaziani Intellectual Freedom Festival this fall. This festival honors Carol Spaziani's 26-year career and commitment to intellectual freedom, especially crucial this year in Iowa, where library workers and advocates have battled legislation and policies attacking civil liberties, including the freedom to read, learn, and communicate.
There have been numerous challenges, protests, book bans, and legislative restrictions affecting libraries, classrooms, and workplaces. Most targeted books involve stories and experiences of marginalized populations, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. The Iowa City Public Library is dedicated to highlighting these issues during this year’s festival, featuring events and displays aligned with the American Library Association’s annual Banned Books Week: Let Freedom Read in the first week of October. Details at icpl.org/iff
Wednesday, October 4 - 5:30 pm Event Format: In-person and Livestream Location: Meeting Room A
Join us for a session with Keenan Crow, Director of Policy and Advocacy at One Iowa, as we delve into the intricacies of IA SF496, the recently enacted anti-LGBTQ+ education legislation in Iowa. This discussion aims to dissect the "Don't Say Gay" clause applicable to grades K-6 (although some districts intend to expand that to all schools), its implications for the forced disclosure of LGBTQ+ students' identities, and the prohibition of books describing "sex acts" across all grades.
This event is an extension of the Iowa City Public Library Intellectual Freedom Festival, graciously supported by ICPL and the City of Iowa City Office of Equity & Human Rights.
Accessibility:
Should you require disability-related accommodations to fully engage in this event, we urge you to get in touch with the Library. Your comfort and accessibility are our priorities.
For further information and to keep updated, feel free to contact the Library or visit our website.
Saturday, October 14 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Lobby of the Iowa City Public Library
Mark your calendars for an enriching community event! The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation (ICPLFF) is thrilled to host its fall Book Sale.
Event Highlights:
Delve into a vast collection of used books spanning various genres. Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, or children's books, there's something for every bibliophile!
The Book Sale coincides with the vibrant Iowa Book Festival, amplifying the literary spirit in the heart of Iowa City.
Your participation is a page in the success story of numerous library programs. The funds raised during this event significantly contribute to supporting a plethora of library programs throughout the year.
Connect with fellow book lovers in the community and exchange recommendations while supporting a noble cause.
Your support is instrumental in propelling the mission of ICPLFF, which is dedicated to fostering a strong foundation for reading, learning, and cultural engagement within the community.
We invite individuals to come and find a few treasures to take home, all while supporting an essential local institution.
Accessibility:
The Iowa City Public Library is committed to inclusivity and ensuring that all members of the community can participate in this event. If you require disability-related accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact the Library in advance.
Additional Information
For any inquiries or further information regarding this event, please contact Peter Fegley at 319-887-6017.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon Meeting Room E
Looking to hone your English skills in a relaxed and friendly setting? Join us on Friday mornings to practice conversational skills, learn new expressions, improve your pronunciation, and make new friends from around the globe.
Should you require disability-related accommodations to participate in this event, please contact the library.
Need new wall décor for an upcoming event? Or just want to spice up your living space with the likes of Matisse or Georgia O'Keefe? The Iowa City Public Library has “Art To Go” to satiate your artistic yearnings. If you are a library patron, you now have a key to a treasure trove of art, all accessible with your library card. Whether you have an event coming up that needs a touch of elegance or you just want to rejuvenate your living quarters, “Art To Go” has got you covered. Choose from a variety of framed famous prints or original art by a local artist — available to check out for eight weeks.
The simplicity of the process is the cherry on top. Just a library card stands between you and the beautiful artwork waiting to embellish your walls.
Do you enjoy creating things? Would you like to donate your handmade items to support the Iowa City Public Library during our Arts & Crafts Bazaar on Dec. 2, 2023? If so, we will gladly accept your items between Sept. 5 and Dec. 1 – simply fill out the donation form and drop off your item(s) at the Library anytime we are open through Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
