Et Cetera
What We’re Reading: A Home for the Holidays
I recently read 'A Home for the Holidays' by Taylor Hahn. It is light and heart-warming, without being too predictable, and I loved it! This novel tells the story of Mel Hart, a singer who is forced to confront her past after losing her mother. She meets Barb, her mother's former best friend, and learns about a side of her mother she never knew.
What we’re reading: Society of Lies
Over Thanksgiving break, I read 'Society of Lies' by Lauren Ling Brown. This is Brown's debut novel, and I thought it was a success! During Maya's college years at Princeton, she tries to roll with high society and become someone she's not. She goes to extremes to get into a secret club so that she can help provide for her younger sister, Naomi, who is 10 years younger.
What we're reading: Husbands
I recently finished the hilarious debut novel 'Husbands' by British author and game designer Holly Gramazio. In this story, Lauren wakes up after a late night out with her best friend and is shocked to find a man in her home; what's most surprising is that the man claims to be her husband, but she has never met him before. Is he a con artist? Does she have amnesia? He goes up a ladder into their attic, only to be replaced by an altogether different strange man who says he is her husband.
Keep Iowa Beautiful Opens 2025 Scholarship Applications
These annual scholarships honor important figures in Keep Iowa Beautiful history who have made significant contributions to Iowa communities. * The Byers Scholarship - High school seniors who plan to enroll and study environmental science, community development, landscape architecture or architecture (historical emphasis) or community planning and sustainability are eligible to apply.
What we're reading: My Sister's Keeper
Earlier in the year, Kelly asked what book has been on my TBR list but haven't read it yet. Well, you are probably like me and have LOTS of books on your list, but 'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult, was one that has been on my list for a while. I decided that I was not in a rush to read it, so I added it to my Libby cart and waited for my turn. You know it's a good book if there is a long list and you recently received it after waiting for months.
Prepare to File Your Application for College Financial Aid
Rob DensonIowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board memberFamilies who will have students in college for the 2025-2026 school year should take the first step in the financial aid process now.The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 2025-2026 is now available. Students and their parents should fill it out as soon as possible to ensure the best consideration for available college funding, which may be limited.
ISL Guest Column: 3 Reasons to Choose a Career Before Choosing a College
Scott SchneidermannIowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board memberNovember 19, 2024 - The traditional idea of a young adult going off to residential college to explore academics and choose a career isn't always appropriate for everyone's circumstances. Instead, high school students should explore potential careers to make an informed choice about the post-high school education or training that is most fitting for their goals.
The History Center named 2024 People’s Choice Site of the Year
The History Center in Cedar Rapids has been named the Silos & Smokestacks 2024 “People’s Choice Site of the Year.” The Scenic City Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls and the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids were both honored as being one of the top three sites.“We are thrilled to recognize The History Center as our People’s Choice site of the year,” said Silos & Smokestacks Executive Director Cara Miller.
All the Details you need to know about the Library
Hours of Operation:Mondays: 9a-5pTuesdays: 9a-8pWednesdays: 9a-5pThursdays: 9a-8pFridays: 7a-4pSaturdays: 9a-NoonSundays: ClosedCopy services: $0.20 per black and white, $0.25 per colorFax services: $1.00 for 1-2 pages, $2.00 for 3+ pagesNotary services: No charge, call 319-472-4208 for availabilityFree WifiBoardroom available at no charge; reservations requiredEmail: library@vintonia.
What We're Reading: Into the Uncut Grass
"Into the Uncut Grass" by Trevor Noah:This beautifully illustrated book by Trevor Noah brings out the playfulness we sometimes forget as adults. It is an easy and quick read with a friendly reminder to make time to be curious and open to others’ perspectives in life. Read along as this young boy and his bear Walter discover the importance of connection and compromise on their adventure Into the Uncut Grass.