My Library Story

Inspire A Lifelong Love of Reading…One Party at a Time

By Adam W. 

The love of reading happens over the Summer, after you shut the text book for the year and chart your own reading course. Kids are going to read in November because they read what they wanted in the Summer. The Summer Reading Party is just an extension of reading, it is one chapter to spark a lifelong love.

The 2014 theme is Spark a Reaction and that is exactly what we do with the Library Kick-Off Party. We kickstart the rest of the Summer. We have rides, bounce houses, authors, prize giveaways, Kindles, GoPros, Boat Rentals, even a PS4.

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I <3 My Library!

By Shawn K.  Our library is a small, but a vibrant part of our rural community. They are constantly looking to the community for ideas on how to improve and make things better. My kiddos love going to check out books, of course, but they also love going to all of the different activities sponsored … Read more

Patrons We May Not See

By Tina M.  A patron came into the library one afternoon and was waiting patiently at the staff counter. I asked him if he needed any help and he did say someone was getting some hold items for him. He proceeded to tell me that he was so thankful we had the process of reserving … Read more

A Way of Life

By Deb C.  The library has always been an important part of my life. My first memories of the library where I grew up was walking to the little “store front” library branch around the corner and spending hours pouring over the nature books. I loved the smell of the old card catalogs! When I … Read more

Volunteers Share Their Library Love Stories – And Their Time

By Jessica L.

The best part of my job is hearing what people love about the library! As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, I have interviewed over 200 volunteers in the past two years. One question I always ask is “What attracted you to volunteering at the library?” I love to hear the diverse answers our volunteers give. They want to give back to their community. They want to connect with others. They love the library and want to support its success. They love books. They remember coming to this library as a child. They love coming here with their kids. And on, and on, and on…

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Accidental Librarian

By Katelyn H. As a child, I was a voracious reader, and the library was thankfully an easy walk from our house. By the time I hit high school, it became something else: my first employer. I was drawn to the work for less than noble reasons, as I was mostly interested in a job … Read more