Cedar Rapids Public Library

09/06/2026

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is closed today, Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.

You can access ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and television, databases, and more with our Library at Home: https://www.crlibrary.org/library-at-home

09/05/2026

Looking for a fun weekend craft? Try painting your pets with this video from our YouTube archive!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/04/2026

School may be back in session, but we're not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. For one day only, we're taking you back to summer camp to celebrate all the things we love about summer!

Families are welcome to drop in to the Downtown Library on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5:30-7 pm to try out a variety of summer camp-themed crafts and activities, including bottle cap boat racing, beaded bracelets, an obstacle course, scavenger hunt and more. Earn participation badges and enjoy snacks!

https://www.crlibrary.org/event/last-day-summer-camp-13213

09/04/2026

The Cedar Rapids Public Library will be closed Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Access our Library at Home anytime for ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and television, databases, and more: https://www.crlibrary.org/library-at-home

09/04/2026

Congratulations to these brothers for completing the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a simple way for families and children to build a love of reading together. Caregivers track each book they read with their child, from birth until they start kindergarten. Repeating books is OK!

For every 100 books read, you child can pick a prize at the library. They get a free book after 500 books and a backpack and certificate after 1,000 books.

Learn more: https://www.crlibrary.org/children/1000books

09/04/2026

National Hispanic Heritage Month is approaching from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Starting in the middle of the month to mark the independence day of five Central American countries, the month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Materials Librarian Allison Zordell curated this list of ten recently published works of fiction by Hispanic authors.

Read these stories - from romance to horror and historical fiction to contemporary literature - this fall and all year.

Browse the books: https://www.crlibrary.org/news/check-these-out-new-fiction-national-hispanic-heritage-month

09/03/2026

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09/03/2026

The Cedar Rapids Public Library has selected painter Hans Olson for a special Grand Opening Exhibit in the art gallery at the new Busse Branch.

Olson's work was selected for his representation of the natural world and how that integrates into the design of the new library, as well as an homage to the farm fields upon which the library was built.

Olson tries to bring the natural beauty of Iowa inside through his paintings – capturing a moment of sunset over a field or light dappling across a stream for others to experience.

“I went out and found these beautiful places and put them on canvas – the whole purpose of my work is so others can find the same peacefulness of nature,” he said. “I want to create a sense of peace with my art – of, here’s a new day dawning, and the sun’s coming up, and things really aren’t bad in this moment.”

Learn more: https://www.crlibrary.org/news/library-selects-artist-busse-branch-grand-opening

09/03/2026

As we get closer to opening the Busse Branch on Sept. 19, we want to share some features of the new library. This week, we're highlighting the Allsop Conference and Learning Center.

The Ladd Library had one small programming room, which had to be used by both the public wanting to reserve space for private events and by the library staff for public programs. Sometimes the room was bursting at the seams, trying to accommodate crowds for popular programs like children's musician Tom Pease.

The new Busse Branch library has a dedicated Children's Program Room, plus the Allsop Conference and Learning Center. This includes the 150-person Allsop Auditorium, which can be divided into two 75-person spaces with an adjacent kitchenette, as well as the 16-person Allsop Community Room.

Library staff got to use the Allsop Auditorium at an All-Staff Training day on Monday, and we are excited to welcome the public into this new community space. The Center significantly increases the opportunity for community members to gather for meetings, trainings, and celebrations.

Learn more about the Busse Branch: https://www.crlibrary.org/bussebranch

09/02/2026

Looking for a new job? Got Resume Builder is available for free through the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Build your resume in three easy steps with professionally designed templates, writing assistance with an AI-enabled writing guide, and tools to help you write a cover letter.

Get started: https://www.crlibrary.org/digital-resources