Fundraising Events & Programs

Arts & Crafts Bazaar

The Arts & Crafts Bazaar taking place 12/7.2024 is the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation’s annual winter fundraiser for the Iowa City Public Library. The Arts & Crafts Bazaar features handmade items donated by Library supporters, as well as a used book sale, with all sales benefitting the Iowa City Public Library.

If you’d like to donate your hand-crafted items please visit www.icpl.org/arts-and-crafts

If you have any questions, please email development@icpl.org.

Begin with Books

In partnership with Hills Bank & Trust Company, we provide free board book to every baby born in an Iowa City hospital, with a library information packet including information about Early Literacy programs, including 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.

Book Gala

2023 marked the 30th Annual Book Gala. The Annual Book Gala at Prairie Lights Books invites members of the public to enjoy light refreshments while shopping this after-hours benefit for the Library. Online sales on the day of the event on also benefit the Library until midnight by visiting https://www.prairielightsbooks.com (type “ICPL library sale” in the comment box) will also be included. Date coming soon!

Bring your wish list so the knowledgeable staff at Prairie Lights Books may help you find books, children’s toys, and other special gifts. A percentage of the night’s total sales will be donated to the ICPL Friends Foundation.

Donate two or more used books for The Book End, ICPL’s used bookstore, and be entered for a prize!

Eat Out To Read + Community Give Back Days

Eat Out to Read events allow community members to enjoy a delicious meal knowing that a generous percentage of all sales will be donated to the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation!

In addition to the generosity of local restaurants, retail businesses also participate in supporting the Library through Community Give Back Day’s where a portion of daily or weekly sales are donated to the Library.

For more information visit: icpl.org/EOTR

If your business would like to participate, please contact development@icpl.org.

Johnson County Great Give Day

Johnson County Great Give Day is an annual collective day of giving, where donors are encouraged to learn more about new-to-them nonprofit organizations, the work of the nonprofit sector in Johnson County, and make a gift (or a few!) to support philanthropy in Johnson County. On this single day – May 7, 2025 – ALL Johnson County nonprofit organizations share, with one voice, the incredible work they are doing, how they support our communities and fundraise for their individual organizations. Support the ICPL Friends Foundation on Johnson County Great Give Day by making a gift at www.supportICPL.org!

Local Libraries LIT

This virtual author event is a series offered by public libraries in Johnson County, as well as the University of Iowa Libraries,  with support from The Tuesday Agency. This special speaker series is offered at no charge to participants. Donations are welcomed to help sustain and grow Local Libraries LIT.

Visit this link for upcoming events.

The goal of Local Libraries {Listen, Initiate, Talk} is to grow a thriving community that shines with diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Local Libraries LIT is a collaboration between:

  • Coralville Public Library
  • Iowa City Public Library
  • North Liberty Library
  • Oxford Public Library
  • Solon Public Library
  • Springmier (Tiffin) Public Library
  • Swisher Public Library
  • University of Iowa Libraries

Looking Forward

Join us for our annual fundraiser at The Englert Theatre with two events benefitting the Iowa City Public Library! Tickets are available from pay-what-you-can pricing to Gold Circle tickets that include an after-party with the featured writer.

Recent past Looking Forward events: