Find the hidden gems in the library’s collection

If you're used to running into the library to pick up your holds and head out the door, you're missing out on some great lesser-known book sections.

If you want to learn more about Cedar Rapids history, head upstairs and take a look at our Iowa section. It's a great collection of titles with stories and photographs about the past. You can look at pictures of the old Union Station, the Sinclair meatpacking plant, even the Carnegie library. Close by, we have our collection of newspapers on microfilm. If you haven't used a microfilm machine in a while (or ever), don't worry. We can help you get started. Perusing newspapers from the past 150 years is surprisingly fun and enlightening. These pieces of history are a fascinating window into the past, especially if you go back to the beginning of The Gazette in the late 1800s. Whether you're looking at the advice columns or searching for articles about your high school football team, there's always something to learn.

Not into history? We've recently introduced our Spark Kits to the library collection Downtown. These are small activity kits to try a new hobby. You can choose between learning to crochet, trying out coloring books for adults, or Zumba for exercise. It's a great way to try something new without investing anything more than time. As we grow our collection of kits, we plan to start offering them at the Ladd Library to expand access. While you're browsing our kits, make sure to look at our cooking and crafts sections, we may not have pots and pans to check out but these ever popular sections are great for finding inspiration.

If Spanish is your native language or if you're looking to brush up on your skills, we have Spanish language fiction for adults and children. We're working to expand our selection of titles in French and Swahili for children, especially at the Ladd Library.

Another lesser-known section is our collection of Braille children's books Downtown. We have an especially large selection of 'Pete the Cat” titles.

We know walking into the library can be intimidating, but any time you want to stop and look at one of our unique collections, a staff member can help you find what you're looking for.

l Erin Horst is materials manager at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.