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Image for event: Who Was? A Story Time
Cancelled

Who Was? A Story Time

Martin Luther King, Jr

Based on the Who Was Story Time series, on the second Saturday of the month a middle or high-school student will transform into a famous African American and lead a story hour.

This year the Cedar Rapids Public Library is partnering with the African American Museum of Iowa to provide a collaborative story time highlighting and celebrating local and national African American historical and contemporary figures. Over the span of the entire year, there will be creative projects, musical activities and more. This program is most beneficial for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. All are welcome.

This program is sponsored by The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success.

AGE GROUP: | School Age |

EVENT TYPE: | Read | Maker Room and Technology | Listen | Learn | Connect |

TAGS: | |

Downtown Library
Phone: 319.261.READ
Hours
We're closed Tuesday December 24 due to Closed for the holiday.
We're closed Wednesday December 25
Mon, Dec 23 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Dec 24 Closed
(Closed for the holiday.)
Wed, Dec 25 Closed
Thu, Dec 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Dec 27 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Dec 28 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Dec 29 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

School's Out: Button Making
Fri, Dec 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Get creative and make wearable buttons using book pages, magazines, coloring pages or your own designs. Each participant can make up to 5 buttons. This program is designed for kids in grade school.
Corridor Games on Demand - Community Game Day
Sat, Dec 28, 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.
New Year Welcome!
Sat, Dec 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Welcome the New Year with a family friendly celebration that includes dancing, crafts, button-making, bubbles and more!
Crayon Resist Art for Kids
Mon, Dec 30, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Kids are invited to make their secret images appear with a simple crayon resist art technique! Geared towards K-5th students.
Cancelled
Computer Skills Workshop - with IowaWORKS
Mon, Dec 30, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Ladd Library
Come learn new computer skills or gain additional experience on current skills with IowaWORKS and the Northstar Computer Literacy program.
Library Closing Early
Tue, Dec 31, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Downtown Library
Library closing at 5 pm.
Library Closing Early
Tue, Dec 31, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Ladd Library
Library closing at 5 pm.
Library Closed
Wed, Jan 01, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Wed, Jan 01, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees
Thu, Jan 02, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Downtown Library - Conference Room
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 pm for their regular meeting.
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Jan 02, 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.
PJ Story Time
Thu, Jan 02, 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Wear your jammies, bring a blanket and a stuffy friend and snuggle up as we get ready for a long winter's night.
Expressive Arts with Tanager
Fri, Jan 03, 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.
School's Out: Crafts & Games
Fri, Jan 03, 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.
Story Time with University of Iowa Football's Ethan Hurkett - Special Hawkeye Guest Story Time
Sat, Jan 04, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
Read stories, sing, and dance at our special story time with a special reading from University of Iowa Hawkeye Football player Ethan Hurkett.
Friendly Feud
Sat, Jan 04, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Downtown Library - Whipple Auditorium
Get a team together for an afternoon in the style of a classic television gameshow. Registration required.
Early Learning Story Time
Mon, Jan 06, 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, Jan 06, 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, Jan 06, 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, Jan 06, 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: Cocoa Cloud Dough
Mon, Jan 06, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Try a new sensory experience using a few simple ingredients. Then use some fun dough molding tools before taking it home! Geared towards K-5th graders, but younger students may need adult assistance.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Jan 07, 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, Jan 07, 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!
Between the Covers Book Club
Tue, Jan 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Unconference Room
Reading and good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere
Teen 3D Print Club
Tue, Jan 07, 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, Jan 07, 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.
Grant Wood Country Forum - Virtual Series Regarding all Things Grant Wood
Tue, Jan 07, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
A six-week Zoom series exploring art, history, and culture associated with Grant Wood, featuring presentations, Q&As, conversation, and opportunities to submit to the Iowa Grant Wood Poetry Award.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Wed, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Jan 08, 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, Jan 09, 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.
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Jan 09, 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.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, Jan 10, 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, Jan 10, 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.
Maker Spaces Open House
Fri, Jan 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Library - Technology Classroom
Join us for this informational open house and see what kinds of things can be made using our laser cutter, Cricut, 3D printers, and more. This is a drop-in event.
Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission - Pop-Up in The Commons
Fri, Jan 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Commons
Join the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission on the second Fridays of the month to participate in an activity to celebrate our community.
Socially Anxious Hangout Group
Sat, Jan 11, 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.)
Speed Friending - Meet new people!
Sat, Jan 11, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B,Commons
Come make new connections in a casual, low-pressure environment.
Early Learning Story Time
Mon, Jan 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Ladd Library - Community Room
Story time for young children with stories, songs, and other interactive activities.
Cancelled
Future Forward: Skills for Career Success
Mon, Jan 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ladd Library
Get ready to unlock your potential and take the next step in your career!
Social Games for Older Adults: Bingo
Mon, Jan 13, 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, Jan 13, 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: Snowflake Salt Painting
Mon, Jan 13, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium B
No snowflakes are the same! Create your own unique snowflake salt painting to brighten dark winter days. Geared towards K-5th graders.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Jan 14, 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, Jan 14, 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!
Sewing Bookmarks
Tue, Jan 14, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Maker Room
Learn how to use our sewing machines and sew a simple bookmark. Beginners encouraged. Registration required - link to registration will be available at 10am December 31.
Grant Wood Country Forum - Virtual Series Regarding all Things Grant Wood
Tue, Jan 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
A six-week Zoom series exploring art, history, and culture associated with Grant Wood, featuring presentations, Q&As, conversation, and opportunities to submit to the Iowa Grant Wood Poetry Award.
Book Lovers Book Club
Tue, Jan 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Newcomers always welcome to this general interest book club.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Wed, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 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, Jan 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Jan 15, 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, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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.
Job Searching Online - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Thu, Jan 16, 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, Jan 16, 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.
Iowa Haunted Corridor
Thu, Jan 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B
Embark on a chilling adventure with local author Katie Hopkin's spine-tingling presentation of the Corridor's most haunted locations.
Read to Dogs
Thu, Jan 16, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
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, Jan 17, 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, Jan 17, 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.
School's Out: Crafts & Games
Fri, Jan 17, 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.
Dolly Parton's Birthday Party
Sat, Jan 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A/B,Whipple Auditorium
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation is throwing a birthday party in Dolly Parton’s honor, and you are invited to help us celebrate!
Library Closed
Sun, Jan 19, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Sun, Jan 19, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Mon, Jan 20, All day
Ladd Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Library Closed
Mon, Jan 20, All day
Downtown Library
Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library are closed.
Craft Your Perfect Resume - in the Opportunity Center Classroom
Tue, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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, Jan 21, 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.
Grant Wood Country Forum - Virtual Series Regarding all Things Grant Wood
Tue, Jan 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Zoom
A six-week Zoom series exploring art, history, and culture associated with Grant Wood, featuring presentations, Q&As, conversation, and opportunities to submit to the Iowa Grant Wood Poetry Award.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Wed, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 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, Jan 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Beems Auditorium A
A relaxed, casual session playing this great universal game.
Conversation Group: Learn & Practice English
Wed, Jan 22, 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, Jan 23, 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.
How to Impress in your Job Interview - with Goodwill of the Heartland
Thu, Jan 23, 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.
Lighted Book Nook Craft
Thu, Jan 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library - Children's Program Room
Over this two-day program you will paint, assemble, and wire this beautiful wooden miniature, perfect for enhancing your bookshelf decor. Must attend both sessions. Registration required.
This event is full
Cancelled
Tango Práctica - For all levels of dance experience!
Thu, Jan 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Downtown Library
Learn the basic steps of Tango or continue to perfect your skills in a welcoming environment. No partner required.
Baby and Toddler Story Time
Fri, Jan 24, 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, Jan 24, 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.
Corridor Games on Demand - Community Game Day
Sat, Jan 25, 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.
Watercolor Workshop: Winter Woods
Sat, Jan 25, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ladd Library - Community Room
Vibe and paint with us. In this workshop, we focus on relaxation and fun with a winter woods themed watercolor. Beginners encouraged! Registration required.
Registration opens Saturday, January 4 2025 at 9:00am
See all events