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Maker and Technology Fest
2024-04-13 10:00:00 2024-04-13 14:00:00 America/Chicago Maker and Technology Fest Visit the Downtown Library for fun demonstrations, hands-on activities, and inspiring presentations that showcase the ways area organizations & makers are using both maker and emerging technologies. Downtown Library -

Saturday, April 13
10:00am - 2:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-04-13 10:00:00 2024-04-13 14:00:00 America/Chicago Maker and Technology Fest Visit the Downtown Library for fun demonstrations, hands-on activities, and inspiring presentations that showcase the ways area organizations & makers are using both maker and emerging technologies. Downtown Library -

Visit the Downtown Library for fun demonstrations, hands-on activities, and inspiring presentations that showcase the ways area organizations & makers are using both maker and emerging technologies.

Events will take place throughout the Downtown Public Library space. Check back for more details!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Experience Sponsor: Sunrise Builders

Learn Sponsor: Alliant Energy

AGE GROUP: | Everyone |

EVENT TYPE: | Maker Room and Technology |

TAGS: | |

Downtown Library
Phone: 319.261.READ
Hours
Mon, Nov 18 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Nov 19 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Nov 20 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Nov 21 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Nov 22 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Nov 23 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Nov 24 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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About the branch

The Downtown Library is located at 450 5th Avenue SE, in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids. It is a 94,000 square foot building with a variety of civic spaces and a vibrant collection of library materials. Special features of this location are the Whipple Auditorium, a 200 seat auditorium overlooking Greene Square; and the LivingLearning Roof, a green roof with public seating and space to hold special events. Roasters Café is located in the Downtown Library, providing a full service coffee shop for visitors, as well as catering for meetings and special events.

Upcoming Events

Cricut Thank You Cards
Sat, Nov 23, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Create a couple of thank you cards for a friend or family member! Registration required.
Registration is now closed
Early Learning Story Time - In-person
Mon, Nov 25, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, Nov 25, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Nov 25, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
School Age STEAM: Marble Maze
Mon, Nov 25, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
School age students are invited to participate in an exciting hands-on STEAM activity each week. Activities designed for 2nd-5th graders.
Craft Your Perfect Resume
Tue, Nov 26, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers!
Early Learning Story Time
Tue, Nov 26, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Join us for a fun-filled story time for children ages 2-5. This high-energy story times features stories, songs, parachute play, and bubbles!
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Wed, Nov 27, 9:30am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, Nov 27, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
School's Out: Crafts & Games
Wed, Nov 27, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
An hour of crafts, games, and more for teens and tweens.
Cancelled
Financial Education - in the Opportunity Center
Wed, Nov 27, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library
Take charge of your financial future by attending free financial education classes with First Interstate Bank at the Opportunity Center.
Trading Card Game Club - After-School Group
Wed, Nov 27, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
Put your card game skills to the test in a casual play environment. Magic The Gathering and Pokémon TCG cards provided.
CR Chess Club
Wed, Nov 27, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game!
Cancelled
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Nov 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ladd Library
Did you know you can learn English for free at the library?
Library Closed
Thu, Nov 28, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Thu, Nov 28, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Fri, Nov 29, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Fri, Nov 29, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Corridor Games on Demand - Community Game Day
Sat, Nov 30, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Conference Room
Come play some tabletop games with us! Bring your favorite indie RPG to share with the group or try a new game that one of our GMs has prepared. No experience necessary.
Cancelled
Socially Anxious Hangout Group
Sat, Nov 30, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library
Are you socially anxious, introverted, new in town, or just looking for an easy way to meet new people? Join us to play board games and have fun! (Knowing how to play games is not required.)
Centering Sound Bath Meditation
Sat, Nov 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Join us for this uplifting sound meditation with Natalie Brown of Sounds Heal Studio and feel calmness and freedom from worries and stress during this busy season.
Exhibit: Paintings by Ron Wick - Ladd Library Gallery
Sun, Dec 01, All day
Ladd Library Gallery
View a collection of pastel and acrylic paintings by local artist Ron Wick. This exhibit will be on display December through February.
Exhibit: Paintings by Jack Hayes - Third Floor Gallery
Sun, Dec 01, All day
Third Floor Gallery
Jack Hayes' original paintings range in the spectrum of style from abstract to non-objective and very small to very large. This exhibit will be on display December through February.
Altered Books: A Collaborative Community Exhibition
Sun, Dec 01, All day
Skywalk Gallery
View a collection of altered books created by intergenerational community members, facilitated by Jim Jacobmeyer. This exhibit will be on display December through February.
Early Learning Story Time - In-person
Mon, Dec 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, Dec 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Dec 02, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
After School Adventures: Library Scavenger Hunt Mystery
Mon, Dec 02, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
School-age kids are invited to solve a mystery scavenger hunt! Meet in the Children's Program Room to receive instructions first. Geared toward K-5th grade students.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Dec 03, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Between the Covers Book Club
Tue, Dec 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Unconference Room
Reading and good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere
Early Learning Story Time
Tue, Dec 03, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Join us for a fun-filled story time for children ages 2-5. This high-energy story times features stories, songs, parachute play, and bubbles!
Teen 3D Print Club
Tue, Dec 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Downtown Library - Technology Classroom
Teens will learn how to use the 3D printer and Tinkercad to create their own 3D designs. They'll be able to learn at their own pace and set their creative direction.
Murder Mystery Club - Work Together to Solve a Crime
Tue, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Calling all true crime and murder mystery fans. Put on your detective hat and join other sleuths to solve a mystery at the library.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Wed, Dec 04, 9:30am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, Dec 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Financial Education - in the Opportunity Center
Wed, Dec 04, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Take charge of your financial future by attending free financial education classes with First Interstate Bank at the Opportunity Center.
Dungeons & Dragons - Gaming Club
Wed, Dec 04, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Adventurers await! Bring your Level 1, Fifth Edition Character and see what adventures unfold. Continue questing to level up your character and see what mysteries you may uncover.
CR Chess Club
Wed, Dec 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game!
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Did you know you can learn English for free at the library?
Sensory Story Time
Thu, Dec 05, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Children and caregivers are invited to a story time that is designed for attendees with multi-sensory needs including low lights, reduced sounds, and opportunities for social interaction and play.
Chair Yoga - with Tammy Bayer of Toula Yoga
Thu, Dec 05, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Join us for a beginner level chair yoga class with Tammy Bayer from Toula Yoga. Tammy will adapt the class as needed to fit your needs and mobility levels.
Civil Rights Commission Community Office Hours
Thu, Dec 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Commons
Chat with staff of the Civil Rights Commission about your concerns and questions.
Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees
Thu, Dec 05, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 pm for their regular meeting.
Women Bound By Books
Thu, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Unconference Room
Fiction and non-fiction selections that are for and about women. This is not a women-only group – all new members are welcome! 
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Commons
Learn the basic steps of Tango or continue to perfect your skills in a welcoming environment. No partner required.
Fun Ways to Practice Mindfulness - Family Program
Thu, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Looking for ways to practice mindfulness with your kids? Bring the entire family for a fun-filled evening doing yoga, playing games that increase mindfulness, and making a sensory bottle to take home.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, Dec 06, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Expressive Arts with Tanager
Fri, Dec 06, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Arts, movement, and music for youth and their caregivers. This program is geared to pre-K to second graders.
Friends of the Library Very Cherry Holiday Book Sale
Sat, Dec 07, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cherry Building
Purchase new and gently used giftable books in support of the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library during the Very Cherry Holiday event.
Snowy Story Time
Sat, Dec 07, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Let's bring on the snow! Join us for a story time that celebrates the wonders of snow including stories, songs, and parachute activities!
Tree Lighting Activities
Sat, Dec 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Downtown Library - Commons
Join us before attending the city tree lighting in Greene Square. Activities in the library Commons will include festive crafts to get you in the spirit!
Early Learning Story Time - In-person
Mon, Dec 09, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Dec 09, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
After School Adventures: Stencil Fun
Mon, Dec 09, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Kids are invited to use their artistic creativity with stencils! Materials provided, but kids are welcome to bring or cut out their own stencils. Geared towards K-5th students.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Dec 10, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Early Learning Story Time
Tue, Dec 10, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Join us for a fun-filled story time for children ages 2-5. This high-energy story times features stories, songs, parachute play, and bubbles!
Amnesty International: Write for Rights
Tue, Dec 10, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Downtown Library - Commons
Join Amnesty International in this annual letter writing opportunity to support human rights around the world.
A Cozy Quest: Role-Playing & Crafting
Tue, Dec 10, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Drop in to make a cozy craft, enjoy some tea or hot cocoa, and try a family and beginner-friendly cozy role-playing game.
Book Lovers Book Club
Tue, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Newcomers always welcome to this general interest book club.
Financial Education - in the Opportunity Center
Wed, Dec 11, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Take charge of your financial future by attending free financial education classes with First Interstate Bank at the Opportunity Center.
Trading Card Game Club - After-School Group
Wed, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
Put your card game skills to the test in a casual play environment. Magic The Gathering and Pokémon TCG cards provided.
CR Chess Club
Wed, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game!
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Did you know you can learn English for free at the library?
Sensory Story Time
Thu, Dec 12, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Children and caregivers are invited to a story time that is designed for attendees with multi-sensory needs including low lights, reduced sounds, and opportunities for social interaction and play.
Chair Yoga - with Tammy Bayer of Toula Yoga
Thu, Dec 12, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Join us for a beginner level chair yoga class. Tammy will adapt the class as needed to fit your needs and mobility levels.
This event is full
How to Impress in your Job Interview - with Goodwill of the Heartland
Thu, Dec 12, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Practice common interview questions, improve your impromptu conversations skills, and talk about the “unwritten rules” of interviewing.
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Whipple Auditorium
Learn the basic steps of Tango or continue to perfect your skills in a welcoming environment. No partner required.
Wood Crafting with the Laser Cutter
Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
See how the library's laser cutters create beautiful wood projects and learn how to sign-up to use them. Paint and put together a cute bonsai tree. Registration required.
This event is full
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, Dec 13, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Merry TubaChristmas - 23nd Annual Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmas
Sat, Dec 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Commons
The public is invited to participate and enjoy! Please note that seating is extremely limited; however there is plenty of standing room and people are welcome to bring their own chairs.
Early Learning Story Time
Mon, Dec 16, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, Dec 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Social Games for Older Adults: Bingo
Mon, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Join us for a free community game of Bingo! First come, first play, with all necessary materials provided. There is no contribution, monetary or otherwise, required to play.
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Dec 16, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Dec 17, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Review basics ideas on how to present your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional way on a resume to capture the attention of potential employers.
Early Learning Story Time
Tue, Dec 17, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Join us for a fun-filled story time for children ages 2-5. This high-energy story times features stories, songs, parachute play, and bubbles!
Teen 3D Print Club
Tue, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Downtown Library - Technology Classroom
Teens will learn how to use the 3D printer and Tinkercad to create their own 3D designs. They'll be able to learn at their own pace and set their creative direction.
Murder Mystery Club - Work Together to Solve a Crime
Tue, Dec 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Calling all true crime and murder mystery fans. Put on your detective hat and join other sleuths to solve a mystery at the library.
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Wed, Dec 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Financial Education - in the Opportunity Center
Wed, Dec 18, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Take charge of your financial future by attending free financial education classes with First Interstate Bank at the Opportunity Center.
Dungeons & Dragons - Gaming Club
Wed, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Adventurers await! Bring your Level 1, Fifth Edition Character and see what adventures unfold. Continue questing to level up your character and see what mysteries you may uncover.
CR Chess Club
Wed, Dec 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game!
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Did you know you can learn English for free at the library?
Sensory Story Time
Thu, Dec 19, 10:00am - 10:30am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Children and caregivers are invited to a story time that is designed for attendees with multi-sensory needs including low lights, reduced sounds, and opportunities for social interaction and play.
Job Searching Online - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Thu, Dec 19, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Learn about some of the best online resources for job searching, how to avoid scams, and the importance of monitoring your online presence.
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Whipple Auditorium
Learn the basic steps of Tango or continue to perfect your skills in a welcoming environment. No partner required.
Read to Dogs
Thu, Dec 19, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Trained, certified therapy dogs provide companionship to emerging readers as they earn a free library book and bookmark. Everyone is welcome to read to the dogs. Stay for a performance at 7 p.m.!
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, Dec 20, 9:30am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
A 15-minute story and song program for newborns to three-year-olds, followed by a 45-minute playtime.
Expressive Arts with Tanager
Fri, Dec 20, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Arts, movement, and music for youth and their caregivers. This program is geared to pre-K to second graders.
Dance to the Nutcracker! 
Sat, Dec 21, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Join us for an active music-making class with Carly Schieffer of Orchestra Iowa's Music Together as participants are guided through the story through creative movement.
Socially Anxious Hangout Group
Sat, Dec 21, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library - Conference Room
Are you socially anxious, introverted, new in town, or just looking for an easy way to meet new people? Join us to play board games and have fun! (Knowing how to play games is not required.)
"Home Alone" with Cocoa, Crafts, & Gift Wrapping
Sat, Dec 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Enjoy this holiday favorite along with cocoa and crafts. Bring any presents you haven't had time to wrap. Use our supplies or bring your own and trade with others.
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Dec 23, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library - Opportunity Center Classroom
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
School's Out: Crafts & Games
Mon, Dec 23, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Library - Union
When school is out, come to the library! Teens and tweens ages 11-18 are invited to an hour of crafts, games, free books and more.
See all events