Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley returns to Iowa City to promote her latest novel, "Lucky," which tells the story of a folk musician's rise to fame through changing times.
She will be in conversation with Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa Public Radio's "Talk of Iowa."
The event is sponsored by Prairie Lights Books and the Iowa City Public Library.
Admission is free. Doors open at 1 p.m. Prairie Lights Books will offer books for purchase on-site before and after the program.
What is Great Give Day? Johnson County Great Give Day is an annual collective day of giving, where donors are encouraged to learn more about new-to-them nonprofit organizations, the work of the nonprofit sector in Johnson County, and make a gift (or a few!) to support philanthropy in Johnson County. On this single day – May 1, 2024 – ALL Johnson County nonprofit organizations share, with one voice, the incredible work they are doing, the ways in which they support our communities, and fundraise for their individual organizations.
How can you participate? Mark your calendar to make a gift in support of the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation on or before #johnsoncountygreatgiveday! We aim to raise $30,000 in this effort to support the Library! Your gift will be matched up to $10,522.40, made possible by supporters of the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation.
What will your gift support? Collections: Your gift allows the Library to expand its collection and better meet the needs, interests, and demands of the community.
Free Public Programs: Your gift supports ICPL programs that invite participation from Library users at every age and stage of life, promote Intellectual Freedom, support lifelong learning, and help to build community and connections.
Staff Learning: Your gift helps to supplement training, webinars, and resources for Library employees, allowing Library staff to sharpen core competencies of Librarianship, stay up-to-date on current library practices, and attend and present at conferences as leaders in their field.
Technology Upgrades: Your gift supports a range of relevant, useful, and innovative technologies at the Library, Friends Foundation gifts help the Library to provide access to information for all citizens.
Thank you for your support!
If your spring cleaning turns up boxes of old family videos, it's an excellent opportunity to explore our Digital Media Lab! The lab offers free access to equipment for digitizing VHS tapes, Sony DV, Sony Mini DV, audio cassette tapes, 8mm film, and Super 8 film.
Reserve a time slot at icpl.org/DML to use all the mentioned equipment. Some resources are available only during our staffed Help Hours, while others can be used independently whenever the Library is open. Have questions? Contact Stacey at 319-887-6073 or stacey-mckim@icpl.org.
Every time you visit the Library, make your visit a journey of learning and discovery. Dive into our diverse displays across different floors, each offering a unique perspective and story.
This month, explore a range of enlightening topics:
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month on the 1st Floor with an array of books by Arab American writers and films in Arabic, diving deep into the rich cultural narratives and contributions of the Arab world.
Support and learn from survivors with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) display on the 2nd Floor. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, engage with stories of harm, resilience, and healing. Remember, help is always available through RVAP Crisis and Support line, 319-335-6000 or 1-800-228-1625.
Explore Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi) at the 1st Floor Gallery. Delve into narratives that challenge and reflect on our environmental crises, blending imaginative storytelling with pressing climate issues.
Laugh and learn with Comedy Gold by the 2nd Floor Info Desk. Enjoy a selection of nonfiction humor writing and DVDs featuring the best of stand-up and comedic insights.
April at the Library is all about engaging, learning, and celebrating the diversity of experiences and stories that shape our community. We hope you can stop by the Library to check out our April displays!
We welcome Johnson County individuals and groups to create displays for designated spaces in the Library. For adult displays, contact Heidi at heidi-kuchta@icpl.org or (319) 887-6025. For children's displays, contact Mari at mari-redington@icpl.org or (319) 887-6029.
Are you cleaning out your closet? We're seeking gently used clothing suitable for all seasons for our clothing drives for teens. Please bring laundered items to the Teen Space, if staffed, or to the Information Desk on the second floor.Ask for Victoria when you drop off your donations.