Cedar Rapids Public Library hosts Rare Book Showcase Thursday

CEDAR RAPIDS - Lovers of old books and good stories are invited to a Rare Book Showcase where six special and rare books from around the Iowa Valley region will be shared.

The set of books is diverse, ranging from the Benjamin Franklin 1734 edition of 'Constitutions of the Freemasons,” that guided the establishment of Masonic lodges in America, to a children's story titled 'Peter and Polly,” that was inspired by Grinnell native Cornelia Clarke's photographs of her pet cats dressed in clothing.

The event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday in Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE. It is free to the public. Those who attend can see the books, learn about the collections where the books are housed and meet the caretakers of the books.

As part of the showcase presentations, an excerpt from each book will be read.

Those in attendance will hear German spoken aloud by Amana Heritage Museum Director Jon Childers as he shares a reading from the 1719 'Wohl und Weh” and Czech spoken aloud by Jenda Vana in a reading of 'Arabesky,” which is housed in the library at Clutier's ZCBJ Lodge & Museum.

Julie Piper, a 1982 graduate of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, will read aloud from 'Gospel of Matthew and Mark,” a Braille version of the Bible used in chapel services when Mary Ingalls was a student at the school. Lois Kovar, great niece of Mildred Benson, will share her early edition of 'The Secret of the Old Clock,” as well as personal memories of Mildred, who practically no one has heard of but whose pen name, Carolyn Keene, is more quickly recognized.

Participants hope the this event can connect people to the region in a new way and perhaps even inspire travel to lesser known libraries and their communities. The event is possible through the efforts of the recently formed Iowa Valley Cultural Council whose volunteer members span a six-county area. The council is interested in sharing the art, history and culture of Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Tama and Poweshiek counties in new, engaging and collaborative ways.

For more information about Thursday's event, call Jessica Rilling at (319) 622-3264.