Cedar Rapids Public Library

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Cedar Rapids Public Library Helping our community learn, enjoy, and thrive since 1897, we are welcome to all. We value your opinion and encourage constructive and open discussion.
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The Cedar Rapids Public Library expects that users will not post content that falls into the following categories and reserves the right to remove postings that are:
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Per Iowa Code Section 24.2A, the notice of public hearing for property tax revenue and levy for the City of Cedar Rapids budget can be found at https://www.CityofCR.com/Budget.

Orchestra Iowa's Pied Piper concert designed for preschoolers returns this week - with one show at the Downtown Library ...
10/07/2026

Orchestra Iowa's Pied Piper concert designed for preschoolers returns this week - with one show at the Downtown Library and one at the Busse Branch!

These free performances will be held from 9:30-10:15 am at the Downtown Library and 10:45-11:30 am at the Busse Branch. October features a string instrument performance.

https://www.crlibrary.org/events/list?keywords=pied%20piper&private=no

Volunteer Spotlight: Julian Seelau decided she wanted to volunteer in the library as a way to explore librarianship as a...
10/06/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Julian Seelau decided she wanted to volunteer in the library as a way to explore librarianship as a potential career. A recent Xavier graduate, Julian keeps busy with school, speech, theatre, mock trial, and her work at Shady Character Books.

Julian enjoys helping at library programs and keeping her adopted shelves looking good. We are delighted to have a young library supporter/future librarian on our volunteer team!

This week is Banned Books Week, so we're resharing this list of the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025, as compiled by...
10/06/2026

This week is Banned Books Week, so we're resharing this list of the Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025, as compiled by the American Library Association.

As part of Banned Books Week, we are celebrating the freedom to read! This year we are highlighting books that mean something to each of us, asking all of our patrons and fellow readers to "Pass it On" so that book can find the next reader. Did any of these challenged books mean something to you? What other books do you want to pass on to others? Tell us in the comments!

See the Most Challenged Books list here:
https://www.crlibrary.org/news/check-these-out-top-11-most-challenged-books-2025

The "Online Dating for Older Adults" program on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Downtown Library has been cancelled. Thank you for...
10/05/2026

The "Online Dating for Older Adults" program on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Downtown Library has been cancelled. Thank you for your understanding. We hope to reschedule this program in the future!

Small items make a big difference! Thank you to those who have donated so far to the hygiene supply drive at the Downtow...
10/05/2026

Small items make a big difference! Thank you to those who have donated so far to the hygiene supply drive at the Downtown Library.

The Tau Psi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Iowa City/Cedar Rapids) is collecting personal hygiene supplies through Wednesday, Oct. 7. Sorority members will distribute supplies to people in need in our community.

Items they are looking for include new, unopened personal care and hygiene essentials for women, men, children, and babies, including soap, deodorant, baby care items, feminine hygiene items, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving cream and razors, and more.

Learn tips and tricks from Linn County Master Gardeners in their fall gardening series, which begins today with "Fabulou...
10/05/2026

Learn tips and tricks from Linn County Master Gardeners in their fall gardening series, which begins today with "Fabulous Fall Container Pots." These free talks are each Monday in October from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Busse Branch.

https://www.crlibrary.org/event/master-gardeners-title-14360

Celebrate the Freedom to Read with the Cedar Rapids Public Library Oct. 4-10 - pass it on!Every book on our shelf got th...
10/04/2026

Celebrate the Freedom to Read with the Cedar Rapids Public Library Oct. 4-10 - pass it on!

Every book on our shelf got there because someone, at some point, passed it
on. This week, let’s pass our favorites onto each other. Share one book you
think your neighbors should read, and why it mattered to you.

https://www.crlibrary.org/passiton

Finding friends and connecting with others is difficult in a hyper online world. If you're new to trying online dating a...
10/02/2026

Finding friends and connecting with others is difficult in a hyper online world. If you're new to trying online dating as an older adult or you just need a little help, we're holding an "Online Dating for Older Adults" program on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Downtown Library from 1-2:30 pm.

During this class, we'll overview top-rated sites, give examples on creating a profile, and review online and in-person safety for dating in 2026. Willow Grove Studios will be on site to take professional individual headshots that attendees can use for their profiles starting at 2 pm.

There is no need to register if you only want to attend the presentation portion of the event. Registration is required for the headshots only.

Register here: https://www.crlibrary.org/event/online-dating-older-adults-12415

Our fall Family Art Night series starts Monday, Oct. 5 at the Busse Branch with Pasta Suncatchers.Different art supplies...
10/02/2026

Our fall Family Art Night series starts Monday, Oct. 5 at the Busse Branch with Pasta Suncatchers.

Different art supplies will be provided each program for families to experiment and learn new concepts with. Each program will be presented at Busse Branch and the Downtown Library with the same materials. Registration is required for each participant to ensure the correct number of supplies.

See all the programs and register here: https://www.crlibrary.org/events/list?keywords=family%20art%20night&private=no

Address

450 5th Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA
52401

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

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