Intersections | Public libraries and book banning

Public libraries and book banning

Presenter: 

Dara Schmidt, Director
Cedar Rapids Public Library

OCTOBER 7, 2022 — 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids
** in-person event **

“A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.” ~Jo Godwin, librarian

Public libraries serve communities in every way possible: they support literacy and education, nurture creativity, and provide resources and public spaces. They also come under fire for many of those same reasons.

Dara Schmidt, Director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library, will discuss the current challenges faced by public libraries, including book banning and other threats to one of our nation’s most important institutions.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dara Hanke Schmidt (she, her, hers) has been the Director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library for the past eight years. She grew up eastern Iowa and returned for the beautiful library and amazing community to raise her three children. She currently serves on the boards for the national Public Library Association and local Meth-Wick.

You may make your reservation to attend in-person by clicking on the "Register Now" button. Three boxed lunch options are available: chicken sandwich, roast beef sandwich, and vegetarian (tahini falafel) wrap; boxed lunches are $12 each and come with a salad, chips, and a dessert. Please note: You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, OCTOBER 5. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.

If you have any issues registering, please email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org or call 515.279.8715.

Intersections is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Cedar Rapids. It's an opportunity to learn, to participate in civil dialogue, and to discuss issues at the crossroads of religion and politics.