Driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding, a devoted patron of the Iowa City Public Library’s Bookmobile has made waves by reading over 100 banned books. One day, while gliding through a water aerobics class at the Mercer Aquatic Center, Mary Lou struck up an enlightening conversation with a retired school teacher. They discussed the growing Reading Against the Tide: How One Patron Challenges Censorship trend of book censorship across the nation, and during this exchange, the teacher posed a thought-provoking question: “I want to know what they don’t want us to know.”
Author Archive for Sam H
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023
This year, the Iowa City Public Library is partnering with the City of Iowa City Equity and Human Rights Department to celebrate the freedom to read and access information through programs and shared events. We are delighted that Mayor Teague and the City of Iowa City Council announced September to be Freedom to Read Month as it combines traditional intiatives like Library Card Sign Up Month and Banned Books Week into a resounding and relevant call to action and reminder that free people read freely.
Monday, Jul 31, 2023
In honor of Fare Free Iowa City, the Iowa City Public Library is pleased to suspend its Summer Bus and Ride and Read programs which have provided free bus passes using your Iowa City Public Library card. Fare Free Iowa City is an innovative two-year pilot program, making all rides on Iowa City buses absolutely free for everyone. For existing Iowa City Transit riders, this means hassle-free boarding without the need for transit passes or pocket change.
Thursday, Jan 12, 2023
On Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, Katie Roche officially began her role leading the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation. Roche previously served as the Development Director for The Englert Theatre, a position that she has held for the last 11 years. While serving at the Englert, Roche also served as the Development Director for Strengthen · Grow · Evolve, the joint capital and programmatic campaign of The Englert and FilmScene.
Tuesday, Jul 5, 2022
Community outreach was a large factor in my joining the Iowa City Public Library team nearly two years ago. Connecting with patrons to share the good news of free information resources, creating shared learning opportunities for the community, as well as encouraging the growth and joy of others are the makings of a powerful and fulfilling vocation.
Friday, Jan 7, 2022
The Iowa City Public Library Bookmobile starts its Spring 2022 schedule on Monday, January 10. Library staff have missed connecting with you on the Bookmobile and can hardly wait to see you and provide services at the following community locations: Monday 9:00-9:45 am Dodge Street Coffeehouse 10:00-10:45 am St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021
Due to the High Wind Warning for Johnson County, Iowa, the Bookmobile will suspend its services for Wednesday, December 15, 2021. As of 8:32 am on December 15, 2021, the High Wind Warning remains in effect from 3 pm this afternoon to 6 am Thursday morning. There is the potential for damaging winds that could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Friday, Nov 5, 2021
Free Test Kits Available at ICPL Free COVID-19 test kits provided by Johnson County Public Health are available for the public to pick up from Iowa City Public Library and the ICPL Bookmobile, while supplies last. Please take only what you immediately need. How to Obtain a Test Kit
Sunday, Oct 10, 2021
The ICPL Bookmobile is scheduled for maintenance starting Tuesday, October 12 to Friday, October 15. Although the Bookmobile is out of service for this maintenance break any holds you were expecting to pick up will be taken to the Downtown Library building. You can ask for them at the Help Desk.
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About Sam H
Sam is the ICPL Community & Access Services Coordinator. Sam has served on national book award committees including the Michael L. Printz Award, Midwest Book Awards, the Stonewall Book Barbara Gittings Literature and Israel Fishman Non-Fiction Awards, and the Sophie Brody Medal. Sam is the immediate Past President of the Iowa Library Association and the President-Elect of the American Library Association. Sam likes to bake, register for (and occasionally run) 5K events, and attend fandom conventions.