A Gift from International Students

Today we received a wonderful gift at the Library - feedback from some of the many International Students who we work with about their impressions of Iowa City Public Library.

Each year we work with the University of Iowa's Iowa Intensive English Program (IIEP) which is a part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We give tours for International Students introducing the Library and its many programs, resources and services; we help students select books they might enjoy; and we invite students to use the Library for their recreational needs while they live in Iowa City.

Today one of the IIEP instructors brought us the Spring 2015 Edition of the IIEP Landscape. This is a journal of student writings about their experiences in Iowa City. Two of the entries were about the students' experiences at the Iowa City Public Library.

The first groups of students wrote:

One day, our teacher, Erin decided with us to visit the Iowa City Public Library. Then, we visited and explored the Library. We like the way that the staff welcomed us and showed us the library sections. At the end they gave us library cards. After that day, we go there for reading and borrowing books and movies. We like ICPL. It is a great place to study, find books, and to hang out. I want to say a great thank you to ICPL.

Another group of students wrote:

Our first impression of the public library is that it is big and has many books. Our school library is like an old man, and the public library is like an energetic young man. So I love this library, it makes my life exciting. It has lots of functions, such as the video area, where you can borrow any video you want.

For me, the most interesting part is the blind date with a book. That is my favorite part of February. They cover the book with the white paper, and just give you the topic of the book. We also liked the part where they write letters to J.K. Rowling and buy some owl toys. That is so cute.

We also think that it is super convenient for us to borrow the book by ourselves. We also like the language corner. It has lots of books from different countries.

Finally, I think the people who work at the library are so friendly, and give us lots of help. They are always very excited when we come to the library.

Many thanks to our International Student friends for their wonderful gift of sharing their thoughts about the Library. It really made our day. Please visit us again soon!