Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation

04/01/2026

Today’s the final day to support our Books in Bloom Ball 🌸📚

Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on Library Giving Day (April 1) by making a gift to our local program. Together, we’re Rooted in Reading—helping children build early literacy skills so they can grow into lifelong learners.

Your support makes a difference right here in Cedar Rapids. Make your gift today!

03/31/2026

More than 4,600 children under age five in Cedar Rapids receive a new book every month from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since 2018, 9,453 children have graduated our local program by turning five.

A new study shows that early access to books helps children develop a love of reading and stronger literacy skills. The findings reaffirm what many families already experience through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: reading together makes a difference for young children and their caregivers.

Check availability and see if your child can start receiving free books today. 📖
https://www.crlibrary.org/imagination-library

03/30/2026

🌸 You’re invited to a springtime celebration of reading! 🌸

The 2026 Books in Bloom Ball is Wednesday, April 1. The best part? There’s no event to attend. Simply celebrate from wherever you are by making a gift to support our local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

In honor of Library Giving Day, we’re Rooted in Reading—the belief that every child thrives with access to books in their home. Your support for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library helps children learn to read so they can read to learn.

Make your gift today and help us grow a community of readers!

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CedarRapidsPublicLibraryFound/StayHome2026.html

03/05/2026

We're proud to be a Dolly Parton's Imagination Library affiliate. Our Library Foundation donors are growing a community of readers.

These early years go fast.
The bedtime stories. The questions. The wonder. 💛

New international research shows that even after just 10 books, children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are more engaged with books and developing stronger early literacy skills.

Don’t let your child miss out on the joy—and the opportunity—of free books from birth. 📚 https://imaginationlibrary.com/international-research

02/20/2026

United for Libraries is a division of the American Library Association that supports Library Friends, Foundations, Trustees, advocates, and supporters. Check them out in this article!

Every year, United for Libraries brings together trustees, foundation and Friends members, and those who work with them for a virtual conference to discuss the library advocacy landscape. Read our report at https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/unlocking-possibilities/

02/18/2026

We value our public libraries. Today, Iowa's public libraries are facing legislative challenges other states have seen become a reality. Please take time to watch this documentary celebrating brave librarians and their fight against book bans and censorship. Thank you, The Librarians Film, for sharing their stories.

Recently, Director/Producer Kim A Snyder - Films, Carolyn Foote (TX FReadom Fighter), and Martha Hickson joined Book Riot’s The Podcast.

Superhero librarian Martha explained why we should trust our library professionals: “Collections are built with intention, very deliberately and curated very carefully … Every book is on that shelf for a reason.”

Learn more about the challenges librarians are facing and the Freedom to Read movement by watching THE LIBRARIANS on the PBS YouTube channel or app now! https://tinyurl.com/TheLibrariansPBSYouTube

01/17/2026

Did anyone spot a 🌈 in the cold chilly sky this morning? That means today is a perfect day to celebrate Dolly Parton's 80th birthday!

We've been 🎶 Working 9-5 🎶 for this celebration. Join us today with fun and activities for everyone.

🎶 From story times to a dance party—Dolly Parton’s Birthday Party has it all!

Dolly turns 80 this month and we are celebrating in a big way. Join us on Saturday, January 17, 10-12pm at the Downtown Library:

✔ Story times
✔ Button making
✔ Family activities
✔ $1 kids’ books
✔ Dolly scavenger hunt

Mark your calendar!

01/15/2026

Our copy of Dolly Parton’s “I am a Rainbow” book has something EXTRA special – Dolly’s autograph!

Join us for Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday Party on Saturday, January 17, 10-12pm at the Downtown Library and enter for a chance to win the signed book. This one-of-a-kind treasure could soon be the jewel of your home library.

The drawing will be held at 11:30 am.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor for their support of Dolly Parton’s Birthday Party.

01/11/2026

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor for your support of our Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday Party.

Drop by to celebrate on Saturday, January 17, 10 am to Noon at the Downtown Library!

Event details here: https://www.crlibrary.org/event/dolly-partons-birthday-party-7495

01/09/2026

Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton turns 80 this month, and the Library Foundation is throwing a family-friendly birthday party in her honor!

Dolly is the founder of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books to children under age 5 around the world.

Here in Cedar Rapids, the program is funded by the Library Foundation, with the help of generous community donors.

🗓 Saturday, January 17
⏰ 10 am-Noon
📍 Beems & Whipple auditoriums, Downtown Library

Come for the Happy Birthday singalong, make a Dolly button, snap a selfie with Cardboard Dolly, and more!

📚Kiddos under 5 can get enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—we’ll help parents sign up at the party!

01/09/2026

🎶 From story times to a dance party—Dolly Parton’s Birthday Party has it all!

Dolly turns 80 this month and we are celebrating in a big way. Join us on Saturday, January 17, 10-12pm at the Downtown Library:

✔ Story times
✔ Button making
✔ Family activities
✔ $1 kids’ books
✔ Dolly scavenger hunt

Mark your calendar!

01/07/2026

Celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday at the Library! 🎉

Join us at the Downtown Library on January 17! Come celebrate with us:

📚 Story times
🖍️ Fun activities for the whole family
💃 Dance party
📸 A Dolly selfie station
📖 Local families, enroll your kiddos (under age 5) in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and receive a FREE book each month!

Grab your rhinestones and join the fun! 🎶

Details here: https://www.crlibrary.org/event/dolly-partons-birthday-party-7495