We'll be closed Sunday, August 31st and Monday September 1st for Labor Day.

Regular hours resume Tuesday, September 2nd

 

Library Fall Hours Begin  

Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Introducing a New Reading Program for All Ages:

Book a Trip  

Begins September 2

  

Book a Trip with us at the library beginning September 2! This year-round reading program couldn't be easier: we have logs with maps available for everyone, and all you have to do is read books. Fill in the book title of each state on your Book a Trip log as you read a book that either takes place in that state, is about that state, or is by an author who is from that state. Read fiction or non-fiction.  

 

We've provided lists of suggested titles at our website for kids, teens, and adults - but you're welcome to choose your own titles, too! When you've read a book from all 50 states, come to the Children's Desk or Information Desk for a special prize!  

 

We have a huge map of the United States here at the library, and when you check off a state on your reading log, you can come in and get a colored dot from one of our friendly staff, then go put it on the state you've just finished! We can all have fun watching as Marion Library readers read their way across America! There's no deadline, so take as long as you want.

 

   

Inspire: Building Marion's Future 

 

Learn all about our library building project! All documents are posted at our website, including Library Director Doug Raber's blog, our Request for Qualifications for developers, our Cost Benefit Analysis, and our Needs Assessment.

Find out what's in the future for the library! Visit our website and click on the Inspire logo, or go directly to the information here:
http://marionpubliclibrary.org/inspire.

   


SCORE Programs for Entrepreneurs

Thursday, September 4 and 18

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

  

The library is proud to partner with SCORE® East Central Iowa for an ongoing series of workshops for entrepreneurs.

 

Each compelling session includes a brief lecture and a lively Q&A session. The groups are enthusiastic, very interactive, and share a lot of great information. Come as you are or register in advance at SCORE's Local Workshops webpage.   

 

Join us on September 4 when Julie Hein presents "Tips for Outside Selling"  and September 18 when Brenda LaMarche presents "Performance Reviews & Job Descriptions."

 

Learn more at our website
Marion RePurpose Club  
Drink to RePurposing
Tuesday, September 23     6-8 p.m.

 

 

The Marion RePurpose Club meets monthly.

In September, you will be decorating glass bottles. This fun intergenerational crafting and repurposing evening is offered by Habitat for Humanity's ReStore staff.  

 

Yvette and Deb bring their enthusiasm and creativity to the Marion Library, along with all the stuff you need to repurpose leftovers, bits, and pieces into cool and unique things that you can really use.  

 

Because of our space constraints, and to help Deb and Yvette know how many supplies to bring, registration is required.

 

There is a small materials fee ($5/adult, $3/under 16) which may be paid at the program. (Proceeds from the class go toward Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity Restore: Building Homes for Those in Need. No refunds please.) 

 

Register here:  

http://marionpubliclibrary.org/repurpose

 

Surprising Men! 

From Mellow to Macho: Defining the Roles of Men 
Fridays Nights in September 
6:30-7:30 p.m.

 

 

This is our fall collaborative series partnering with the Hiawatha Public Library, the Granger House Museum, and the African American Museum. Join us on four consecutive Fridays, one at each of the partner facilities, for these free programs exploring the roles of men throughout history. 

  • September 5 - "Dads, Dudes & Damsels"
  • September 12 - "The Men of Buxton: Living in an Iowa Utopia"
  • September 19 - "Tell Me About Your Dad: Fatherhood in Different Cultures"
  • September 26 - "Macho but Pious: Real Men & Muscular Christianity"
Get details on specific program locations and presenters at our website: http://marionpubliclibrary.org/men.

Enjoy Aspiring Young Authors  

Salon Series 

Tuesdays, September 16, 23, 30

7:30-8:30 p.m.

 


We are pleased to bring back our popular Salon Series for the second year, this time with a new partner: Java Creek Cafe (588 Boyson Rd NE, Cedar Rapids).

The Salon Series presents young authors who are involved with the University of Iowa's renowned Writers' Workshop,
 often in their debut public readings. Come and enjoy a bright young voice and get a chance to share a literary evening and conversation with the authors.

Java Creek will provide an intimate and casual setting for our programs over three consecutive Tuesdays; you can purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, treats, or enjoy a late dinner.

Learn more about authors James Yu, Fatima Mirza, and Matthew Weiss at our website or at the Metro Library Network's Salon Series page.

Like the Metro Library Network on Facebook for series updates.

Explore Our Services 
This Month's Featured Service:
Literary Reference Center

 

Detailed information and literary criticism on thousands of authors and their works, from historical to contemporary  

 

Literary Reference Center™ is a comprehensive database that provides users with a broad spectrum of information on thousands of authors and their works across literary disciplines and timeframes. It has been specifically designed for public libraries, secondary schools, junior/community colleges, and undergraduate research. Literary Reference Center is a full-text database that combines information from thousands of major respected reference works, books, and literary journals as well as original content from EBSCO Publishing. Content includes thousands of plot summaries, essays of literary criticism, author biographies, book reviews, classic and contemporary poems, classic and contemporary short stories, and author interviews. You'll need your library card.

 

Click here to explore all our online resources!

September at a Glance

September 1 - Library CLOSED for Labor Day

 

September 2, 9, 11, 16, 23, 30 - eReader help  

 

September 3, 10, 17, 24 - Genealogy Users Group

 

September 4, 11, 18, 25 - Scrabble Club

 

September 4, 11, 18, 25 - Knit Wits

 

September 4, 18 - SCORE workshops

 

September 5, 12, 19, 26 - From Mellow to Macho: Defining the Role of Men

 

September 8 - Library Board of Trustees meeting

 

September 11 - History Club

 

September 15 - Writing Group

 

September 16, 23, 30 - Salon Series at Java Creek (an MLN event)

 

September 23 - Food for Thought book discussion

September 23 - Marion Repurpose Club

  

September 23- Friends of the Library board meeting 

 

COME VISIT OUR
Store Hours:
Monday
Noon - 4 p.m.

 

Tuesday
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

 

Wednesday
Noon - 4 p.m.

 

Thursday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

 

Friday
Noon - 4 p.m.

 

Saturday
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Gently used books, magazines, DVDs and CDs are available for purchase!

For more information on donating materials check out our Friends of the Library page.

October Preview
(see our website calendar for additional details)

October 1, 8, 15, 22 - Master Gardener Fall Series

 

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Genealogy Users' Group

 

October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Scrabble Club

 

October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Knit Wits

 

October 2, 16 - SCORE workshops

 

October 3 - Red Cedar Chamber Music free concert

 

October 6, 20 - Writing Group

 

October 9 - History Club

 

October 13 - Library Board of Trustees

 

October 18 - Celebrate Writing @ MPL

 

October 21 - Coffeehouse Fiction

 

October 21 - Marion Repurpose Club

 

October 21 - Friends of the Marion Library annual author dinner

 

October 28 - Food for Thought book discussion

 

October 28 - Friends of the Marion Library board meeting



 


e-Reader Help Sessions
 
September 2, 10-11 a.m.
September 11, 1-2 p.m.

Need help downloading library books to your eReader? Come in for free help; bring your eReader device (and cords) and your questions - we'll do our best to get you up and reading!  

 

In addition to the two sessions noted above, you can stop by any time with questions, but on Tuesday evenings we'll have a staff person available to help you with our downloadable books.

 

No appointment necessary, come anytime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.

 

Learn from the Experts

Celebrate Writing  

@ MPL
 


Saturday, October 18
9:00-1:30 p.m.
 with options!

Our popular program for writers is back! Mark October 18 on your calendar for a day of great panel discussions with successful area writers, lunch with the authors, and a special writing workshop in the afternoon.   

 

Register early to reserve your space. Details and registration links available at http://marionpubliclibrary.org/celebrate-writing.