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Image for event: Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Celebrate the Freedom to Read
2023-10-02 18:00:00 2023-10-02 19:00:00 America/Chicago Celebrate the Freedom to Read Join us for activities in honor of Banned Books Week where we will celebrate the freedom to read. Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B

Monday, October 02
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Add to Calendar 2023-10-02 18:00:00 2023-10-02 19:00:00 America/Chicago Celebrate the Freedom to Read Join us for activities in honor of Banned Books Week where we will celebrate the freedom to read. Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B

Downtown Library

Beems Auditorium B

Join us for activities in honor of Banned Books Week where we will celebrate the freedom to read.

Celebrate Banned Books Week by sharing your love of reading and our freedom to read with your friends from the library and Amnesty International. 

Activities include:

  • Book page button making 
  • Photo booth - take a photo with your favorite book
  • Community poster project: Celebrate the Freedom to Read with this collaborative art project.
  • Banned Book Display and Information on your Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week is October 1-7 and this year we are celebrating the Freedom to Read! When we ban books, we're closing off readers to people, places, and perspectives. But when we stand up for stories, we unleash the power that lies inside every book. We liberate the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen. 

AGE GROUP: | Everyone |

EVENT TYPE: | Crafts and Hobbies | Books and Reading |

TAGS: | |

Downtown Library
Phone: 319.261.READ
Hours
Mon, May 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, May 06 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, May 07 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, May 08 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 09 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, May 10 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 11 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

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.

Upcoming Events

Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, May 09, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Pied Piper - Brass Quintet
Fri, May 09, 9:30am - 10:15am
Downtown Library - Whipple Auditorium
Music concert presented by Orchestra Iowa and designed for preschool age children.
English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Fri, May 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library!
Tai Chi for Older Adults
Fri, May 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Learn and practice the gentle forms of Tai Chi in this 12-week series with Bryan Bruner of Heritage Area Agency on Aging. Skills will build on each other from the first session to the last.
Pied Piper - Brass Quintet
Fri, May 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Downtown Library - Whipple Auditorium
Music concert presented by Orchestra Iowa and designed for preschool age children.
Civil Rights Commission Pop Up
Fri, May 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Commons
The Civil Rights Commission will bring an interactive activity to the library Commons.
Exploring Wild Edibles
Sat, May 10, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Linn County Conservation will lead an introduction to the many wild edibles that grow in our area, focusing on safety, identifying a few basic plants, and ethical harvest.
Early Learning Story Time
Mon, May 12, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, May 12, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career.
School's Out: Crafts & Games
Mon, May 12, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
When school is out, come to the library! Teens and tweens ages 11-18 are invited to an hour of crafts, games, free books and more.
Computer Skills Training - with IowaWORKS
Mon, May 12, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, May 13, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Early Learning Story Time
Tue, May 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Join us for a fun-filled story time for children ages 2-5. This high-energy story times features stories, songs, parachute play, and bubbles!
Scrapbooking Club
Tue, May 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Learn scrapbooking techniques including photo layout, page design, embellishment, and journaling in a welcoming environment.
Book Lovers Book Club
Tue, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Newcomers always welcome to this general interest book club.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, May 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Financial Foundations - with First Interstate Bank!
Wed, May 14, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Financial Education Programs gives you the resources you can need to achieve financial freedom.
Trading Card Game Club - After-School Group
Wed, May 14, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
Put your card game skills to the test in a casual play environment. Magic The Gathering and Pokémon TCG cards provided.
Job Readiness & English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Wed, May 14, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library.
CR Chess Club
Wed, May 14, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Sensory Story Time
Thu, May 15, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Children and caregivers are invited to a story time that is designed for attendees with multi-sensory needs including low lights, reduced sounds, and opportunities for social interaction and play.
Craft a Book Wreath
Thu, May 15, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Join us to create a wreath out of old book pages.
Searching and Applying for Jobs Online - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Thu, May 15, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
The internet has become an essential part of any job search, but with so many resources as well as scams, it can be difficult to know where to even begin. This workshop can help!
Read to Dogs
Thu, May 15, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Trained, certified therapy dogs provide companionship to emerging readers as they earn a free library book and bookmark. Everyone is welcome to read to the dogs. Stay for a performance at 7 p.m.!
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, May 16, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Fri, May 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library!
Saturday Story Time: Award-Worthy Picture Books
Sat, May 17, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Ms. Olivia will read some fabulous new picture books, and you get to vote for your favorites!
Socially Anxious Hangout Group
Sat, May 17, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library - Conference Room
Are you socially anxious, introverted, new in town, or just looking for an easy way to meet new people? Join us to play board games and have fun! (Knowing how to play games is not required.)
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, May 19, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career.
Social Games for Older Adults: Bingo!
Mon, May 19, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Join us for a free community game of Bingo! First come, first play, with all necessary materials provided. There is no contribution, monetary or otherwise, required to play.
Computer Skills Training - with IowaWORKS
Mon, May 19, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, May 20, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Teen 3D Print Club
Tue, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Downtown Library - Technology Classroom
Teens will learn how to use the 3D printer and Tinkercad to create their own 3D designs. They'll be able to learn at their own pace and set their creative direction.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Financial Foundations - with First Interstate Bank!
Wed, May 21, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Financial Education Programs gives you the resources you can need to achieve financial freedom.
Dungeons & Dragons - Gaming Club
Wed, May 21, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
Adventurers await! Bring your Level 1, Fifth Edition character and see what adventures unfold. Continue questing to level up your character and see what mysteries you may uncover.
Job Readiness & English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Wed, May 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library.
CR Chess Club
Wed, May 21, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Expressive Arts With Tanager
Thu, May 22, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Arts, movement, and music for youth and their caregivers. This program is geared to pre-K to second graders.
How to Impress in your Job Interview - with Goodwill of the Heartland
Thu, May 22, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Practice common interview questions, improve your impromptu conversations skills, and talk about the “unwritten rules” of interviewing.
Expressive Arts With Tanager
Fri, May 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Arts, movement, and music for youth and their caregivers. This program is geared to pre-K to second graders.
Raptology: Iowa's Birds of Prey
Sat, May 24, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Come to the library for a special program about raptors in Iowa! Raptology will bring some birds of prey and educate attendees about the birds’ habitats, diet, and more! Geared toward K-6th graders.
Library Closed
Sun, May 25, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Sun, May 25, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Mon, May 26, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Mon, May 26, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, May 27, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, May 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Financial Foundations - with First Interstate Bank!
Wed, May 28, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Financial Education Programs gives you the resources you can need to achieve financial freedom.
Trading Card Game Club - After-School Group
Wed, May 28, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
Put your card game skills to the test in a casual play environment. Magic The Gathering and Pokémon TCG cards provided.
Job Readiness & English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Wed, May 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library.
CR Chess Club
Wed, May 28, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New venue Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Searching and Applying for Jobs Online - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Thu, May 29, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
The internet has become an essential part of any job search, but with so many resources as well as scams, it can be difficult to know where to even begin. This workshop can help!
English Conversation Group - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Fri, May 30, 10:00am - 11:00am
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn and practice English for free at the library!
Corridor Games on Demand - Community Game Day
Sat, May 31, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Conference Room
Come play some tabletop games with us! Bring your favorite indie RPG to share with the group or try a new game that one of our GMs has prepared. No experience necessary.
CR Chess Club
Wed, Jun 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees
Thu, Jun 05, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 pm for their regular meeting.
See all events