Document Actions
News
Up one levelSite News
State Historical Library Announces 2008-09 Book Group Schedule
The State Historical Library’s Book Discovery Discussions kicks off its 2008-2009 schedule Oct. 15, 2008, with "In for the Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan" by William Friedricks. The author will talk about the book and his process researching and documenting this prominent Iowa businessman and philanthropist. “Book Discovery Discussions” explores literature that defines, reflects or captures the history of Iowa. Meetings are free and open to the public at the State Historical Building, 3rd Floor, 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch or take-out is available at several area restaurants, including Baratta’s on 3W of the Historical Building.
Looking for Iowa Authors Who'll Do Programs in Your Community?
Look no further. If you would like to do more programs that include author visits you now have a quick and convenient place to go. The Iowa Authors List has links to children's, young adult, and adult authors who will come to your community. There are over 100 Iowa authors on the list who live and write in the state.
Vicki Myron's "Dewey" Set to Debut
The legendary tale of Dewey Readmore Books should hit bookstores in September. Former Spencer Library Director, Vicki Myron, is on a roll promoting her highly acclaimed book Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, which is due in bookstores soon. She will be on the road from September through December 2008 with stops in Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines and many points in between. She also has a national radio tour scheduled by phone and is waiting to hear about a trip to New York City.
Awards Ceremony Held for Iowa LAL Winners
Fourteen students, their families, teachers and friends gathered at the State Library on April 25 to read their letters and receive their awards for the 2008 Letters About Literature program.
Authors Visit Des Moines, Cedar Rapids
Des Moines PL's AVID 2008 runs April through June 11; Cedar Rapids "Out Loud" series begins April 29
All Iowa Reads Committee Offers Titles for Book Discussions
The All Iowa Reads committee feels that it is important that the yearly AIR selection is available in paperback, large print and unabridged audio so all Iowans who are interested in reading the book and joining a discussion have access to the format that they are most comfortable with. But, there are always books the committee feels are interesting and would be good for discussion that are not available in the required formats. The committee offers this list of books for individuals and book clubs as suggestions that they feel people would enjoy reading and discussing.
2008 Iowa Winners Announced in Letters About Literature
In addition to first, second and third place winners, three students are named honorable mentions in each reading level.
Waukee Public Library holds "Big Read" Event
Dozens of activities are scheduled around the book "The Shawl" by Cynthia Ozick, including an online conversation with the author.
The Iowa Polio Stories Project
The All Iowa Reads 2007 book, Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio, by Jeffrey Kluger, was the genesis for the Iowa Polio Stories Project.
New Information on 2008 All Iowa Reads
Background information about "Digging to America" has been added to the Web site. Click on "All Iowa Reads" in the top box on the left. The All Iowa Reads ICN session will be Thursday, February 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Go to the State Library's continuing education catalog to register and see the list of sites available. To add information about your All Iowa Reads discussion, click on the button at the top of the page.
2008 All Iowa Reads Book Announced
The All Iowa Reads Committee selected "Digging to America" by Anne Tyler (2006) for its 2008 book.
Former Iowan and author Millie Armstrong Kalish visits Vinton, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids
Large crowds greeted Millie at each event as she discussed her book, "Little Heathens: High Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression.
Audrey Keranen, Iowa City, Reads Her Award Winning Letter at National Book Festival
Audrey was one of six national winners of Letters About Literature
Libraries Receive Grant Funding for Author Series
Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha and Fairfax public libraries receive $35,000 for programs
Council Bluffs PL Announces "Bluffs Author Series 2007-08"
Two popular authors, including David Pelzer, photo right, and the animation director of "The Simpsons" highlight the Council Bluffs Public Library's "Bluffs Author Series 2007-08."
Poet John Thompson Visits State Library
Reads from his book "99 Voices, 99 Lives - County Poems of Iowa"
Kate Scott Named Manager of Iowa Polio Stories Oral History Project
The Iowa Center for the Book recently announced that Kathleen (Kate) Scott has been hired as manager of the Iowa Polio Stories Oral History Project. She will work with a transcriber and volunteer interviewers to gather stories from 50 Iowans about their or their family members' struggles with polio. Scott's job begins immediately and will end in December 2007.
ICB Unveils New Iowa Author List
The Iowa Author List includes authors of books who are presently living and writing in Iowa.