Author Jon Katz: "Iowa got to me"

The Library and Prairie Lights were pleased to host New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz at the Library this week. We were the last stop on his self-organized book tour for Saving Simon.

As the host of numerous author readings, film screenings, events and presentations every year, the Library strives to plan programming that speaks to our community. Patron feedback guides future programming and we are grateful for the comments we receive. However, being curious people, we sometimes wonder what kind of impression we -- the Library, our community, the city and our beloved state -- make on outside visitors.

That's why reading Katz's blog post about his trip to Iowa is so rewarding. Katz made three stops in Iowa -- Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City -- and writes that he and his wife were charmed by what they saw.

"The people were the nicest and warmest people I have met anywhere – they really love authors and books and strangers – the food was as good as any we have eaten in New York City." According to him, Iowa City "is the state's proud answer to the East Village or Brooklyn."

Thank you, Jon Katz, for including Iowa and the Iowa City Public Library on your tour. We're happy you had a great visit and that you got the chance to experience firsthand what makes our state so great. We hope you'll visit again soon!