The Metro Library Network is excited to introduce The Salon Series, a quarterly author event hosted at and sponsored by Campbell-Steele Gallery in Marion, Iowa. The first author to be presented in the series is New York Times bestselling author and creator Max Allan Collins. Collins is the creator of Road to Perdition, the graphic novel that inspired the academy award winning film. He is also the author of the newly released Seduction of the Innocent. The Iowa author will converse with guests on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00pm at Campbell-Steele Gallery. Small hors d’oeuvres will be provided and beverages will be available to purchase. This event is free and open to the public.

The Metro Library Network consists of the Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion Public Libraries. For more information visit www.metrolibrarynetwork.org.

“Learning to use a new device can be difficult for many of us,” said Amber Mussman, Public Information Officer at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. “Our library offers classes on how to download library ebooks onto Kindles, Nooks and iPads.”

Classes are offered a variety of days and times:

Library eBooks for Kindle:
December 31 at 1:00 pm
January 5 at 9:00 am

Library eBooks for iPad:
December 31 at 2:30 pm
January 2 at 7:30 pm
January 3 at 9:00 am
January 7 at 3:30 pm

Library eBooks for Nook:
January 2 at 6:00 pm
January 3 at 10:30 am
January 8 at 1:00 pm

The Metro Library Network (Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion Public Libraries) share a collection of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks which are available to library card holders at no charge through a program called OverDrive. The collection grows regularly as more content becomes available to libraries.

The Library’s OverDrive program for ebooks is available for use on a variety of other devices, including:
• Kobo eReader
• Liberati eReader
• Pandigital Novel
• PocketBook Pro 602
• Skytex Primer
• Sony Reader
• And others

Find a complete list of supported devices here: http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/Default.aspx?type=ebook.

Library staff is available to answer questions and assist with ebooks and ereaders. Visit our locations or call (319) 398-5123 for assistance, or check our website (www.crlibrary.org) for tutorials.

December 22 @ 2pm: Marcia Hughes and Jennifer Phelan will perform “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” a songbook of holiday favorites. This vocal/piano duo has teamed up for more than 15 years and this show will include a collection of holiday hits as well as a few surprises. (Hint: a special visitor from the North Pole may make an appearance!)

For more information, call the Cedar Rapids Public Library at (319) 398-5123 or visit our website at www.crlibrary.org.

White Lights 2011 Holiday Program Series:
December 1 @ 2pm: “Young at Harp” will serenade the audience with sounds of the season.

December 8 @ 2pm: St. Paul’s Methodist Church Handbell Choir, directed by Kevin Lodge, performs seasonal favorites to warm the heart.

December 15 @ 2pm: Joan Jacob and Bob Colby, flute and clarinet, playing special holiday musical selections for the third year in a row.

December 22 @ 2pm: Marcia Hughes and Jennifer Phelan will perform “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” a songbook of holiday favorites. This vocal/piano duo has teamed up for more than 15 years and this show will include a collection of holiday hits as well as a few surprises. (Hint: a special visitor from the North Pole may make an appearance!)

For more information, call the Cedar Rapids Public Library at (319) 398-5123 or visit our website at www.crlibrary.org.

Simple items are the biggest wish, showing a growing demand for help with basic needs. “Though the common items our seniors request seem small, the impact they have is big. These small tokens may be the only gifts they receive this season, along with the smiling faces of our Meals On Wheels drivers. We can’t thank CRPL enough for helping us put a twinkle in the eye of a homebound senior,” states Dianna Young, Horizons Meals On Wheels Director. Wish list items include batteries, Band-Aids, slippers, and gloves.

Those shopping for seniors during Black Friday can find the wish list online at www.horizonsfamily.org. Donation boxes and complete wish lists can be found now through December 19th at Horizons, 819 5th Street SE, and the Westdale branch of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Donors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts to either location. Items will be delivered to Horizons Meals On Wheels clients through the holidays.

Meals On Wheels could use your help all year ‘round too! Volunteer for Horizons Meals On Wheels program by calling 319-398-3574.

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About Horizons –
Horizons, A Family Services Alliance works to instill hope, change lives, and brighten futures for families in need. Located at 819 5th Street SE in Cedar Rapids, Horizons provides a variety of services across East-Central Iowa including Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Mental Health Counseling, iCan Behavioral Health, Family Outreach Programs, and Meals On Wheels. Based in Cedar Rapids, Horizons also has offices in Anamosa, Dubuque, Monticello, and Vinton. All Horizons’ programs can be reached by calling 319-398-3943. www.horizonsfamily.org

About the Cedar Rapids Public Library –
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. It exists to impact our community and transform its quality of life through education, civic engagement, the arts, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.crlibrary.org.

The exhibit will feature pieces by abstract expressionist painter Abby Jones; Barbara Prall, who specializes in landscapes and portraits; and watercolorist Vicky Shelton. The exhibit will be on display November 2 through December 28.

The Red Wall Gallery, established in 2010, is a public art display located in the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The gallery offers area artists the opportunity to display their artwork in a public space. Artists who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to submit an application, which can be found online at www.crlibrary.org/about-us/red-wall-gallery.

For more information on the Cedar Rapids Public Library, visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

Family friendly website and newsletter Macaroni Kid Cedar Rapids is partnering with the Cedar Rapids Public Library to bring this exciting national event to Cedar Rapids for the second year! A costume swap is recycling at its most fun. Kids get new-to-them costumes and parents save money and the planet. Through the efforts of grassroots, non-profit known as Green Halloween, families in the area are being invited to take a greener approach to Halloween. Something as simple as a costume swap does make a difference. In fact, swapping the costumes of only half of the children who celebrate Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons, equivalent to the weight of 2500 midsize cars.

Drop off your swap-able (gently used and clean) costumes at the Weetail Childrens Consignment Sale on September 29th from 8:00AM-2:00PM (at Hawkeye Downs Expo South) or on October 7th from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in the Seuss Room. In exchange for your costume(s) you will be given a Swap Ticket to be brought back for the event on October 13 from 10-2 PM. Costumes will also be available for sale from 1:00-2:00PM for a small fee. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Remaining costumes will be donated to Costumes for Kids, a local organization that donates costumes to less fortunate kids within our community. This event is a win win for everyone!

The Second Annual Halloween Costume Swap event will be during a “Merry NOT Scary Family Fun Day” at the Westdale Mall. This will include a bounce house, free children activities, face painting, balloons, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department with a fire truck, Cookies for Kids Bake Sale, Trick or Treating and so much more!
WHAT: National Halloween Costume Swap

WHEN: Costume Drop Off: September 29, 8 am to 2 pm at Weetail Children’s Consignment Sale at Hawkeye Downs Expo South; or October 7, 1 – 4 pm at the CRPL West
Costume Swap: October 13, 10 am – 2 pm

WHERE: CRPL West, 2600 Edgewood Rd. SW Suite 330, Cedar Rapids

WHO: Everyone!

For more information on the Cedar Rapids Public Library visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

“We are glad to be able to offer another source for audiobooks to our patrons,” said Jo Pearson, Marion Public Library Assistant Director. “OneClick Digital will have you listening to books in no time flat – and no waiting lists! All you’ll need is your library card!”

Through OneClickdigital, library card holders are able to download audiobooks directly to their mobile devices and mp3 players. OneClickdigital audiobooks are available from each of the Metro Library’s websites or by going directly to www.metrolibrary.oneclickdigital.com.

“We have seen a steady increase in audiobook downloads over the past several years and this is another way in which we can increase the number of titles available and improve access for everyone in the metro area,” said Amber Mussman, Cedar Rapids Public Library Public Information Officer.

For more information, visit www.crlibrary.org, www.hiawathalibrary.org or www.marionpubliclibrary.org.

Throughout the week of August 24, community volunteers distributed 200 copies of books from Tony Hawk’s 900 Revolution book series to students in after-school programs in the metro area, including Jane Boyd, Foundation 2, Four Oaks, Tanager Place, Kids on Course, Boys and Girls Club, and Waypoint. Books were generously donated by the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library and Coughlan Companies.

The contemporary fiction offered in the Tony Hawk’s 900 Revolution series is ideal for the reluctant reader, boy or girl, who may be overwhelmed by or uninterested in classic young adult literature. Graphic comic segments within each volume break up the text, making the book more approachable for reluctant readers by helping them to visualize the action.

Reluctant readers are children and young adults, often boys, who may be interested in reading but don’t read well; seem to have no interest and, as a result of not reading regularly are at risk of falling behind; or are dealing with specific learning problems that impede their ability and willingness to read.

“Regrettably, we see fewer boys than girls at library programs once they reach the third and fourth grades,” said CRPL Children’s Services Manager Carol Hoke. “Without many choices, kids can lose interest or become discouraged and their reading skills can fall behind.”

A recent national study showed that one in six children who are not reading proficiently in third grade do not graduate from high school on time, a rate four times greater than that of proficient readers (Hernandez, Double Jeopardy: How Poverty and Third Grade Reading Skills Influence High School Graduation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2012).

This innovative collaboration project will be celebrated as part of the promotion for Inside Out with Tony Hawk , an event presented by the Cedar Rapids Public Library on Friday, September 7, at 7:30 pm, at Theatre Cedar Rapids. Several Revolution(ary) Reader participants from partner organizations will join other youth and community volunteers to serve as ushers for the Inside Out event, with an opportunity to see the show, get their books signed by Tony Hawk, and be inspired by the most well known skateboarder of all time.

Tickets are $30/$35 for adults and $15 for youth 14 and under and can be purchased through the Theatre Cedar Rapids box office. A limited number of tickets are available for an additional $90 for adults/FREE for kids to attend a pre-show reception with special guest Tony Hawk in the Linge Lounge. All ticket proceeds support the Cedar Rapids Public Library West Side Story, the campaign for a permanent library branch on the city’s west side. Tickets are available through the TCR Box Office at www.theatrecr.org/hawk or call 319-366-8591 – Select option 1.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. The Library exists to impact the community and transform its quality of life through education, civic engagement, the arts, and entertainment. For more information please visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

Hawk is the most recognized action-sports figure in the world, a respected business man and philanthropist. He is also the author of two bestselling books and the brand behind the young adult series Tony Hawk’s 900 Revolution.

Hawk is a role model to millions of young skateboarders and athletes throughout the world. His surprising ascent to CEO of several successful businesses makes him an inspiration to people of all ages. He appears as the second speaker in the Inside Out series presented by the Cedar Rapids Public Library. This series is designed to introduce the community to remarkable celebrity authors, attract a varied audience, and increase awareness and support for the Library.

Tickets are $30/$35 for adults and $15 for youth 14 and under and can be purchased beginning August 7 through the Theatre Cedar Rapids box office. A limited number of tickets are available for an additional $90 to attend a pre-show reception with special guest Tony Hawk in the Linge Lounge. All ticket proceeds support the Cedar Rapids Public Library West Side Story, the campaign for a permanent library branch on the city’s west side.

Major sponsors for Inside Out with Tony Hawk include the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, The Gazette, and the University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Sponsorship opportunities remain available. To see a complete list of sponsors or for additional information visit www.crlibrary.org or contact Katie Geiken at (319) 739-0411 or geikenk@crlibrary.org.

Hawk will sign copies of his books following his appearance. NewBo Books will be on hand for anyone wishing to purchase a book, and a portion of the sales that night will go to support the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

What: Inside Out with Tony Hawk
When: Friday, September 7, 7:30 pm
Where: Theatre Cedar Rapids
Tickets: $30/$35, $15 youth 14 and under; additional $90 for pre-show reception
Tickets available through the TCR Box Office Beginning August 7
Box Office Phone: 319-366-8591 – Select option 1
Box Office Hours: 11am – 5pm | Mon-Fri

The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. The Library exists to impact the community and transform its quality of life through education, civic engagement, the arts, and entertainment. For more information please visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

“We are very excited to have Susan in place to lead the Library Board through the next chapter in our history,” said Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk. “The leadership and commitment of our Board has been commendable and we look forward to celebrating with each of them as we open our new buildings in 2013.”

The board is composed of volunteers who serve as the policy-making body for the Cedar Rapids Public Library and oversees Library management. Trustees are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Outgoing president Doug Elliott will continue to serve on the Board of Trustees. “His leadership throughout his time as President has helped to propel us forward, toward opening day and a state-of-the-art library,” said Pasicznyuk.

New president Susan McDermott has served on the Library Board since 2007 and has been a valuable library volunteer for years. She is active on the Executive Committee and Public Art Task Force. She has also served on the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education for 18 years. She has been past President of the Science Station, Past President of the Junior League, Past President of the Cedar Rapids YMCA, Past President of United Way of East Central Iowa, and Past President of the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. She has served on numerous boards and commissions, and is currently a member of the Iowa Public Television Broadcast Board, United Way Board of Trustees, and University of Iowa Libraries Development Advisory Board (Past President).

New vice president Joe Lock is a seasoned executive with a quarter century of broad, progressive experience. Joe has served as Vice-Chair of the Leadership Team; Nominating Committee Chair; as a member of the Director Search Committee, Special Projects Committee, and Finance Committee Chair. He is also a member of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation Board. He has served on the Library Board since 2007.

Joe’s leadership expertise spans a variety of industries, and he has served as an adjunct professor at two colleges. Joe is currently the Executive Director of Affordable Housing Network, Inc. headquartered in Cedar Rapids, and is one of the six senior executives for Four Oaks of Iowa, Inc. Previously, he was the President & CEO of a nonprofit women’s healthcare organization, led marketing and creative endeavors internationally in the manufacturing/engineering industry, nationally for a steel company and a corporate franchisor, regionally for a Fortune 150 telecommunications corporation, and locally in nonprofit fundraising efforts. Joe graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi with his Master’s Degree. He has also published numerous academic journal manuscripts, as well as articles in trade journals and the popular press. Joe devotes his spare time working with nonprofits and nonprofit boards, consulting, and family activities with his wife Cherri and his two sons, Bradley (17) & Richard (9).

For more information about the Cedar Rapids Public Library, call (319) 398-5123 or visit www.crlibrary.org.

Students are asked to write an essay about what the Cedar Rapids Public Library means to them and why they “love” their library.

Essays should be 300 words or less. Submissions may be sent to the Library at 2600 Edgewood Rd. SW, Suite 330, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404; or emailed to info@crlibrary.org, no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, April 25.  Submissions must include: name, age, grade, email address (if you have one), and phone number.

The winner will receive a Nook Color e-reader and will be asked to read their essay at the new library groundbreaking celebration in May. Runners up will also receive special recognition during the groundbreaking ceremony as well as a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Groundbreaking for the new Cedar Rapids Public Library is Saturday, May 5, 10 am – 12 pm. A brief program will be held at 10 am followed by refreshments and activities for the whole family. The community is invited to participate in this special event.

The Love My Library Essay Contest is sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation. Learn more about the Library 3.0 Campaign to build your new Cedar Rapids Public Library at www.crlibrarycampaign.org.

For more information on the Cedar Rapids Public Library, visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

The enhanced Facility Locator is just one of the many changes underway at ISAIC, including the creation of a new logo and branding to match the Cedar Rapids Public Library, ISAIC’s parent organization.  Program upgrades to come include a new interactive website with mobile accessibility, updated materials for the lending library, and new connections with relevant professionals to ensure that ISAIC services are a known and available resource state-wide.

“ISAIC has been supporting prevention, treatment and recovery efforts in Iowa for nearly 40 years,” said Emily Blomme, Program Manager. “It’s the link that connects people in Iowa to the information and resources they need to be well. We are excited to have the improved Facility Locator up and running with state-wide facility information available at the click of a mouse.”

Even though ISAIC is physically located in Cedar Rapids, the program serves the entire state.  A 24/7 Toll-free Helpline is available to answer questions and link Iowans to the information they need about prevention, treatment and recovery, and callers can always be transferred to a crisis counselor if need be.  ISAIC also maintains a vast selection of relevant pamphlets and printed materials, as well as a large lending library of books, DVDs and training materials used statewide by many treatment centers, human service agencies and Department of Correction facilities.  Media items can be reserved up to 60 days in advance and can be reserved by calling the ISAIC office or online using our catalog.

For more information on the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center, visit www.drugfreeinfo.org or call toll-free (866) 242-4111

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The Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center (ISAIC) is a state-wide program linking people in Iowa, to the resources and information they need and is a program of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. ISAIC is funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health, works closely with the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, and is a member of SALIS, the international association of individuals and organizations with special interests in the exchange and dissemination of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) information.

Interested artists should submit their qualifications by February 29, 2012 through CAFÉ™, a free online interactive system.

To view project descriptions, budgets, and details about how to apply for these opportunities, please visit www.callforentry.org, click on “Call Listings,” scroll down to “Cedar Rapids Public Library Public Art Commissions,” and select “View More Info.” Interested artists can click on “Apply for this Call” to create a free account and submit their application.

For more information on the Public Art Task Force and the two art commissions, contact Amber Mussman at (319) 739-0404 or mussmana@crlibrary.org

Classes will be offered Thursday, January 12 at 3:00 pm and Friday, January 20 at 10:00 am. Computer experience is necessary but you do not need to bring your e-reader to participate.

Register on our website at www.crlibrary.org and clicking the EVENTS tab, or call (319) 398-5123 for more information.

The Cedar Rapids Library will close both locations at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 23. Both locations will be closed Saturday, December 24; Sunday, December 25; and Monday, December 26. Both locations will be closed Saturday, December 31; Sunday, January 1;

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Crews are currently thoughtfully selecting items to be salvaged and recycled. In the next three to five weeks, the building will be systematically taken apart.

“They are taking all of the doors, most of the carpeting and decorative wood trip to resell in the Habitat for Humanity Restore,” said Bob Pasicznyuk, Library Director. “Other items, such as 100% of the glass from the building, are going to the Iowa Waste Exchange who is assisting in finding homes and alternate uses.”

The new library project team has been working towards the goal of a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

“It has been a goal to recycle at least 90% of the building,” said Bruce Hamous, project manager for OPN Architects. “We believe we will be able to surpass that goal and recycle more than 94% of the building.”

The new library is anticipated to open in summer 2013. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in March 2012. The community will be encouraged to attend and share in the celebration.

For more information on the Cedar Rapids Public Library, visit www.crlibrary.org or call (319) 398-5123.

If you are purchasing online between December 3 and December 8, visit www.bn.com and use code 10626406 when checking out and a portion of your sale will be donated as well!

Out Loud! The Metro Library Network Author Series has been successfully presenting authors in the greater Cedar Rapids area since 2008. Each year, the series presents a writer with ties to the University of Iowa writing programs, a youth author, and a “mainstream” author. Since 2009, the series has collaborated with Linn Area Reads to present the author of the book chosen for the community reading program.

“We are very excited to start the next phase of this project,” said Bob Pasicznyuk, the library’s director. “We’re going to have a library that people will treasure for generations.”

Before demolition can begin, everything that can be recycled from inside the former TrueNorth building  will be removed from the site. Recycling and re-purposing materials earns the library project points towards the goal of platinum certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. This means everything from doors to toilets to electrical fixtures will be recycled, with the goal to keep 90 percent of the materiel from the former TrueNorth building out of the landfill.

Demolition is anticipated to begin after the first of the year.

The library will host a community celebration in March to mark the beginning of the next phase of construction.

The new library will open completely debt free. Federal disaster dollars, a state I-JOBS grant and private donations are paying most of the cost of the new library with the help of $4 million in revenue from the city’s local-option sales tax. No revenue from city property taxes is being used.

The new library is expected to open in June 2013.

“We have always placed a high value on the role that libraries can play in connecting our authors with our readers,” the publisher announced in a statement Monday. “However, due to new concerns about the security of our digital editions, we find it necessary to delay the availability of our new titles in the digital format while we resolve these concerns with our business partners.”

No specific security reasons were stated.

Currently, there is only one major publisher working with libraries through OverDrive, the system used by the Cedar Rapids Public Library and the countries top library ebook supplier. HarperCollins allows lending but has restrictions on usage requiring libraries to re-purchase a title once it has been downloaded 26 times.

Ebooks are becoming increasingly popular. The Cedar Rapids Public Library itself saw a 500% increase in the use of ebooks in 2011 and anticipates another large increase in volume after the holidays.

What does this change mean to you as a library user? It means fewer titles available from your library. It means additional limitations on what libraries can provide to users.

Let us know your thoughts.

Registration for open studio is open to anyone on our website (click here for November 2) through our event calendar. Sign up and come join us for some fun, friendship and, of course, arts and crafts!

“A Brother’s Blood” examines the gruesome Mark family murders. Jerry Mark of Cedar Falls was convicted of killing his brother, brother’s wife, and their two children. Mark, however, always maintained his innocence.

Cawelti will share from his book and take questions from the audience. A member of the audience will receive a painting by local artist Joe Meisner.

Prior to the reading, the author will present a Humanities Iowa music program, “Landscape: Iowa,” the poems of James Hearst, sung, beginning at 5:30 pm and in conjunction with the opening of the next Red Wall Gallery Exhibit. Refreshments will be served.

“Our customers have been asking for this since we began lending ebooks,” said Amber Mussman, Public Information Officer at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. “Our ebooks are compatible with a vast majority of devices, including iPads, Barnes and Noble Nook, Sony eReader, Kobo eReader, Pandigital Novel, and now the Amazon Kindle.”

Customers who want to borrow an ebook from the Metro Library Network can visit their library website and click on OverDrive to access the library of hundreds of items.

Kindle users can browse the collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app.

Visit http://bit.ly/librarykindle to go directly to the Metro Library Network OverDrive site.

For more information on the Cedar Rapids Public Library, call (319) 398-5123 or visit www.crlibrary.org.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library has partnered with the Matthew 25 Tool Library to offer a selection of books on home improvement, decorating and gardening for checkout at the Tool Library. The collection of more than 80 books includes several by Black and Decker, Country Living, House Beautiful, Stanley, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart and other publishers. Topics include kitchen design ideas, de-cluttering, canning and bottling, carpentry, basement remodeling, deck building, green living, energy efficiency, roofing, plumbing, rooms for kids and many more.

“There is still a lot of rebuilding in the neighborhood after the flood and homeowners are excited about new design possibilities,” says Katie Hackbarth, Tool Library manager. “I think this amazing collection of books will provide the inspiration and direction some homeowners are looking for. We’re very grateful for the Library’s involvement.”

The Matthew 25 Tool Library is a program of the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub. The mission of the Tool Library is to provide Cedar Rapids area residents with affordable access to the tools, resources and skills they need to repair, remodel and maintain their homes. The Tool Library has an extensive inventory of hand and power tools for various home maintenance and lawn and garden projects. Membership in the library is open to Cedar Rapids area residents for a sliding scale fee based on household size and income. Monthly memberships are also available as are memberships for non-profit organizations and volunteer groups.

The library books can be checked out for week-long periods of time at no charge to anyone with a photo ID and a phone number. The Matthew 25 Tool Library is located in the former Hubbard Ice Building, 225 K Ave. SW, Suite G. Find the complete list of titles at www.crtoollibrary.com. Email tools@hub25.org or call Katie Hackbarth at (319) 491-4466 or for more information.

The discounts consist of a variety of special offers at more than 40 local businesses.

Show your card and be rewarded!

Click here for a list of participating businesses

Library patrons are invited to donate one non-perishable food item in exchange for $1 off their current library fines, up to $20. Donations can be made at the Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha or Marion Libraries during regular open hours.

This program is held in conjunction with the Inside Out with Alton Brown speaker series September 9.

“While bringing a celebrity chef and cookbook author to the area, we wanted to work with our Metro Library partners in Hiawatha and Marion to raise awareness of food insecurity in our communities,” said Amber Mussman, Public Information Officer at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

All donations will be given to the HACAP Food Reservoir for local distribution. HACAP distributes more than 1.7 million pounds of food annually.

Fees for lost items, damaged items or collection fees are not included in this program. Items must be in good condition and not past their expiration date.

“We offer so many resources through our website, such as our downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, and our wide variety of research databases,” said Amber Mussman, CRPL Public Information Officer. “We know how important it is to make sure our customer experience online is as positive as the one in the Library itself.”

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There is a significant, ongoing need for blood donations to save lives in our community. Most people will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. To meet patient needs for blood and blood components, the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center requires more than 2,000 donations from volunteer blood donors every week. And every year, those donations are used to help more than 200,000 patients in their recovery from illness or injury.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library invite you to register and help save a life through your donation.

Walk-ins are welcome but registration is requested. Register at http://bit.ly/oDjov0 or call (319) 398-5123 for more information.