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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T172646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T143219Z
UID:4855-1760187600-1760187600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Jennifer Fawcett: Keep This For Me
DESCRIPTION:One hot August night in 1993\, a young couple go to a party. When their car breaks down\, they are picked up by a truck driver who attacks the man and abducts the woman. She is never seen again. \nThat woman was Fiona Green’s mother. \nWhen the trucker\, Eddie Ward\, is caught\, a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Fiona’s mother isn’t there. Thirty years later\, on his prison deathbed\, Ward insists that he didn’t kill her\, so Fiona finds herself back in the small town where her mother disappeared. Fighting demons of her own\, she’s shocked when history repeats itself: another woman\, another roadside breakdown\, and another disappearance. Only this time the primary suspect is Jason Ward\, Eddie’s son. Desperate\, Fiona hunts down answers\, unaware that she is being drawn into a dangerous trap. \nFawcett will be joined in conversation by Tim Budd.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/jennifer-fawcett-keep-this-for-me/
LOCATION:Prairie Lights Books\, 15 S. Dubuque St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Keep-This-For-Me.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T175748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T152639Z
UID:4868-1760187600-1760187600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Art Cullen: We Crapped In Our Nest
DESCRIPTION:We have fouled our nest over the past half century in a way that was almost unavoidable\, given our history of seeking domination — first over the Indigenous people of the Western World\, then over their land. Native people for millennia lived with the land in a vital relationship. Europeans set out to transform that relationship brutally\, and this destruction has reached a head. We simply cannot go on like this\, washing our soil down the river while the planet bakes\, ignoring our own immigration story. \nAs Art writes\, “Fifty years around a small town amid the teeming waves of golden corn\, a lot has changed\, but corn remains king\, just like when we were in school. But the place we knew is gone\, that world of family farms and the Saturday livestock auction. We are the poorer for it. This is how it went down\, or at least how I put it down\, in notes compiled over this strange time from Irving Street just up from the lake in the small town we called home.”
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/art-cullen-we-crapped-in-our-nest/
LOCATION:Iowa City Public Library\, 123 S. Linn St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dear-Marty-We-Crapped-in-Our-Nest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250916T191926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T173032Z
UID:4902-1760187600-1760187600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Joe Haldeman and The Forever War
DESCRIPTION:The Forever War\, Joe Haldeman’s 1974 novel and the first sci-fi work shaped by the Vietnam War\, continues to resonate decades later. Haldeman\, a Vietnam veteran and Iowa Writers’ Workshop alum\, crafted a story that John Scalzi calls “timeless\, because what’s in the book touches on something that never goes away.” Join Haldeman\, his wife Gay\, Scalzi\, and Haldeman’s former student Mike Miller as they discuss this landmark novel and ICON\, Iowa’s beloved science fiction and fantasy convention\, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. \nModerated by Pete Balestrieri
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/joe-haldeman-and-the-forever-war/
LOCATION:Iowa City Masonic Building\, 312 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/The-Forever-War.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250924T170915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T164049Z
UID:4967-1760191200-1760191200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Incognito Lounge: Celebrating the work of Denis Johnson
DESCRIPTION:Denis and Cindy Johnson\nFriends and admirers of the late Denis Johnson read from and discuss his work at this special event co-presented with FilmScene’s Refocus Film Festival and the University of Iowa Office for Writing and Communication. Participants include Chris Offutt\, Cindy Lee Johnson\, Will Patton\, Rachel Yoder\, Red Danielson\, and James Galvin.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/incognito-lounge-celebrating-the-work-of-denis-johnson/
LOCATION:Riverside Theatre\, 119 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fs-denis-cindy-johnson-1200.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20240919T160616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T145537Z
UID:3998-1760191200-1760198400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Candle Light Press 30th Anniversary signing
DESCRIPTION:Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of Iowa City’s own Candle Light Press! Carter Allen\, Austin Allen Hamblin\, and John Ira Thomas will be signing books at Daydreams on Saturday\, October 11th at 200p-400p. It’s been a big year for the press\, so there’s lots of new books–Zoo Force: Blue Route and Stops Along the Way\, Ectyron V. Rojo Gallo\, the Twells/Hamblin Collection\, Savage Dirt Axes\, and Zoo Force: The Works! \nPresented in partnership with Daydreams Comics. \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/candle-light-press/
LOCATION:Daydreams Comics\, 229 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_0881.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20240919T153211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T172457Z
UID:3980-1760193000-1760193000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: Sense of Place
DESCRIPTION:In this panel\, writers will discuss place and setting as key in many kinds of writing. They will explore the following questions: How do you convey a sense of place or paint a unique landscape? In what ways does location contribute to your writing? Can a literary work truly be ‘universal\,’ or will place always determine how a piece is understood? \nFeaturing: Agnes Chew\, Siddharth Dasgupta\, Jennifer Fawcett\, Vlora Konushevci\, and Ndongolera C. Mwangupili. Moderated by Derek Nnuro. \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/panel-discussion-sense-of-place/
LOCATION:Iowa City Masonic Building\, 312 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sense-of-Place-2025-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T172307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T150930Z
UID:4853-1760193000-1760193000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Tatiana Schlote-Bonne: The Mean Ones
DESCRIPTION:So what if Sadie hears talking dead animals and a strange\, comforting male voice in her head? The therapist insists these are just symptoms of PTSD. It makes sense considering that she hid under the bed and watched as her best friends were slaughtered. \nBut the murders were seventeen years ago\, back when her name was Sabrina. Now\, she’s Sadie: a perfectly normal 29-year-old. She works as a physical therapist assistant and lifts weights with her boyfriend\, Lucas\, who’s the sweetest\, most considerate man—as long as he’s not angry. But when Lucas spontaneously agrees to join a couples trip to a cabin in the woods\, the visions get worse\, a strange figure stalks her during the night\, and that male voice in Sadie’s head keeps calling\, asking her to do things she’s never fathomed. \nSadie’s not sure if it’s her paranoia or something else entirely . . . But she is sure of one thing—this time\, she’s not going to sit idly by as everything starts to unravel. \nTatiana will be joined in conversation with Carey Dunne.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/tatiana-schlote-bonne-the-mean-ones/
LOCATION:Prairie Lights Books\, 15 S. Dubuque St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/The-Mean-Ones.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250919T185449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T200554Z
UID:4945-1760193000-1760193000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Christina Ward: Holy Food
DESCRIPTION:Does God have a recipe? Christina Ward’s Holy Food:  How Cults\, Communes\, and Religious Movements Influenced What We Eat – An American History investigates the explosion of religious movements since the Great Awakenings that birthed a cottage industry of food fads and cookbooks.  Ward uncovers the interconnectivity between obscure sects and communities of the 20th Century who dabbled in vague spirituality and used food to both entice and control followers. Holy Food draws on a range of sources\, including academic studies\, interviews\, cookbooks\, and religious texts\, to offer sharp insights into American history in this highly readable journey through the American kitchen. \n“Looks yummy!”\n— John Waters \n“Holy Food is a titanic feat of research and a fascinating exploration of American faith and culinary rites. Christina Ward is the perfect guide – generous\, wise\, and ecumenical.” — Adam Chandler\, author of Drive-Thru Dreams
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/christina-ward-holy-food/
LOCATION:Iowa City Public Library\, 123 S. Linn St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Holy-Food.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T172953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T201540Z
UID:4857-1760198400-1760198400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Anna Barker: 13 Notes from Napoleon\, Iowa: Musings on the Edge of the French Empire
DESCRIPTION:Born on August 15\, 1769\, in Ajaccio\, on the Mediterranean island of Corsica\, Napoleon was the ruler of Iowa between 1800 and 1803 when he served as the First Consul of the French Republic. Iowa City\, Iowa\, evolved out of the 1838 settlement named after him — Napoleon\, Iowa — the location marked today by Napoleon Park\, off Napoleon Lane\, just south of Iowa City. The book illuminates aspects of Iowa’s French past\, such as cities named after the Napoleonic battles of Marengo and Waterloo\, and explains the mystery of Iowa’s distinctly French-looking flag. Along the way\, the author muses on other Napoleon-related matters\, such as Empire waist gowns\, Goethe’s and Byron’s Bonapartism\, the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo\, the Congress of Vienna\, and to what extent Europe’s current internal contradictions have been impacted by its Napoleonic past.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/anna-barker-13-notes-from-napoleon-iowa-musings-on-the-edge-of-the-french-empire/
LOCATION:Iowa City Public Library\, 123 S. Linn St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Anna-Barker-cover.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T173311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T173311Z
UID:4860-1760198400-1760198400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Patricia Lockwood: Will There Ever Be Another You
DESCRIPTION:Amid a global pandemic\, one young woman is trying to keep the pieces together – of her family\, stunned by a devastating loss\, and of her mind\, left mangled and misfiring from a mystifying disease. She’s afraid of her own floorboards\, and “WHAT IS LOVE? BABY DON’T HURT ME” plays over and over in her ears. She hates her friends\, or more accurately\, she doesn’t know who they are. \nHas the illness stolen her old mind and given her a new one? Does it mean she’ll get to start over from scratch\, a chance afforded to very few people? The very weave of herself seems to have loosened: time and memories pass straight through her body. “I’m sorry not to respond to your email\,” she writes\, “but I live completely in the present\nnow.” \nWill There Ever Be Another You is the brain-shredding\, phosphorescent story of one woman’s dissolution and her attempt to create a new way of thinking\, as well as a profound investigation into what keeps us alive in times of unprecedented disorientation and loss\, from one of our most original writers.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/patricia-lockwood-will-there-ever-be-another-you/
LOCATION:Prairie Lights Books\, 15 S. Dubuque St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Will-There-Ever-Be-Another-You.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250919T163103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T165209Z
UID:4928-1760198400-1760198400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: Importance of Genre
DESCRIPTION:A lively conversation with writers exploring how genre shapes stories\, readers\, and the writing process. \nFeaturing: \nAnna Bruno\, Gregory Galloway\, Scott Phillips\, and Tatiana Schlote-Bonne. Moderated by Nina Lohman.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/panel-discussion-importance-of-genre/
LOCATION:Iowa City Masonic Building\, 312 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Importance-of-Genre-2025-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250912T145723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T145723Z
UID:4896-1760200200-1760203800@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:John Ira Thomas: Tire Magazine
DESCRIPTION:Join John Ira Thomas for a journey through the mystical and the mundane through the metafictional series of Tire magazine! John will read from Tire June 2000\, Tire Annual 2021\, Tire May 2038\, and work in progress from The Best of Tire Classifieds. Alternate timeline John’s life may have been ruined by a New Age boomlet fixated on something he drew when he was nine\, but the John of this universe is happy to share and laugh along.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/john-ira-thomas-tire-magazine/
LOCATION:Daydreams Comics\, 229 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Tire-Magazine.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250923T185717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T185738Z
UID:4963-1760205600-1760216400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Sidekick Coffee and Books Presents: It’s Getting Plot in Here A Romance Book Festival
DESCRIPTION:Join Sidekick Coffee and Books for the Romance Book Festival\, a night of romance\, creativity\, and community. \n $35 — available now! bit.ly/Sidekick_Romance_Book_Festival \n Author Meet & Greet Line-Up: \n\nChloe Angyal – Pointe of Pride\, Pas de Don’t\, Barre Fight\nKelly Farmer – Fanning the Flames\, Secret Spark\, It’s a Fabulous Life\nGin Griffith – Holy Smoke\, Cat Fight\nMegan Murphy – Fake It Like You Mean It\, Heart Racer\nEsha Patel – Offtrack\, Overdrive\nElise Wayland – Rivals to Lovers\nDenise Williams – Just Our Luck\, Do You Take This Man\n\n What’s included with your ticket:\n Meet & Greets with incredible romance authors\n Blind Date with a Book (free book included!)\n Champagne shooters\n Book embellishment station – bedazzle your book and get creative!\n Flirty photo ops & cozy fall vibes
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/sidekick-coffee-and-books-presents-its-getting-plot-in-here-a-romance-book-festival/
LOCATION:Sidekick Coffee & Books\, 1310 1/2 Melrose Avenue\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52242\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Its-getting-plot-in-here.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20230705T165321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T144000Z
UID:2924-1760266800-1760281200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Writers Row – Local Author Book Fair
DESCRIPTION:Local Author Book Fair! Join us as local authors present their latest works\, answer questions\, and sign books. Browse each author’s table where various books will be available for purchase. \nR.C. Davis | Jason Liegois | Erin Casey | Jose M. Rodriguez Jr. | J. A. Webb | Bill Witherspoon  | David Markward | Todd Cohenour | Mike Cal Cahalan | David Hankins\n\nThe Local Author Book Fair is sponsored by Greater Iowa City.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/writers-row-local-author-book-fair/
LOCATION:MERGE\, 136 S Dubuque St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Local-Author-Book-Fair-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20220831T160317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T153351Z
UID:1905-1760272200-1760272200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Poetry in Public Reading Featuring Iowa’s Student Poet Ambassador\, Daniel Umemezie
DESCRIPTION:Daniel Umemezie\, 2025–26 Iowa Student Poet Ambassador\nPoetry in Public celebrates our community’s rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. Hear from some of the 2025 Selected Poets. This event is live and in-person\, and will be streamed live at: https://www.youtube.com/thelibrarychannel \nFeaturing special guest\, Daniel Somotochukwu Umemezie\, the 2025–26 Iowa Student Poet Ambassador. \nParticipating Poets: \nKiley Adkins | Philip Beck | Dan Campion | Melanie Hester | Jennifer Horn-Frasier | Jessica Moore | Anna Moyers Stone | Charlotte Pearl | Mazzy Sleep | Rich Sokoli | Anjali Strand \nIf your poem was selected for Poetry in Public 2025 and you’d like to read it at the event\, please email us at info@iowacityofliterature.org
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/poetry-in-public-reading/
LOCATION:Iowa City Public Library\, 123 S. Linn St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Poetry-in-Public-icon.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250925T163755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T142922Z
UID:4981-1760274000-1760274000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: Beyond Publishing – Writing as Joy\, Healing\, and Priority
DESCRIPTION:This panel will explore writing beyond publishing\, focusing on how the practice itself can bring joy\, healing\, and meaning. Panelists will also consider how books\, reading\, and art can serve as medicine\, balm\, or even dessert\, nourishing both mind and spirit. \nFeaturing: Erin Casey\, Kellee Forkenbrock\, Mackie Garrett\, and Morgan Webb | Moderated by Jesus “Chuy” Renteria
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/panel-discussion-beyond-publishing-writing-as-joy-healing-and-priority/
LOCATION:MERGE\, 136 S Dubuque St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PANEL-DISCUSSION-Beyond-Publishing-Writing-as-Joy-Healing-and-Priority.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250904T155008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T163321Z
UID:4818-1760279400-1760279400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion – The Black Superwoman & Mental Health: Power & Pain
DESCRIPTION:Panelists will discuss this new anthology\, The Black Superwoman & Mental Health: Power & Pain by Venise Berry and Janette Taylor. \nIt is not easy to reveal oneself and to be vulnerable in a public way as the authors in this book have done. This is the act of resisting the voices and social scripts that say we do not air our “dirty laundry”\, we should keep “secrets” to remain safe\, yet unhealthy. We must find safe spaces to speak our truths\, to heal. It is through the process of seeking\, doing\, and being\, sometimes in public like this anthology and sometimes in private (counseling or psychotherapy)\, that many of us learn to acknowledge\, analyze\, speak\, and eventually write the truth of/about our lives in order to move closer to being whole Black women. Enjoy poetry\, short stories\, essays\, and assessable research in this powerful anthology. \nFeaturing: Venise Berry\, Professor of Journalism and African American Studies\, University of Iowa; Averi Bryant\, Graphic Arts Designer & Social Media Promoter; Katrina Harden-Williams\, Doctoral Candidate in School of Education\, Drake University; Tianna Newell\, First Lady of Purpose Place Church in Iowa City; Tiana Warner\, Spoken Word Artist\, Writer.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/panel-discussion-the-black-superwoman-mental-health-power-pain/
LOCATION:DREAM CITY\, 611 Southgate Avenue\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/The-Black-Superwoman-Mental-Health.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20250908T173917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T173917Z
UID:4862-1760283000-1760283000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Kazim Ali with Rajaa Alsanea and Yu Yuen Lan
DESCRIPTION:Poet\, novelist\, and essayist Kazim Ali will read as a special guest of the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program. He is joined by IWP participants Rajaa Alsanea (Saudi Arabia) and Yu Yuen Lan (Hong Kong)\, who will also read from their work.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/kazim-ali-with-rajaa-alsanea-and-yu-yuen-lan/
LOCATION:Prairie Lights Books\, 15 S. Dubuque St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IWP-Reading-10-12.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251012T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20240812T171149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T170259Z
UID:3721-1760292000-1760292000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Little Village Presents: Roast of Iowa City
DESCRIPTION:Year after year\, some of the area’s most treasured comics and writers gather together to relentlessly burn and mock everything sacred and dear about our town. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. \nThis year is hosted by Karen Vásquez and features a lineup of talented comics\, plus LV’s Dear Kiki Live!\, where we read your anonymous love and relationship questions and Kiki answers them on the spot. The Roast of Iowa City is sponsored by Romantix\, who said they’ll be sending a box of “fun prizes for on-stage giveaways.” = \nThis is and always has been a free event\, but guests are encouraged to make a donation so Little Village can continue doing what they do (journalism\, etc.) well into our dystopian future.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/little-village-presents-roast-of-iowa-city-2/
LOCATION:ReUnion Brewery\, 113 E College St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:Iowa City Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LV.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251027T150533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T153534Z
UID:5114-1762606800-1762614000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Queer Writers’ Check In
DESCRIPTION:This group is for queer writers looking to build literary community together. Each session will include free writing\, discussion of works in progress\, and general literary support. Occasionally\, there will be guests and opportunities for trading work. The group will meet at PorchLight Literary Arts Center (1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City) and is co-hosted by Public Space One.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/queer-writers-check-in/2025-11-08/
LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/queer-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251107T153134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T153223Z
UID:5139-1763285400-1763292600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Writing from Stillness: A Workshop on Mindfulness\, Presence\, and Creative Clarity
DESCRIPTION:In her book Relational Mindfulness: A Handbook for Deepening Our Connection with Ourselves\, Each Other\, and the Planet\, Deborah Eden Tull writes that “Deep listening is an act of love. Listening to life as it unfolds moment by moment\, with our full presence\, is the essence of meditation.” In this workshop we’ll explore–through writing and mindfulness exercises– how paying close\, mindful attention to what’s around us\, and within us\, can enhance both our writing and our lived experience as creators. We’ll learn how mindful awareness can quiet the inner critic\, calm our hearts\, sharpen our powers of observation\, and deepen our writing practice. With the help of guided meditations and generative writing prompts\, participants will leave feeling more grounded\, open\, and creatively engaged. This workshop may be of benefit to writers\, professionals\, creatives\, journalers\, or anyone seeking clarity and calm through mindful writing. \nLink: This workshop is free but registration is required. \nInstructor Bio: \nStephen Pradarelli is the communications director for the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation\, a global Buddhist organization founded by Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2016\, he founded Winding Path Sangha\, which offers regular sitting and walking meditation opportunities. He’s a former journalist\, communications strategist\, crisis manager\, book editor\, essayist\, and fiction writer. He’s also a private pilot and loves reading\, hiking\, traveling\, and playing guitar.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/writing-from-stillness-a-workshop-on-mindfulness-presence-and-creative-clarity/
LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/writing-from-stillness.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251014T143441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T154940Z
UID:5107-1763301600-1763301600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:2025 Paul Engle Prize Ceremony Honoring Cole Swensen
DESCRIPTION:Cole Swensen has been named the 14th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize\, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. \nThe prize\, established in 2011\, honors an individual who\, like Paul Engle\, represents a pioneering spirit in the world of literature through writing\, editing\, publishing\, or teaching\, and whose active participation in the larger issues of the day has contributed to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. \nSwensen is a poet\, editor\, and translator\, who taught in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop from 2001 to 2012. She then taught at Brown University until her retirement in 2023. \nShe is the author of 20 collections of poetry\, including And And And\, a finalist for the Griffin Poetry Prize\, Art in Time\, Gravesend\, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award in Poetry; Goest\, a finalist for the National Book Award; Try\, winner of the Iowa Poetry Prize and the San Francisco State University Poetry Center Book Award; and New Math\, winner of the National Poetry Series. \nSwensen has translated more than 30 books of French poetry\, creative nonfiction\, and art criticism\, and won the 2024 National Translation Award from ALTA and the 2025 Stephen Mitchell Translation Prize. She was awarded a 2006 Guggenheim Fellowship and has been a writer-in-residence at Yale’s Beinecke Library\, the Pratt Institute\, and Temple University. Swensen was the founder and editor of La Presse\, an imprint of Fence Books that was dedicated to the translation of contemporary French poetry. \nSwensen will receive the award at a ceremony at 2 p.m. on November 16\, at the Coralville Public Library. Christopher Merrill will join Swensen in conversation. The event is free and open to the public. Book signing and reception to follow. \nThe Paul Engle Prize is made possible through the generous support of the City of Coralville\, which is home to 11 permanent sculptures with artistic and literary ties to Iowa. The sculptures all have ties to work found in The Iowa Writers’ Library\, housed in the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel\, which features about 800 books written by former students\, graduates and faculty of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. \nPaul Engle (October 12\, 1908 – March 22\, 1991)\, though best remembered as the long-time director of the Writers’ Workshop and co-founder with his wife\, Hualing Nieh Engle\, of the UI’s International Writing Program\, also was a well-regarded poet\, playwright\, essayist\, editor and critic. In 2000\, then-Gov. Tom Vilsack declared Engle’s birthday\, Oct. 12\, as “Paul Engle Day” in Iowa. \nPrevious winners of the prize are: James Alan McPherson\, Kwame Dawes\, Luis Alberto Urrea\, Roxane Gay\, Alexander Chee\, Dina Nayeri\, Toi Derricotte\, Cornelius Eady\, Dr. Eve L. Ewing\, Rebecca Solnit\, Joan Naviyuk Kane\, and Camille Dungy. Visit www.iowacityofliterature.org/paul-engle-day for more information about the prize and past winners.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/2025-paul-engle-prize-ceremony-honoring-cole-swensen/
LOCATION:Coralville Public Library\, 1401 5th St.\, Coralville\, IA\, 52241\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/swensen-2023-scaled-e1756829866798.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251009T154641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T174337Z
UID:5079-1763492400-1763492400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Paul Engle’s Community of Writers
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special conversation with Paul Engle’s daughter\, Mary Burge. Growing up during the early years of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop\, Mary witnessed its history firsthand and will share vivid stories from that time. She will be joined by her partner\, Will Boutelle\, the “boy next door” in Engle’s American Child sonnets\, who will also share memories and reflections. \nFeaturing special guest\, Reed Hagan\, winner of the 2025 Paul Engle Glory of the Senses High School Essay Contest. \nThis program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. \nPaul Engle (October 12\, 1908 – March 22\, 1991)\, was born in Cedar Rapids\, Iowa\, on October 12\, 1908\, and grew up in a frame house in the Wellington Heights area. After graduating from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids\, Engle attended Coe College and the University of Iowa where he was one of the first students to earn an advanced degree based on a thesis of creative work—a collection of poems.  His first published collection\, Worn Earth\, went on to win the Yale Series of Young Poets. His best-selling second book of poetry\, American Song\, was heralded on the cover of the New York Times Book Review in a headline declaring him “A New Voice in American Poetry”.  After Iowa\, Engle travelled as a Rhodes Scholar to Oxford University in England. \nThough Engle did not found the Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa\, he built its reputation as the top graduate writing program in the United States. During his tenure as director\, he was responsible for luring some of the finest writers of the day to Iowa City: Phillip Roth\, John Berryman\, Kurt Vonnegut\, and many other prominent novelists and poets served as faculty under Engle. Additionally\, Engle increased enrollment and oversaw numerous students of future fame and influence\, including Flannery O’Connor\, John Irving\, Raymond Carver\, William Stafford\, and Robert Bly. \nAfter directing the Writers’ Workshop for twenty-four years\, Engle and future-second-wife Nieh Hualing co-founded The University of Iowa’s International Writing Program\, which invited dozens of published authors from around the globe to visit the University of Iowa to write and collaborate. For their work with the IWP\, Engle and his wife were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976.  Engle died at the age of eighty-two\, having published fourteen books of poetry\, a novel\, a memoir\, and an opera libretto\, and his literary legacy lives on in the lives and works of those authors he helped to educate and inspire. \nIn 2000\, nearly a decade after his death\, Paul Engle was declared Iowa’s “Poet of the Century” and then-Governor Tom Vilsack declared that Engle’s birthday\, October 12th\, would hereafter be known as “Paul Engle Day” to honor this life of creativity\, mentorship\, and generosity. \nLearn more about Paul Engle by watching our documentary\, City of Literature\n\n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/paul-engles-utopian-community-of-writers/
LOCATION:Iowa City Public Library\, 123 S. Linn St.\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paul-Engle-Nov-18-Program.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251213T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251213T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251027T150533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T150533Z
UID:5144-1765630800-1765638000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Queer Writers’ Check In
DESCRIPTION:This group is for queer writers looking to build literary community together. Each session will include free writing\, discussion of works in progress\, and general literary support. Occasionally\, there will be guests and opportunities for trading work. The group will meet at PorchLight Literary Arts Center (1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City) and is co-hosted by Public Space One.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/queer-writers-check-in/2025-12-13/
LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/queer-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260110T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260110T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251027T150533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T150533Z
UID:5145-1768050000-1768057200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Queer Writers’ Check In
DESCRIPTION:This group is for queer writers looking to build literary community together. Each session will include free writing\, discussion of works in progress\, and general literary support. Occasionally\, there will be guests and opportunities for trading work. The group will meet at PorchLight Literary Arts Center (1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City) and is co-hosted by Public Space One.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/queer-writers-check-in/2026-01-10/
LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/queer-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260214T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260214T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20251027T150533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T150533Z
UID:5146-1771074000-1771081200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Queer Writers’ Check In
DESCRIPTION:This group is for queer writers looking to build literary community together. Each session will include free writing\, discussion of works in progress\, and general literary support. Occasionally\, there will be guests and opportunities for trading work. The group will meet at PorchLight Literary Arts Center (1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City) and is co-hosted by Public Space One.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/queer-writers-check-in/2026-02-14/
LOCATION:PorchLight Literary Arts Center\, 1019 E Washington St\, Iowa City\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/queer-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20230119T174519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T160259Z
UID:2317-1771668000-1771668000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Trains!
DESCRIPTION:Full steam ahead for Lego and BRIO train fun with Dan Daly. Stop in at MERGE on the pedmall and play all day! (136 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City\, next to the library and playground) \n🚂 Calling all train lovers & helpers! 🚂\nWe need 4 awesome volunteers to make Trains! at One Book Two Book extra magical. This is the event where kids get to explore a whole room full of Brio & LEGO train fun\, and YOU can help make it happen! \n✨ Volunteer roles we need:\n🔹 2 Track Builders — Help design & set up the tracks on Friday\, Feb. 20\n🔹 2 Train Assistants — Help kids\, keep things moving\, and spread the train joy on Saturday\, Feb. 21 \nNo experience necessary — just energy\, teamwork\, and a love of trains (or a willingness to learn 😉). \n🚆 Sign up to volunteer!\n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/trains/
LOCATION:MERGE\, 136 S Dubuque St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:One Book Two Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/trainset-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20231206T153801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T190252Z
UID:3340-1771668000-1771668000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Book Fair at One Book Two Book
DESCRIPTION:At FilmScene at The Chauncey \nJoin us for a celebration of children’s literature and writing! Books\, author readings\, writing workshops\, film screenings\, crafts\, costume characters\, and more! \nCoralville Public Library | Iowa City Public Library | Midwest Chinese Academy | PaperPie | Scattergood Friends School | Sidekick Coffee & Books | The Book End | The Iowa Children’s Museum | Toadally Awesome Pets | Willowwind School\n \n  \n\nSponsored by FilmScene
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/one-book-two-book/
LOCATION:FilmScene at The Chauncey\, 404 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:One Book Two Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Book-Fair-18.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20260202T182703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T183327Z
UID:5345-1771668000-1771668000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Jacqueline Briggs Martin: Turtles Heading Home
DESCRIPTION:Version 1.0.0\nThe waters around Cape Cod used to cool off gradually\, signaling to sea turtles that it was time to swim south. But now\, due to climate change\, the water stays warm too long and cools off too quickly\, making the turtles too cold to migrate. \nJoin author Jacqueline Briggs Martin as she reads from her latest book\, Turtles Heading Home. Learn about the efforts of conservationists as they rescue the turtles\, nurse them back to health\, and release them into warmer waters. The operation involves hundreds of people\, from the volunteers patrolling beaches\, to the veterinarians in the hospital\, to the pilots who fly the turtles south. All of them share the goal of helping save the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle—the most endangered sea turtle in the world. \nNote – There will be two readings at 10-10:30 a.m.\, and again 10:30-11 a.m. \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/jacqueline-briggs-martin-turtles-heading-home/2026-02-21/
LOCATION:FilmScene at The Chauncey\, 404 E College St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:One Book Two Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Turtles-Heading-Home.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T131852
CREATED:20240213T144945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T163833Z
UID:3423-1771668000-1771675200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Drop-in Illustration Workshop with Matt Laux
DESCRIPTION:Join an all-ages free draw with Iowa City artist Matt Laux. Matt is a father\, chef\, and artist\, inviting everyone to be creative and joyful. We will provide the paper and drawing tools\, you provide the creativity!
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/drop-in-illustration-workshop-with-matt-laux/
LOCATION:MERGE\, 136 S Dubuque St\, Iowa City\, IA\, 52240\, United States
CATEGORIES:One Book Two Book Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_6175-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR