Week Calendar

Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Tai chi has been known to improve muscular strength, flexibility, improve quality of life, and much more. This program is hosted in partnership with Heritage Area Agency on Aging.

About Heritage Area Agency on Aging

For more than 50 years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has walked alongside older Iowans and caregivers—helping people age with dignity, independence, and choice. Heritage connects people with nutrition and wellness programs, transportation services, community and social activities, and more. Learn more about the organization here.

Preschool Storytime includes books, songs, and activities geared toward children between the ages of 3 and 6, as well as their caregivers. This storytime is an early literacy activity, perfect for practicing your child's social and listening skills before they enter a classroom setting.

Seniors are welcome to gather for socializing, coffee, and activities. A variety of activities are provided each week, including:

• Cards
• Checkers
• Chess
• Coloring pages with markers and colored pencils
• Cross stitch materials
• Crosswords
• Dominoes
• Puzzles
• Scrabble
• Sudoku
• Yarn for crocheting and knitting

Attendees are welcome to bring their own crafts or games if they wish. 

Preschool Play includes activities geared toward children between the ages of 2 and 5, as well as their caregivers. Drop in to play and explore!

Babble & Brew is a great way for children under age 4 to explore the five practices of early literacy skills: read, write, sing, talk, and play. Explore a variety of early literacy activities at your own pace, including books, songs, and instruments. Coffee and coffee alternatives will be provided.

The award-winning Encore Café has turned heads around the country for its unique approach to addressing diners’ overall health and wellness while still serving delicious, dietitian-reviewed meals. Encore Café incorporates activities and educational sessions to improve socialization and overall quality of life. The café’s location rotates between sites in Cedar Rapids and Marion based on the day of the week.

More information including menus and event calendars can be found here.

Important Notes

• Reservations are requested to ensure adequate quantities of food. Diners with reservations will be served first. Reservations can be made by calling Heritage at 319-398-2585.
• For those ages 60+, there is a suggested voluntary contribution of $5 per meal. Contributions go entirely toward supporting the Encore Café program. Spouses and individuals under age 60 can participate at the suggested $5 rate. For diners under age 60, the cost is $10 per meal and can be given to the Site Coordinator or host when checking in.
• Closures due to weather will be announced on the Heritage Facebook page and as a voice message on the reservation line.

About Heritage Area Agency on Aging

For more than 50 years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has walked alongside older Iowans and caregivers—helping people age with dignity, independence, and choice. Heritage connects people with nutrition and wellness programs, transportation services, community and social activities, and more. Learn more about the organization here.

Each year, the library partners with United Way of East Central Iowa to offer tax intake and preparation services. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a national IRS-sponsored program that helps individuals receive their maximum federal and state tax refunds. If your household income is less than $69,000, you may qualify for VITA’s services.

Please note that VITA is available by appointment only, and appointments must be scheduled in advance through United Way. To make an appointment, find a list of frequently asked questions, and learn more about the program, click here to visit United Way's website.

Get your knit on with the Knit Wits! Patrons interested in knitting or crocheting can join the Knit Wits for crafting and fellowship.

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Join us for Dungeons & Dragons, the world renowned table top role-playing game. This program meets weekly and is open for participants of all experience levels. All supplies are provided - bring your imagination and get ready to dive in!

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Turn curiosity into creativity in the MakerSpace! The library's MakerSpace offers a wide range of creative opportunities, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, heat presses, and more. Open hours are a great way to learn more about offerings and see different pieces of technology in action. 

To learn more about MakerSpace guidelines, equipment, and supplies, click here.

Get your knit on with the Knit Wits! Patrons interested in knitting or crocheting can join the Knit Wits for crafting and fellowship.

The Genealogy Junkies group provides an opportunity for anyone interested in genealogy to get together. Bring a laptop or tablet, or check out one of the library's laptops or tablets from kiosks in the library, which are available on a first come, first served basis. Library card holders are able to login to Ancestry.com when using the library's IP address. This program is hosted in partnership with the Genealogical Society of Linn County.

About the Genealogical Society of Linn County

The Cedar Rapids Area Genealogy Library is dedicated to the preservation of family records and historical documents by providing assistance and information. Learn more about the organization here.