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Annual Reports

FY23 Annual Report

As I reflect on fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023), I am immensely grateful for the diverse ways in which the community engages with our library. Whether you checked out one or more of the 1,252,860 items that circulated this year, were among the 475,444 visitors to the downtown library or one of the 17,089 visitors to the Bookmobile, received one of the 2,174 at-home packages sent out into the community, asked one of the 25,051 reference questions our expert staff assisted with, accessed one of the 300,259 media downloads made during the year, or attended one of the 944 programs offered for children, teens, and adults, your participation contributes significantly to ICPL's success. Thank you for being an essential part of our library community!

Fiscal year 2023 marked the closure of the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, which was designed around three priorities: recovery and renewal following the COVID-19 closure, focus on community aspirations, and resource management. Progress throughout this plan demonstrated ICPL’s commitment to intellectual freedom and access, dedication to process improvement, and enthusiasm for trying new things. It was inspiring to witness the ways in which library staff brought the strategic plan to life, and I am immensely proud of the work that was accomplished across all departments.

We implemented a new strategic plan in July 2023. This plan is anchored by four goals that will guide our work for the next three years and was crafted by a staff committee with significant input from the community. The four goals are access, framed as providing equitable opportunities for all people to connect with the resources and services they want and need; communication, with a specific focus on effectively sharing information and seeking feedback from our community; education, with the purpose of championing lifelong learning; and staff wellbeing, which recognizes that staff are our greatest resource and celebrates that each employee has distinct skills, needs, and aspirations. I am genuinely excited to amplify these initiatives and engage with our users in new ways. Special thanks to all community members who participated in a strategic plan focus group, completed a survey, or provided other input into our process, and to library staff who served on the strategic planning committee or contributed to that group’s work.

Thank you for making fiscal year 2023 a remarkable one! I look forward to seeing you soon.

In appreciation,

Elsworth Carman (he/him/his)
Director, Iowa City Public Library
elsworth-carman@icpl.org

Annie, Yvonne, Dakota, Manny on National Library Outreach Day.
Tricks at Homecoming.
Casey with Pride Sign at Help Desk.
Chinese New Year 2023.
Clifford at Homecoming.
Daniel, Olivia, and Jen at ABC Day.
Fang at ABC Day in front of the Bookmobile.
Staff at Pride Parade.
ICPL Staff Paul, Autumn, Sam, Clifford, and Angie at the Homecoming Parade.
Amber in the lobby at an ICPLFF Table.
Katie with kids at Musical Storytime.
Katie with I Love the Library Sign at Homcoming.
Library Band at ABC Day.
Penguins at the bookdrop.
Sparks Storytime.
Splash Day.
Staff dressed for Halloween.
Storytime at the Stanley Museum with Anne Wilmoth.

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 74,596
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,037
University Heights (by contract) 1,229
Hills (by contract) 902
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,355
SERVICE AREA  

Collections

Books/eBooks 199,398
Non-print Materials 58,095
Print and Electronic Reference 4,258
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 153
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 261,904

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 42,343
Circulation 1,252,860
Visits to the Library 492,533
Information Requests 59,425
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 25,387
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,073

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY22 Annual Report

Recent Accomplishments

  • Expanded Fine Free Policy to all library collections
  • Partnered with the City of Iowa City to add handrails to the west building entrance
  • Reaccredited as a Tier 3 library through the State Library of Iowa
  • Celebrated the 125th University of the Iowa City Public Library
  • Library Board of Trustees crafted a statement in support of Intellectual Freedom on behalf of the Library
  • Established new ways for the library and community to communicate by recording Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees meetings
  • Resumed pre-COVID library hours and reopened the library building to patrons

Upcoming Challenges

  • Complete the goals of the current Strategic Plan
  • Develop a new Strategic Plan that reflects the needs of the Iowa City Community
  • Welcome a new Coordinator for the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation
  • Protect and celebrate the Freedom to Read and Intellectual Freedom

Director’s Annual Report

Fiscal Year 2022 was a year of coming back together after the COVID-19 closure, finding new ways to increase access to library services, and seeking opportunities to support library staff.   
In the first month of FY2022, we returned to full, in-person library services after over a year of modified access. It was delightful to engage in the process of re-norming after such a long time of limited interaction, and both staff and patrons did an impressive job of acclimating to a new kind of ordinary time. I am enormously thankful for the resiliency and flexibility that was demonstrated by the ICPL community throughout the COVID closure and reopening process. Thank you!

In addition to increasing our programming back to pre-pandemic levels (we offered 230 adult programs, 176 teen programs, and 542 children’s programs throughout the year), we circulated 1,249,698 items and helped patrons find the answers to over 19,600 reference questions. We also completed a number of projects focused on connecting with patrons in new ways, including extending the fine-free model to all library collections, designing and implementing a volunteer-staffed Welcome Desk on the first floor of the downtown library, and providing active bookmobile service at every Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Iowa City. We enhanced our physical space by updating public restroom fixtures and collaborating with the City of Iowa City to install handrails outside the west entrance doors.

We were proud to implement some new amenities for library staff, as well, as we all readjusted to serving the community in person. These included updating the staff lounge, creating a new staff mental health space, offering all employees access to a mindfulness app, and providing the opportunity to include personal pronouns on ICPL name badges.

Thank you for being part of the Iowa City Public Library community and for helping us make FY22 a great year!

Iowa City Public Library.
Iowa City Public Library celebrated its 125th Anniversary with a party at Big Grove.
Dandelion Stompers performing at the 125th Anniversary party of the Iowa City Public Library.
Patrons enjoying Iowa City Public Library's 125th Anniversary party with bubbles.
Patrons enjoying Iowa City Public Library's 125th Anniversary with bubbles.
City of Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague singing You Are My Sunshine at the Iowa City Public Library's 125th Anniversary party.
Dandelion Stompers at the Iowa City Public Library's 125th Anniversary party.
Digital Media Lab's craft at the Farmer's Market using produce and a photo booth.
Seed Starting and Direct Sowing Cool Season Crops with Grow Johnson County event for teens.
Patrons dancing at the AfroCuban Storytime Dance with Modei Akyea.
New scanner in the Digital Media Lab.
Animal Meet & Greet Day with the Blank Park Zoo.
Animal Meet & Greet Day with the Blank Park Zoo featuring a turtle.
Animal Meet & Greet Day with the Blank Park Zoo featuring a turtle.
Animal Meet & Greet Day with the Blank Park Zoo featuring a snake.
Community and Access Services Coordinator Sam Helmick with the Bookmobile.
Children's Room Staff dressed up as The Hungry Caterpillar for Halloween.
Chinese Bilingual Storytime with children's staff Fang Wang.
Patrons working in the Digital Media Lab.
Computer displaying Photoshop in the Digital Media Lab.
Library Assistants Paul Bethke as Father Winter and Mari Redington at Reading is a Hoot Winter Reading Program
Patrons workshopping in the Digital Media Lab.
Iowa City Public Library staff with their Summer Reading Program t-shirts in front of the library.
Seed Starting and Direct Sowing Cool Season Crops with Grow Johnson County event for teens.
Seed Starting and Direct Sowing Cool Season Crops with Grow Johnson County event for teens.
Art display from students of the Harte School of Art.
Patrons got hands-on experience playing one of the 35 jembe hand or bass drums for World Wednesday.
Long time Library Assistant Karen Gordon performing her last Book Babies storytime before retiring.
Little Miss Ann performing a special concert filled with melodic singing and lots of rhythm.
Brown's School of Martial Arts teaching elementary students karate on How-To Tuesday.
Children's Librarian Angie Pilkington with the Magic Bookmobile.
Library Assistant Frannie Owens at the Iowa City Pride Parade.
Second floor seating of the Iowa City Public Library.
Library Assistant Shawna Riggins with the Bookmobile brochure.
An example of a shrinky dink for Craft Night in the Digital Media Lab.
Library Assistant Mac Edwards leading “Teen Crafting and Table Games Hangout- Tinkering with Tools”. This series everyone learned how to use tools to build their own keep sake box, then during our last get together we all helped build a large keepsake chest for the teens department. People learned to use basic tools like screwdrivers, hammers, power drills, sanders, staining, and more.
Teens making Marvel themed snacks in Teen Room.
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague in temporary art display called The Loop. “Loop,” an exhibit imported from Quebec, is a 12-piece installation of cylinders that are part zoetrope — an optical toy invented in the 19th century — part music box and part railway car
Iowa City Public Library Volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Event.

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 74,828  
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 21,884  
University Heights (by contract) 1,159  
Hills (by contract) 863  
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,357  
SERVICE AREA  

Collections

Books/eBooks 200,177  
Non-print Materials 55,848  
Print and Electronic Reference 4,431  
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 48  
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 260,604  

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 45,755  
Circulation 1,249,698  
Visits to the Library 375,939  
Information Requests 85,178  
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 19,226  
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 733  

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY21 Annual Report

Recent Accomplishments

  • Prioritized public health and safety in designing and delivering library services during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Established new recruiting and hiring practices to reduce barriers to establishing a workplace reflective of the community served
  • Supported Friends’ Foundation volunteers and the Development Office staff in exploration and adoption of Sustainable Investing Practices in order to grow Foundation investments
  • Continued to craft new ways for the community and the Library to communicate—including dynamic options for “browsing” the shelves remotely, an enhanced app, and the ability to contact the Director for comments and feedback via text message
  • Responded to direct community feedback by making multiple new electronic resources—including two learning-based tools: Creativebug (craft video tutorials) and LinkedIn Learning (creative, business, and technology training tutorials)—available to the public
  • Utilized the Bookmobile as a community hotspot and information hub following the derecho
  • Developed and offered a variety of community programs and historical reflections in celebration of Iowa City Public Library’s 125th Anniversary

Upcoming Challenges

  • Continue to collect data related t effects of the provisional all-collections Fine Free Policy, while actively engaging with City management around aspirations to implement this policy at the beginning of FY23
  • Seek new funds, or reallocate budgeted funds, to expand staff learning opportunities
  • Measure resources allocated to programming, outreach, and collections for and with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
  • Create a programming infrastructure for community-led, library-funded programs, with an emphasis on historically excluded, marginalized, and oppressed populations
  • Engage the community in dialog pertaining to their aspirations for Iowa City Public Library; including discussions about service hours, using multiple information-gathering tools and opportunities for opinion-sharing
  • Continue to celebrate Iowa City Public Library’s 125th Anniversary with programs, events, and displays
Photo: This summer, children planted in our garden as we continued to offer outdoor and virtual programming because of COVID-19.
This summer, children planted in our garden as we continued to offer outdoor and virtual programming because of COVID-19.
Photo: With author and illustrator Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Claudia McGehee we launched our Bookwalk in June of 2021.
With author and illustrator Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Claudia McGehee we launched our Bookwalk in June of 2021.
Photo: With author and illustrator Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Claudia McGehee we launched our Bookwalk in June of 2021.
With author and illustrator Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Claudia McGehee we launched our Bookwalk in June of 2021.
Photo: As we slowly began to reopen to the public, curbside pickup was the first step in helping patrons access materials again.
As we slowly began to reopen to the public, curbside pickup was the first step in helping patrons access materials again.
Photo: Starting in January 2021, the staff prepared bundles that were available for patrons to pick up.
Starting in January 2021, the staff prepared bundles that were available for patrons to pick up.
Photo: While browsing was limited, in January we began offering creative ways for patrons to browse our collection.
While browsing was limited, in January we began offering creative ways for patrons to browse our collection.
Photo: During our reopening phases in January, the Lobby served as our point of operation for members of the community.
During our reopening phases in January, the Lobby served as our point of operation for members of the community.
Photo: Patrons eagerly wait in line as we began to expand our services beginning at the start of 2021.
Patrons eagerly wait in line as we began to expand our services beginning at the start of 2021.
Photo: As we entered into Phase Three of our COVID response plan we began expanding services further into the Library.
As we entered into Phase Three of our COVID response plan we began expanding services further into the Library.
Photo: As we welcomed patrons back through our doors, we set up a temporary help desk in our entrance.
As we welcomed patrons back through our doors, we set up a temporary help desk in our entrance.
Photo: Seeing patrons browsing the aisles once again when we allowed limited looks around the shelves.
Seeing patrons browsing the aisles once again when we allowed limited looks around the shelves.
Photo: Our temporary welcome desk offered the community a smiling face to see as they were welcomed back into the building.
Our temporary welcome desk offered the community a smiling face to see as they were welcomed back into the building.
Photo: Opening our doors for all is a vital part of our mission and values, and one we strive to uphold.
Opening our doors for all is a vital part of our mission and values, and one we strive to uphold.
Photo: Our re-opening plan we developed allowed for a multi-step program for ourselves and the community.
Our re-opening plan we developed allowed for a multi-step program for ourselves and the community.
Photo: As we began offering limited in-person browsing again, it was great to see happy patrons back in their favorite spots.
As we began offering limited in-person browsing again, it was great to see happy patrons back in their favorite spots.
Photo: As we began hosting programming, our outdoor spaces were perfect for social distancing.
As we began hosting programming, our outdoor spaces were perfect for social distancing.
Photo: We believe in using your voice and words to enact powerful change, and our community showed that in action in the Summer of 2020.
We believe in using your voice and words to enact powerful change, and our community showed that in action in the Summer of 2020.
Photo: Our dedication to the health and safety of all that come through our doors is something we hold with great importance.
Our dedication to the health and safety of all that come through our doors is something we hold with great importance.
Photo: When hit with adversity, we were able to help our community in response to the Derecho that hit Summer of 2020.
When hit with adversity, we were able to help our community in response to the Derecho that hit Summer of 2020.
Photo: Always responding, our switchboard helps connect us and the community together.
Always responding, our switchboard helps connect us and the community together.
Photo: Masking up is one of the many things we do here to keep our community safe!
Masking up is one of the many things we do here to keep our community safe!
Photo: As we phased back in to opening our doors, lobby grab and go allowed patrons to get materials in a quick and safe manner!
As we phased back in to opening our doors, lobby grab and go allowed patrons to get materials in a quick and safe manner!
Photo: Safety is one of our biggest priorities, and doing our part by wearing masks is one of them.
Safety is one of our biggest priorities, and doing our part by wearing masks is one of them.
Photo: We love staying busy here, and holding materials for our patrons is one of the most common ways we do just that!
We love staying busy here, and holding materials for our patrons is one of the most common ways we do just that!
Photo: As we began to open again, creating socially distant spaces for patrons to grab materials was a major goal of ours.
As we began to open again, creating socially distant spaces for patrons to grab materials was a major goal of ours.
Photo: Even in programming and during events, wearing our mask is priority one.
Even in programming and during events, wearing our mask is priority one.
Photo: Expanding our horizons and trying new things during this past year like journaling helped grow our minds and staying optimistic!
Expanding our horizons and trying new things during this past year like journaling helped grow our minds and staying optimistic!
Photo: Signage helped direct our flow of traffic as we maintained social distancing in our early re-opening stages.
Signage helped direct our flow of traffic as we maintained social distancing in our early re-opening stages.

Quick Facts

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY20 Annual Report

Highlights

  • Launched the AIM Card for local students to access library materials
  • Initiated events and services in response to Equity Toolkit work
  • Started a Diversity Audit of the YA fiction collection
  • Closed the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Staff transitioned to working from home
  • Developed a curbside pickup model to lend materials while the building was closed
  • Developed a three-year strategic plan

Quick Facts

Iowa City Public Library at a glance

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY19 Annual Report

Highlights

  • AIM Card for Students
  • Fine Free Children's and Teen Materials
  • Strategic Planning
  • Susan retired from being Director
  • Elsworth became the new Director

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 78,214
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,523
University Heights (by contract) 1,125
Hills (by contract) 806
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,408
Service Area 104,076

Collections

Books/eBooks 194,020
Non-print Materials 52,698
Print and Electronic Reference 4,656
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 292
Total Collection Size 251,666

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 52,872
Circulation 1,292,526
Visits to the Library 676,237
Information Requests 43,735
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 45,486
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,461

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY18 Annual Report

Highlights:

  • Opened Digital Media Lab
  • Protecting Privacy & Confidentiality
  • Full year of Bookmobile service
  • Programming sets records
  • Director announces retirement/search begins

It was another busy year at ICPL. Record numbers of people attended library programs, the bookmobile is now a common sight around Iowa City, and the building and web site have some new looks. Less visible achievements include revamping and improving our privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures, conducting a user survey, and keeping collections current. We are now three years into our strategic plan and staff continue to connect people with information and offer opportunities for enjoyment and personal growth; engage people in discovery, learning and community; and enrich the quality of life in Iowa City through diversity, imagination, and creativity.

The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation teamed up with Iowa City’s Big Grove Brewery for our first-ever Big Book Bash. Library lovers ate great food and talked about all things books. The Bookmobile was on site for tours, too.
We celebrated the love in February with our annual Blind Date with the Book display. This popular display showcase a selection of books wrapped in paper with only a line or two of text giving a hint about the novel inside. Patrons are encouraged to check out one (or more) and let us know how things go with our Rate Your Date bookmarks. Anyone who turned in a bookmark was entered into a drawing for a gift basket from The Basket Cases featuring local goodies.
The Bookmobile celebrated its first full year of service, with more than 15,000 people visiting the mobile Library, checking out nearly 26,000 items. Oaknoll is just one of the places the Bookmobile visits each week.
One of our busiest Bookmobile stops is Breckenridge Estates in rural Johnson County, where the Bookmobile’s mission is illustrated at each visit. Because the children in this area don’t have access to public transportation, they had little access to the Library until the Bookmobile rolled into their neighborhood. The Bookmobile also visits several local preschools and child care centers as part of the Library’s Outreach Services.
Our Book Drop monsters are a frightful, yet welcome site, during the Halloween season. Library patrons of all ages love feeding the monsters!
The Iowa City Public Library’s Totally Tweens Chess Tournament is an annual program that always draws a crowd. The tournament is held in honor of Steve Young, who was active in the community’s chess population until his death in 2012.
Iowa City served as the host for the 2018 annual meeting of the UNESCO Cities of Literature. The Library welcomed our international delegates with a display celebrating the books and authors from other Cities of Literature.
The Digital Media Lab opened its doors on June 2. Located where the Computer Lab used to be, the renovated Digital Media Lab is an open, flexible workspace with technology for creating digital media projects, giving users access to programs and technology they might not have at home.
The Bookmobile joined the Library’s Book Cart Drill Team at the 2017 University of Iowa Homecoming Parade, garnering cheers from the crowd throughout downtown Iowa City.
The Library kept its doors open for our second annual Late Night at the Library celebration. This after-hours event coincides with the Downtown District Block Party. In addition to being able to check out books and use Library resources until 10 p.m., we also hosted a video game tournament.
Amara was the winner of our 2018 Blind Date with a Book contest, having turned in a Rate Your Date bookmark for Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal. We’re happy to report it was a good match – she checked Happily Ever After!
When asked what it’s like to work on the Bookmobile, Children’s Library Mari said this: “Working on the bookmobile is a whirlwind of a day! I typically see dozens of kids and adults, do at least one Storytime for children, and drive all over town. It goes by quickly but we seem to make an impact on a lot of people who have difficulty getting to the Library, which makes each day meaningful.”
Arghh! Even pirates visit the Library to sample pour bounty of books before sailing off on a grand adventure.
Library staff were honored to participate in June’s Pride Parade as part of the annual Pride Festival. The Library also celebrated Pride Month with our first-ever Pride Month Drag Storytime, with local drag kings and queens sharing stories with a packed house.
Ray Anderson, left, of the Cedar Valley Rocks and Minerals Society, gave a brief overview of local geology and the cool rocks to be found in Iowa during Eastern Iowa Rocks: An Introduction to Rockhounding in Iowa.
Food Network meets Comic Con at MCU: Marvel Culinary University, with teens making Marvel-inspired treats while watching Black Panther. It was a sweet way to celebrate summer.
Playing in the first was encouraged at our Terrarium Workshop for Teens and Adults. Initially a tween program, it was so popular among young attendees that their parents and older siblings asked for one, too.
Green thumbs and soiled hands were a familiar sight during our Terrarium Workshop for Teens and Adults. A terrarium is a glass container containing soil and plants, and is often kept as a decorative or ornamental item.
Library patrons on the autism spectrum were greeted by a therapy pony during one of our Special Access Saturdays. During Special Access Saturday, the Library opens an hour early to serve our autistic community and their families in a low key, low light and calming environment. We also have special events, programming and guests. Some guest have four legs.
What better way to celebrate the opening of the new Tween Space than with homemade slime? The Tween Space houses all Totally Tween activities, which are for third through sixth grade students.
Ooey, gooey and so much fun! Those words can be used to describe the slime tweens made during the Tween Space Grand Opening, as well as other fun Totally Tween programs hosted in the area just for students in third through sixth grades.
If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” – Roald Dahl According to FY18 statistics, ICPL had 731,103 visits to the downtown building and 15,256 on the Bookmobile, with patrons checking out and/or downloading 1,266,305 items.
Print, nonprint, edownload

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 73,415
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,523
University Heights (by contract) 1,125
Hills (by contract) 806
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,408
SERVICE AREA 99,277

Collections

Books/eBooks 193,572
Non-print Materials 67,898
Print and Electronic Reference 4,589
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 392
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 266,451

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 57,601
Circulation 1,266,305
Visits to the Library 731,103
Information Requests 44,743
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 49,274
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,562

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY17 Annual Report

Highlights:

  • Bookmobile hits the streets
  • Enhanced virtual branch features
  • Friends Foundation is 25 years old
  • Bathroom security cameras outlawed by State Legislature

The word for the year was “Bookmobile” – planning, planning, planning, training, training, training, doing, doing, doing. As big a project as the bookmobile is though, it is only a relatively small component of what makes us the busiest public library in Iowa. This year we offered a great diversity of programming and collections, made significant improvements in how we use technology to deliver information and serve our community, began a year-long celebration to mark the impact of the Friends Foundation’s 25 years of support, and faced some challenges to offering a safe and secure environment.

Former Library Director, Lolly Eggers on the Bookmobile's first day out.
Videogame night as part of Iowa City's first-ever downtown Block Party.
Dr.John Meehan, Jingle Cross founder, presented at the Library as part of the Jingle Cross and Cyclo-Cross World Cup. Iowa City welcomed teams and fans from around the world.
One slippery January day a vehicle crashed into the book returns on the west side of Iowa City. The outcome was two new returns which took a few weeks to fabricate and get installed.
Once again, ICPL staff maneuvered book carts through the Homecoming Parade route with unique formations.
With more than a decade of experience as a family entertainer, Dino's live shows and studio recordings reflect his time as both an educator and a performer. He is a master at tricking kids into learning.
ICPL's first-ever STEAMfest provided great Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics fun and activities for the entire family.
We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers. We recognize years of service in five-year increments.
Staff proudly wear their new Bookmobile t-shirts in front of our newest outreach service.
Iowa City was lucky to host Shakespeare's First Folio tour/exhibit at the University of Iowa. ICPL and the Farmer's Market sponsored one of the many associated programs about how flowers and herbs were used in Shakespeare's time.
The STEAMfest transformed the meeting rooms into a steam train. All of this was made possible with the generous support of the Community Foundation of Johnson County and Bywater Family Endowment Fund, The Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation, and the Rev. Dr. Barbara Schlachter Memorial Fund.
The Macbride Raptor Center made a return visit to the library this year.
Patty McCarthy helps with scavenger hunt registration; one of the many late-night things to do at the library during Iowa City's Block Party.
That was the name given to houses where smallpox victims were quarantined in Iowa City and elsewhere. This was a Weber Day's tour to Iowa City's Pest House, east of the Black Angel statue in Oakland Cemetery.

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 73,415
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,523
University Heights (by contract) 1,125
Hills (by contract) 806
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,408
SERVICE AREA 99,277

Collections

Books/eBooks 188,701
Non-print Materials 49,949
Print and Electronic Reference 3,057
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 400
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 242,107

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 61,117
Circulation 1,307,140
Visits to the Library 797,017
Information Requests 42,360
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 41,514
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,497

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY16 Annual Report

  • Bookmobile Service approved/planning begins
  • Music-is-the-Word programming
  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten begins
  • Digital Johnson County cooperative launched
  • Circulating laptops

Reviewing the highlights of the year just ended, I think it’s evident that the new strategic plan provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at traditional services. Libraries, like all service organizations across the country, are focusing on the customer in new ways. Locally, we are working hard to connect, engage and enrich the lives of the people we serve. I have worked in libraries for decades and one of the things that I love about them is the mutual support they provide and the collaboration in which they engage. In our community, it’s not just libraries, but many other organizations that all work jointly toward the common good. Looking ahead to bookmobile service, continued growth of Digital Johnson County, great programs with new and old partners, reaching out to vulnerable populations, and being more proactive about capturing local history, I feel we are being responsive to our community. I’m looking forward to it.

baby eating book
Eat, we mean READ, more books. They’re good for you, and tasty, too!
The Library's Art-To-Go collection includes framed posters and original artwork, culled from the annual juried Art Purchase Prize. Pieces may be borrowed just like other items in our collection.
Susan Craig, Library Director, introduces Catfish Keith for the Music is the Word finale. The country-blues performer wrapped up our nine-month celebration with this free concert on City Plaza.
Future authors receive advice from local author Sarah Prineas during a Totally Tweens program. Prineas, author of The Magic Thief series, has also penned Ash & Bramble and the Winterling series. Totally Tweens programs are for third- through sixth-graders.
February’s month-long Love Your Library celebration included Blind Date with an Album. CDs from the collection were wrapped with short clues about the music inside. Patrons were encouraged to take a chance on the CD…a “blind date.” Rate Your Date cards were provided for feedback; some people found true love, others were better off friends.
Members of Orchestra Iowa visited the Library during a Saturday Storytime to teach children and their parents about brass instruments. Their visit was one of several by local musicians during the Library’s Music is the Word celebration.
ICPL’s UI homecoming parade appearance underscored Music is the Word, our nine-month musical celebration to welcome the new UI School of Music building to downtown Iowa City.
Our Staff Picks displays let the public in on a few of what’s sitting on some of our nightstands.
The lobby was alive with the sounds of horns during the Old Post Office Bass Quintet’s Music on Wednesday performance. Live music was provided by local groups and performers at noon on Wednesdays as part of Music is the Word.
Library Director Susan Craig, left, joins Anne Parmley, of Pearson, Children’s Services Coordinator, Angela Pilkington, and Bruce Crowther, also from Pearson, to celebrate the launch of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. This ongoing program aimed at reading readiness encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to children before they start kindergarten.
Iowa native Laura Ernst’s drew all-ages to her SRP performance. Laura’s appearance on America’s Got Talent, had Howie Mandel exclaiming, “I love you! You are my soul mate!”
The Library added laptop computers for check out in February. Patrons may now access technology after the building is closed.
ICPL’s giant interactive Mable the Table is a popular Children’s Room destination. Mabel fosters group play…adults have been known to enjoy it, too.
Patrons Let Loose and Dance(d) during an adult Summer Reading Program event.
The Library’s Sensory Storytime Kits make storytimes accessible and enjoyable for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory disorders, and other special needs. Kits include books, props, music CDs, puppets, flannel boards, fidget toys, and information about Sensory Storytimes.
Students from Preucil School of Music perform during a Music on Wednesday event. Live music was provided by local groups and performers at noon on Wednesdays as part of Music is the Word.
The Library's Art Purchase Prize competition is held annually with works from artists who live, work, or exhibit in the Iowa City/Johnson County area. Pieces selected by the Library's Art Advisory Committee are added to the Library's Art-To-Go collection.
Adult patrons learn about researching their ancestry using online reference tools. ICPL offers classes for people of all ages on lots of subjects.
The City of Iowa City Fire Department helped us say goodbye to another summer season during the Last Splash of Summer. This annual event includes bubbles, chalk drawings, and water games.
The Combined Effort Theatre’s Men’s Choir was one of the most popular of several local groups to perform in the Library’s Musical Revue. Held at the Englert Theatre, the Musical Revue launched Music is the Word, the Library’s nine-month music celebration to welcome the new UI School of Music to the neighborhood.
A few not-quite-teens peek into the Koza Family Teen Center. The Teen Center is available to middle and high school students.
We love our Library “fans!”
Music is the Word programming reaches out to preschoolers participating in Preucil School of Music’s Music Together storytime.
Teens learn about computer coding during We Can Code, a workshop exploring basic computer programming and web development in a self-paced, example-driven, supportive environment.
Saul Lubaroff, left, and Andy Parrott entertain patrons coming in and out of the Library during Music on Wednesday. Live music was provided by local groups and performers at noon on Wednesdays as part of Music is the Word.
Pulitzer Prize Winner Jane Smiley read from her new novel, Golden Age
Terri Caplan, middle, was named ICPL’s Volunteer of the Year. Nancy Sereduck, left, for whom the award is named, presented the award, together with Library Director Susan Craig, right.
ICPL staffers celebrate the start of the 2016 Summer Reading Program: On Your Mark, Get Set…Read! on the Ped Mall playground.
Fifi the pug had a great Preschool Storytime visit!
University of Iowa wrestling coaches and Olympic gold medal winners Dan Gable, pictured, and Tom Brands expressed to 2016 Adult Summer Reading Program attendees “What It Takes to Become a World Champion."
Children’s Day marked the kickoff of the 2016 Summer Reading Program. Lots of hands-on activities encourage creativity all day long. ICPL produces this annual event in conjunction with the Summer of the Arts and the Iowa Arts Festival.
The Iowa City Noon Rotary Club celebrated 100 years of service with its Rev Up for Rotary, Rev Up for Reading raffle. Regina Abiles, right, of Kissimmee, FL., won the grand prize, a 2015 Toyota Highland SUV. Raffle proceeds will benefit the Iowa City Public Library, the Coralville Public Library, the North Liberty Community Library and Iowa City Noon Rotary community projects.
Instructors from TITLE Boxing Club demonstrate boxing basics during a Teen Summer Reading Program.
Beloved children’s author Rosemary Wells, creator of the popular Max & Ruby books, visits with young fans. Wells’ visit was sponsored by Prairie Lights Books and the Library.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten launched in February during Book Babies, a regular Friday morning and afternoon program. This ongoing program aimed at reading readiness encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to children before they start kindergarten.
Ryan Baker, middle, owner of World of Bikes, poses with the grand prize winners of the Summer Reading Program: Cohen, left, and Karen, who received brand-new bikes.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the book stacks… The Library’s ever-changing book display signs bring attention to different books in ICPL’s collection while also providing a laugh or two.
Tween patrons created their own games using pieces from other board games during a Totally Tweens program. Totally Tweens programs are for third- through sixth-graders.
Stacey McKim, Volunteer & Outreach Assistant, looks at photographs of Germany during a Tales & Travel Memories visit at Briarwood Health Care Center. This program facilitates conversation in a relaxed atmosphere for individuals with dementia.
Jim Gall at The Englert Theatre
A free children’s concert featuring Jim Gill at The Englert Theatre highlighted the second season of Music is the Word.
Homecoming Parade walkers
Library staff were all smiles waiting for the University of Iowa homecoming parade to begin.

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 73,415
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,523
University Heights (by contract) 1,125
Hills (by contract) 806
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,408
SERVICE AREA 99,277

Collections

Books/eBooks 187,190
Non-print Materials 48,519
Print and Electronic Reference 3,970
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 432
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 240,111

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 64,111
Circulation 1,369,069
Visits to the Library 789,919
Information Requests 45,613
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 26,179
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,642

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY15 Annual Report

The Library's 2015 fiscal year saw an all-time high for number of visits. 826,217 people entered our doors – more than 2,200 people every day. This increase was reflected in program attendance, which also reached record numbers at all levels: children's, teens and adults.

Connect-Engage-Enrich: Library patrons will see these words often in the coming years, as they are the focus of our new strategic plan, approved in July by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library will focus on ways to:

  • Connect people with information and offer opportunities for enjoyment and personal growth.
  • Engage people in discovery, learning and the community.
  • Enrich the quality of life in Iowa City through diversity, imagination and creativity.

Collaboration is one of the values highlighted in the strategic plan, with partnerships playing significant role in library activities. Digital Johnson County, a sharing agreement with Coralville Public Library and North Liberty Community Library that combines all of our eBook and digital audiobook collections, is our most recent partnership. Residents of all three communities and all of our contracting areas have access to the same electronic collections.

Several changes were implemented last year to connect people with materials faster, including increasing the number of holds a person can have from eight to ten. This, combined with the ability of patrons to reserve items currently on the shelves, accounts for a ten percent increase in holds overall.

One patron championed the change because it is challenging to browse when she visits the library with her young children. "I really appreciate being able to pick books up at the front so I don’t disturb other people. This service you offer makes my life so much better and easier."

Thank you for another great year, and we hope ICPL continues to help CONNECT you with the information and resources that ENGAGE and ENRICH your life.

Librarian reading to kids in the park
You know its summer when ICPL is at Willow Creek and Mercer parks for Stories in the Park Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Lots of people looking at an old building on a projector screen
Paranormal investigator Terry Fisk, co-author of The Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations, led a presentation about Iowa Ghosts & the Afterlife as part of the 2014 Adult Summer Reading Program.
Lady holding a bear wearing a bright green shirt
The 2014 Public Libraries of Johnson County Johnson County Fair raffle prize was won by Dixie Larson, who secured World's Best Grandmother status when she gave him to her grandson.
List says, "I love dogs, cats, candy, food, water, movies, poems, clothes, make-up, but mostly librarians" with smiley faces
This list of things one of our patrons left in a book makes us smile.
Ellen Buchanan, right, recorded her final One of a Kind program with Joan Cook, left, in the fall of 2014. Ellen's recorded more than 150 Tell Me Your Story and One of a Kind interviews for ICPL, creating a priceless collection of local history.
The Children's Room is a popular summertime hangout with young patrons making use of everything available to them, from books and computer games to videos and board games.
Patrons check out the selection of used books during The Book End's Book Sale. All Book End proceeds benefit the Children's and Teens Summer Reading Programs, Art Purchase Prize, and buying new materials for the Library collection.
You can hear the latest Library news during KXIC's Your Town Radio Program the first Tuesday of the month or on KCJJ the third Thursday of the month.
West Music provided a sample of its early childhood music and movement program during a special Book Babies event. Book Babies is held at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Fridays to foster early language development for babies up to 18 months old.
These quilts donated to the ICPL Friends Foundation's third annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar were a popular items. The public donated numerous craft items, from knitted mittens to paintings, in support of the Library.
You never know who you'll spot bslidesing the stacks during Halloween. Queen Elizabeth was quite pleased with the selection of new books in the Children's Room.
Aaron Schmidt, principal consultant at Influx: Library User Experience Consulting, was the keynote speak at ICPL's 2014 InService Day.
The Library debuted new self-checkout machines in November in response to the community's request for improved technology and new self-service features. The updated technology and larger touchscreens make borslideing Library materials easier for patrons.
Every reader is looking for that next great book. Our #ReadersofIC program made it easy for staff to share their current reads with social media users.
Senior Tech Time from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Computer Lab is a drop-in program for seniors with technology questions.
The Koza Family Teen Center on the Library's second floor is open to students in grades seven through 12. It's a place just for teens to read, play games, do their homework, or just hang out.
ICPL's Outreach Services extend the Iowa City Public Library's reach beyond the walls of the main building. Staff members regularly attend school events, like Lucas Elementary School's Literacy Night, to sign children up for their own Library Card.
Thanks a Million posters decorated the Library in February in appreciation of the ICPL Friends Foundation. In the last five years, the Foundation has contributed more than $1 million to support ICPL services.
A patron gets comfortable while reading in the Library. More than 825,000 people walked through our doors in FY15.
The Library's Book Cart Drill Team made its annual appearance during the 2014 University of Iowa Homecoming Parade in downtown Iowa City.
A child plays on one of the computers available in the Children's Room.
Dave Moore provides live music during ICPL's Family FUN(d) Night: Love Your Library in February.
Deb Singer performs for the Library's youngest patrons during a special Book Babies event.
The Book End celebrated its 16th birthday with a Buck-a-Book sale on all fiction titles. The Book End is located on the Library's second floor.
More than 100 babies and their caregivers attended a special Book Babies storytime featuring Stacey Kelly of Sweet Feet Yoga.
Our Blind Date with a Book display encouraged patrons to try a new book based on a few words written on the book's wrapped cover. Each book contained a bookmark asking patrons to Rate Their Date for a chance to win a prize. The display was a popular addition to February's Love Your Library Month lineup.
Patrons of all ages took advantage of the chess and checkerboards on the City Plaza during Children's Day. This annual event, produced by ICPL with Summer of the Arts during the Iowa Arts Festival, encourages kids' creativity with an extensive lineup of hands-on activities.
April is Drop Everything and Read Month and ICPL celebrated by sharing pictures of how we drop everything to read. Even our Board of Directors took a few minutes to read before a board meeting.
An Iowa Department of Transportation self-service driver's license renewal station was installed on the Library's second floor in May. The web-based device uses touch-screen technology, giving the public the convenience of renewing their driver's license or ID without having to visit a driver's license station.
ICPL hosted an after-hours fundraising event for families in February. Family FUN(d) Night: Love Your Library featured visits from beloved storybook characters, a photo booth, games and crafts.
ICPL helped the University of Iowa Lecture Committee letter writing campaign to bring Harry Potter author J.K. slideling to Iowa City by setting up a deposit site outside the Children's Room.
School-age patrons celebrated the 2015 Children's Summer Reading Program theme, Every Hero Has a Story, by drawing pictures of heroes they created.
A hero who finds missing things definitely deserves a place on the Children's Room's Wall of Heroes. The display featured children's hero artwork in honor of the 2015 Children's Summer Reading Program theme, Every Hero Has a Story.
Young patrons help plant the City Plaza Children's Garden during Children's Day. All produce harvested from the Children's Garden is donated to Table To Table, which provides food for the area's hungry, homeless and at-risk population.
A travelling story, Ruth Krauss' “The Carrot Seed,” was added to this year's City Plaza Children's Garden. One patron told us her kids stop to read the story every time they visit the garden.
ICPL employees weren't the only ones to Drop Everything and Read in April. Reading is a great activity when you need to take a break from gardening.
ICPL volunteers gave more than 9,100 hours of service during the 2014 calendar year. The Library thanked and honored its volunteers in April.
Chuck Felling was named the Nancy Sereduck Volunteer of the Year. Felling has volunteered in the Community & Access Services Department for nearly 15 years. When asked to describe our Volunteer of the Year, Library staff said he was “dedicated, caring and wonderful to work with.
ICPL offers a variety of classes for adult patrons. Here, patrons learn how to use the Library's online genealogy resources.
Patrons play a rousing game of Fruit Ninja on Mable the Table, the interactive touch table located in the Children's Room.
Sixth-grade students from Lemme Elementary School present a program about their school's namesake, Helen Lemme, during Weber Days in May.

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 73,415
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 22,523
University Heights (by contract) 1,125
Hills (by contract) 806
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,408
SERVICE AREA 99,277

Collections

Books/eBooks 187,190
Non-print Materials 48,519
Print and Electronic Reference 3,970
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 432
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 240,111

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 64,957
Circulation 1,391,482
Visits to the Library 826,217
Information Requests 45,510
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 28,337
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,508

Reports

Financials

Statistics

FY14 Annual Report

The Library's 2014 fiscal year ended June 30, and the numbers show another busy year.

Many positive comments have been received about the completion of the Library's "facelift," a two-year project to make improvements throughout the building.

The new Koza Family Teen Center on the second floor has attracted many new teens to programming and other events just for them. If you or family members are in 7th through 12th grades, be sure to stop by during special after-school hours to check out whats happening.

The renovation project also saw improvements in the Ellen Buchanan Children's Room where child-oriented technology advancements - including our Library's first interactive touch table - were provided. We thank local software developers created innovative software for the table. Their work continues this year in an effort to keep the Library's young patrons learning while playing.

The improvements made possible by the remodeling project would not have been so significant without your generous charitable contributions. Thank you for your increased support of two fundraising events. Donations topped $17,000 for the second annual Library Links Golf Classic and the Arts & Crafts Bazaar.

The importance of summer reading programs is receiving new attention both nationally and locally. Our community responded with record participation by all ages - babies, children, teens, and adults. For the first time, we partnered with two other libraries that serve students in the Iowa City Community School District, Coralville and North Liberty, to track registrations by school. A grant from the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties helped us provide weekly programming at Iowa City Neighborhood Centers this summer.

The use of library collections remains strong. Although circulation of some traditional collections is down, electronic collections saw an 18 percent increase. Many people know what they want and appreciate the convenience of placing holds electronically anytime. The number of reserves placed is up 15 percent.

In FY14, the Iowa City Public Library finished its two-year renovation project, with improvements throughout the building.
Library patrons were greeted by Anthony Arnone, Associate Professor of Cello in the University of Iowa School of Music in October; one of several pop-up concerts Arnone gave around town as part of his Bach to Work" project."
The addition of the Koza Family Teen Center on the Library's second floor saw an increased use in programs and other events.
The two-year renovation project included the addition of a centralized Help Desk on the Library's first floor.
The Summer Reading Program kicked off with Children's Day in the City Plaza.
Many children used their library card for free transportation on the Library Summer Reading Bus.
Mondays in June were World Cup Days; patrons of all nationalities cheered on their favorite teams.
Patrons enjoyed a variety of special programs, including dance demonstrations.
Wii gaming continues to be a big draw, with children able to play on several screens in the Storytime Room.
Frances Owens and Anna Sewell visited Iowa City schools to distribute Library Cards and promote Library programs and events.
The annual Children's Day event is a celebration of reading, music, art and crafts.
Fizz, Boom, Read was the theme of the 2014 Summer Reading Program for babies. Nearly 500 babies participated in the program.
Make the Library your Laboratory with the 2014 Summer Reading Program theme for the adult program. More than 1,250 adults registered for the program.
The teen 2014 Summer Reading Program theme was Spark a Reaction; 404 teens participated.
Fizz, Boom, Read was the children's theme of the 2014 Summer Reading Program. A total of 2,720 children signed up for the program.
Teens celebrated the end of the Summer Reading Program with a lock-in at the Library.
A toddler enjoys the dinosaur exhibit at Children's Day.
Children love the painting activity at Children's Day.
Have you ever wanted to pet an alligator? Children who attended the Library's Summer Reading Program events got to do just that, thanks to a visit from Blank Park Zoo.
Children learned how to gslide their own garden during a special Storytime.
Young patrons enjoy cookies and punch during the Library's Open House to celebrate the end of the two-year renovation project.
The Annual Chess Tournament saw record participation numbers in 2013.
The 2014 Mission Creek Festival lineup included a teen concert at the Library, co-sponsored by United Action for Youth.
Scott Koepke, the education and outreach coordinator for New Pioneer Food Co-op's Soilmates program, led a special storytime to show children how to plant a pallet garden.
The second annual Library Links Golf Tournament was held in June at Finkbine Golf Course.
Minecraft fans flocked to the Library for several special events, including a new tween Minecraft program.
Children participate in a Preschool Storytime program.
Staff attended literacy night programs at area elementary schools to sign up children for their first Library Card.
Olivia the pig was one of many surprise visitors to storytimes this year.
Stories in the Park is a summer program during which children's staff host storytime at Willow Creek and Mercer parks on Wednesdays and Fridays in June and July.
Scott Koepke, the education and outreach coordinator for New Pioneer Food Co-op's Soilmates program, helps children design signs for the Children's Garden. The garden is planted every summer on Children's Day.
Rainbow slideell's Eleanor & Park was the ICPL's top read in 2013 and a good example of young adult literature that spans all ages.
Tweens on Tuesday, a new program for tween patrons, was introduced as part of the 2014 Summer Reading Program, with crafts and other activities available for older elementary students.
The second annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar fundraiser was a huge success.
The FY14 Library Board of Trustees.
A young patron enjoys the activity tables in the Children's Room.
More than 80 children registered for the 2013 Chess Tournament. The annual event is open to students in third through sixth grades.
A little rain didn't put a damper on this year's Children's Day. Instead, activities were moved inside, including juggling.
The Library honored its volunteers with a reception in May, highlighting those who have reached 100 hours of service or more. We are grateful to our volunteers for all that they do.
The Library is a support of STEM education, offering Chemists in the Library for families.
Even Herky has a Library Card!

Quick Facts

Population Served

Iowa City 67,862
Rural Johnson County (by contract) 31,343
University Heights (by contract) 1,051
Hills (by contract) 703
Lone Tree (by contract) 1,309
SERVICE AREA 102,268

Collections

Books/eBooks 193,531
Non-print Materials 53,993
Print and Electronic Reference 3,998
Periodicals, Newspapers & e-subscriptions 375
TOTAL COLLECTION SIZE 251,837

Annual Usership Figures

Cardholders 66,403
Circulation 1,406,995
Visits to the Library 710,595
Information Requests 76,415
Program Attendance in Meeting Room 28,392
Non-Library Meeting Room Use 1,508

Reports

Financials

Statistics