Mary Vermillion is the author of three lesbian mystery novels set in Iowa, and she a coauthored a dual memoir with her husband, Benjamin Thiel, about his gender transition.
Read Woke is a nationwide initiative started by school librarian Cicely Lewis. Join us for weekly programs that spark critical conversations and connect our community.
June 2 – Mary Vermillion Author Interview
June 9 – Be Heard
June 16 – Inclusive ICR and Other Online Resources
June 23 – Allyship, Presented by the Civil Rights Commission
June 30 – Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris House Tour
July 7 – Be Heard
July 14 – Exploring Diversity in the History of Cedar Rapids
July 21 – Mini Virtual Tour of the African American Museum of Iowa
July 28 – Mother Mosque Virtual Tour
Register for the online Read Woke Challenge to log your minutes. This and other virtual Library programs can be viewed anytime on the Library's YouTube channel or Facebook page.
The Downtown Library is located at 450 5th Avenue SE, in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids. It is a 94,000 square foot building with a variety of civic spaces and a vibrant collection of library materials. Special features of this location are the Whipple Auditorium, a 200 seat auditorium overlooking Greene Square; and the LivingLearning Roof, a green roof with public seating and space to hold special events. Roasters Café is located in the Downtown Library, providing a full service coffee shop for visitors, as well as catering for meetings and special events.