Check It Out - March 2025

Join the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council for insightful discussions on global issues such as climate resilience, immigration, and authoritarianism.

Expert speakers will explore pressing topics that shape our world. Events take place at the Iowa City Public Library and are also available for online streaming.
Co-sponsored by the Library and City Channel 4.

Upcoming Events:

Global Neighbors: Welcoming and Supporting New Iowans in Des Moines
Wednesday, March 12 – Noon

Fostering Climate Resilience Together
Friday, April 4 – Noon | Meeting Room A

When Archives Meet Authoritarianism
Friday, April 11 – Noon | Meeting Room A

Join us for these thought-provoking conversations!

Explore the imagined futures of climate change through fiction. The Climate Fiction Book Club meets monthly to discuss thought-provoking novels that explore the climate crisis.

Upcoming Reads:

March 12 – “The Light Pirate” by Lily Brooks-Dalton

April 9 – “The Deluge” by Stephen Markley

May 14 – “Dry” by Neal Shusterman

Join us at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room D for engaging discussions.

Co-sponsored by City of Iowa City Climate Action & Outreach, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, and the Iowa City Public Library.

Boost your digital skills with our Internet Basics Series! Whether you're new to the internet or want to feel more confident online, these workshops will help you navigate the web and stay safe.

Internet Basics
Friday, March 21 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Digital Media Lab
Learn to use web browsers and search engines, navigate websites, and improve your online search skills. Computers provided, but bring your laptop if you have one!

Keep Yourself Safe Online
Friday, March 28 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Zoom Event
Discover cybersecurity essentials, including secure websites, strong passwords, and scam awareness.

Bonus: At each session, attendees will get a free 256GB flash drive, courtesy of a grant from AT&T and the Public Library Association.

Space is limited—please register in advance!

April 11 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Iowa City Public Library

A special after-hours fundraising party dedicated to fostering appreciation and growth for our beloved Library.

Evening Highlights:

• Registration & Silent Auction: Begin in Meeting Room A as the grand piano sets the tone. Enjoy a cocktail in hand and bid on exclusive packages in our silent auction.
• Welcome & Sponsor Recognition: At 8 p.m., enjoy a warm welcome as we honor our generous sponsors.
• Library Exploration & Entertainment: Post-8 p.m., roam the main library space like never before. Discover food and drink stations, pop-up performances, live music, readings, and more, all designed to celebrate and elevate this community resource.

Together, we're building a bright future for our Library!

For more event details, visit the ICPL Friends Foundation webpage.
Reserve your tickets online: Get tickets.

In addition to individual tickets, our supporters are also invited to join James Investment Group and Overdrive in sponsoring the event!

Individuals or organizations can also sponsor tickets which will be distributed to workers at organizations the Library partners with to help strengthen ties between our organizations. Sponsorship comes with benefits commensurate with the sponsorship level. 

Sponsorship Information: Learn more about sponsorship opportunities

Thank you for supporting the Iowa City Public Library!

Join the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation's advocacy mailing list and become a champion for our community's beloved library!
By signing up, you'll receive emails with updates on opportunities to support the Library's mission to connect people of all ages with information, ideas, and each other.

Your voice and involvement can make a difference in promoting intellectual freedom, the freedom to read, access, literacy, learning, and creativity in our community.

Sign up today and help us ensure the Library remains a vibrant resource for everyone.