What We're Reading: The Ferryman and His Wife

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 19, 2026 4:35 pm

I’ve been reading some truly exquisite books lately from the library—and I must admit, they’ve been so quietly heartbreaking that I’ve found myself crying more than once.

ECC Announces 2025 Fall Term Dean's List

ELLSWORTH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 19, 2026 4:35 pm

One hundred and sixty-nine students were named to the Fall 2025 (August to December) Dean’s List at Ellsworth Community College. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must have taken 12 or more credit hours during the semester (a full-time class load) and have earned at least a 3.

U.S. Presidential Scholars nomination period now open!

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
January 17, 2026 2:12 pm

Do you know an outstanding Iowa high school senior who excels in academics, career and technical education or the arts? The Iowa Department of Education is now accepting nominations for exceptional student leaders in each of these categories for the prestigious U.

What We're Reading: Last Night

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 15, 2026 2:58 pm

Review of 'Last Night' by Luanne RiceWhat a beginning! The victim dies in the first three and a half pages; Maddie, we hardly knew ye!I was taken by surprise by the blurb on the inside cover, which read: 'A fierce blizzard is burying the eastern seaboard, but on the icy Rhode Island shore renowned artist Maddie Morrison finds warm sanctuary.

LORAS COLLEGE FALL 2025 DEAN'S LIST

LORAS COLLEGE
January 15, 2026 2:58 pm

The following Loras College student were recognized for academic achievement during the recent semester by Dr. Sarah Nytroe, Loras College Provost. To be eligible, a student must earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.

Mount Mercy University congratulates December 2025 graduates

MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY
January 14, 2026 6:27 pm

The following student(s) graduated from Mount Mercy in December 2025.  Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community, and live their values.

What We're Reading: The trouble with Heroes

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 13, 2026 6:09 pm

Drumroll........The 2026 All Iowa Reads selection for kids is 'The Trouble with Heroes' by Kate Messner. This is one of my new favorites and encourage youth and adults to read it.

MCC Announces Fall Term Dean's List

MARSHALLTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 13, 2026 6:09 pm

Two hundred and sixty-nine students were named to the Fall 2025 (August to December) Dean's List at Marshalltown Community College. To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have taken 12 or more credit hours during the semester (a full-time class load) and have earned at least a 3.

What We're Reading: Time of the Child

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 7, 2026 1:08 pm

For this month's Adventures in Bookclubbing 'Holiday' theme I read 'Time of the Child' by Niall Williams. The story takes place in Faha, a small community in Ireland during Advent Season, 1962.

What We're Reading: The Merge

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 6, 2026 11:48 am

Looking for an original dystopian novel to kick off the New Year? I’m about halfway through 'The Merge' by Grace Walker, and wow—she has created an incredible, unsettling world.