We're celebrating 125 years!

The Iowa City Public Library is celebrating 125 years of being the center of community life. Stay up-to-date throughout the year as we mark our 125th anniversary.

Explore the highlights of our history, reflect and share your own ICPL memories, and connect through celebratory events in 2021.

Decades of service

See the growth of ICPL decade by decade with new photos posted each month

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 2021

The results are in. See what books staff enjoyed from 2021!

Top recommendations from ICPL staff

125 Recommended Fiction Titles for YA and Adults

See what fiction titles made the top 125 for adults and YA!

125 Recommended Nonfiction Titles

Try out these top nonfiction picks from staff.

125 Recommended Titles for Children

See what children's titles made the best list!

Top borrowed items in 2020

125 Most Borrowed Fiction Books of 2020

See what general fiction, mystery, and science fiction titles made the top 125!

125 Most Borrowed Nonfiction Books of 2020

How many of these nonfiction titles have you checked out?

125 Most Borrowed Teen Books of 2020

See what teens were reading in 2020.

125 Most Borrowed Kids Books of 2020

Graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, oh my!

125 Most Borrowed DVDs of 2020

See what our community watched most in 2020.

125 Most Borrowed Kids DVDs of 2020

Tried and true plus new favorites - see the top 125 kids DVDs.

Explore our history

Highlights from our past

We've been in six different buildings, but we've always been at the heart of downtown. See how your library has evolved with the community, reflecting your needs, supporting digital literacy, and expanding services with outreach.

Lolly's Legacy

Former Library Director Lolly Eggers was a powerful influence on ICPL's trajectory, helping shape who we are today. Learn more about her contributions not only to the Library but also to the City of Iowa City.

Support the library

Represent your library with swag from the ICPL's Society 6 page. Pick out a canvas bag or print with your favorite library design or slogan.

Or if you'd like to support the Library but don't need another bag, you can donate directly to the Friends Foundation.

Events

There are no upcoming events.

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