Stop by to engage with local groups on the topics of intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. Receive a free banned book from Annie's Foundation and make sure to visit the ICPL Bookmobile. There, you can create or update your library account and explore our collection for borrowing.
The Iowa City Public Library has a new Bookmobile stop that brings the Library experience right to your doorstep in the Peninsula Neighborhood! Here’s what you need to know:
Location: Emma J. Harvat Square Park, 904 Walker Circle.
Schedule: Every Monday, from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., our Bookmobile will be ready and waiting to welcome community members.
What Can You Do at the Bookmobile?
Get a Library Card: If you don’t have one already, now’s the perfect time to sign up and unlock a world of possibilities.
Collect Your Holds: Requested books, DVDs, or any other materials? Pick them up conveniently at the Bookmobile.
Browse and Borrow: We’ll have a curated selection of books, DVDs, and audiobooks for you to check out.
Digital Services Access: Take advantage of WIFI connectivity to explore our Digital Library resources, including:
Libby for ebooks and audiobooks
hoopla for streaming movies, music, and more
Creativebug for arts and crafts tutorials
A Community Hub on Wheels
The introduction of the Bookmobile stop at Emma J. Harvat Square Park signifies our commitment to making Library resources accessible to everyone in the Iowa City community. Whether you’re looking to pick up your next read, need assistance with digital services, or simply want to explore what’s available, the Bookmobile is here for you.
We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make the most of this fantastic opportunity to connect, discover, and enjoy the wealth of resources provided by the Iowa City Public Library. Your next adventure, project, or favorite book could be just a Bookmobile visit away.
Hippos Remain Calm by Sandra Boynton Catch up with the party-loving hippos from Hippos Go Berserk! in this long-awaited picture book more than forty-five years in the making—from the one and only Sandra Boynton! Hippos have a reputation for wild parties that go on till dawn. Nobody knows how these rumors got started. But even if it’s true (it is), it’s not the whole story. We have much to learn from their example. Accordingly, this helpful book follows two typical hippos as they calmly and mindfully go about their ordinary hippo day.
Alterations by Ray Xu For fans of Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese and Svetlana Chmakova’s Awkward, this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age graphic novel highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.
Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack When a little girl asks meaningful questions about creating art, her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history. This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and global history of art. Making both art history and art creation accessible to all, this book nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid A fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students, this book is a tension-filled story about money, indiscretion, and bad behavior—and the highly anticipated new novel by acclaimed and award-winning author Kiley Reid.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (DVD) In this prequel to The Hunger Games, a young Coriolanus Snow reluctantly takes an assignment to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and political savvy, they race against time to ultimately reveal who's a songbird and who's a snake.
Meet Kenneth Mack, a dedicated member of the Iowa City Bookmobile Team.
A Day in the Life on the Bookmobile
Q: Can you describe a typical day working on the Bookmobile?
A: My day starts off with Shawna, my shift partner, and I checking over the bookmobile to ensure it's ready for the day. We then head to our respective stops, cherishing the moments with returning patrons who exclusively experience the library through the bookmobile.
Impact of the Bookmobile on Library Services
Q: How has your experience on the Bookmobile influenced your perspective on library services?
A: The bookmobile has highlighted the diverse access levels of our patrons. Not everyone can visit our downtown location, making the bookmobile a crucial access point for many.
Memorable Community Interactions
Q: Reflecting on your interactions with the community, can you share a memorable experience from your time on the Bookmobile?
A: A heartwarming moment was when a patron remembered and wished me a happy birthday. It's these personal connections that make the job truly special.
The Rewards of Working on the Bookmobile
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role on the Bookmobile?
A: Establishing lasting relationships with patrons stands out as the most rewarding aspect of working on the bookmobile.
The Impact on Community Access
Q: Can you share a heartwarming story about the impact of the Bookmobile on someone in the community?
A: Many of our patrons face travel restrictions and can only access library services through the bookmobile. It's fulfilling to know we provide a necessary service that significantly impacts their lives, akin to the library itself.
Vision for the Future
Q: Looking towards the future, how do you envision the role of the Bookmobile evolving?
A: I see the bookmobile expanding its reach by participating in community celebration days and more events as a representative of the Iowa City Public Library, further enriching community access to our services.
