BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature - ECPv5.16.1.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251011T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251213T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251213T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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:20260403T142512
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260127T155715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T155856Z
UID:5273-1771668000-1771686000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Snapshots Cover Contest
DESCRIPTION:Kids\, this is your chance to make snapshots extra special! Everyone’s art will get a spot in the magazine\, but one person will get to be our cover — and it could be you! \nsnapshots is the University of Iowa’s literary magazine for children! The journal is written\, produced\, edited\, and published by undergraduate/graduate students enrolled at the University of Iowa. \n\n \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/snapshots-cover-contest/
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/2026/01/Snapshots.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T103000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260202T182703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T182703Z
UID:5353-1771669800-1771669800@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/2026-02-21/2/
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:20260221T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260123T154039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T183620Z
UID:5254-1771669800-1771673400@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Slither\, Stick\, and Scribble: Writing with Reptiles
DESCRIPTION:  \nHave you ever wondered what it’s like to chase your dinner up a wall? Or see heat? Or smell with your tongue? Join us to interact with live reptiles\, learn how they experience the world\, then explore your ideas through the very human act of creative writing. Prepare to slither and scribble with a bearded dragon\, a black and white tegu\, a Russian tortoise\, some crested geckos\, and a couple of snakes! \nRecommended for grades 1-6. Please register ahead if your child plans to attend so we can get a sense of numbers. Walk-ins are always welcome! Only children who will participate need to register—parents or caregivers attending do not need to register. \nLoading… \nBrought to you by Extant Relatives and Iowa City Poetry in partnership with the One Book Two Book Festival.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/reptiles/
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/2026/01/lizard-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20230217T192654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T170108Z
UID:2397-1771671600-1771671600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Sing-Along
DESCRIPTION:The Iowa Children’s Museum Sing Along will feature creature sounds\, animal songs and dancing for the whole family!
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/sing-a-long/
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/2023/02/Sing-Along-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260202T164949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T165031Z
UID:5339-1771671600-1771671600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:The Big Picture show presents: ICE AGE
DESCRIPTION:Free for Kids! Adult Admission $5!  \nTwenty-thousand years ago\, Earth is a wondrous\, prehistoric world filled with great danger\, not the least of which is the beginning of the Ice Age. To avoid really bad frostbite\, the planet’s majestic creatures—and a few small\, slothful ones—begin migrating south as we follow our sub-zero heroes: a woolly mammoth (Ray Romano)\, a saber-toothed tiger (Dennis Leary) \, a sloth (John Leguizamo) and a prehistoric combination of a squirrel and rat that is known as Scrat (Chris Wedge). \nAbout the Series \n\nThe Picture Show family and children’s series is an ongoing series featuring the best in all ages programming\, selected from the past century of cinema. Parents can revel in beloved classics and kids make new discoveries. On weekends\, each film is preceded by a media literacy lesson to help children understand the images and sounds they encounter every day. Kids can pick up their Picture Show Passport to collect stickers at every show and redeem them for concessions treats or a free t-shirt!
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/the-big-picture-show-presents-ice-age/
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/ice-age-poster-1080x1600-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260114T194130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T190557Z
UID:5221-1771671600-1771686000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Local Children’s Book Author Fair
DESCRIPTION:Join us as local children’s book authors share their newest stories\, answer questions\, and sign books. Explore each author’s table\, where a variety of books for young readers will be available for purchase. \nSandra Rhea | Allison Ward | Michelle Gillitzer | Ashlyn Solinsky | Breanna Ferry | Nalina Siva\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/local-childrens-book-author-fair/
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/2026/01/Local-Author-Book-Fair.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20230119T171055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T170940Z
UID:2312-1771675200-1771675200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Book Character Meet & Greet
DESCRIPTION:Bring your camera and snap a picture with Clifford and Frog & Toad
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/book-character-meet-greet-2/
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/2023/01/characters-2026-II.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260128T175511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T175511Z
UID:5288-1771677000-1771686000@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Toadally Awesome Pets Presents An Amphibian Open House
DESCRIPTION:Hop on over to meet some of the coolest frogs\, toads\, and salamanders around! Join Toadally Awesome Pets’ Mobile Amphibian Education Center for a hands-on open house where kids and families can explore the amazing world of amphibians up close. You’ll get to see and touch a variety of live amphibians on display\, learn fun facts about what makes each species special\, and discover why these creatures are so important to our ecosystems.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/toadally-awesome-pets-presents-an-amphibian-open-house/
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/2026/01/South-Union-Toad-Day-1-26-26-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20230217T191935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T153754Z
UID:2394-1771678800-1771680600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join your favorite librarians for a very special storytime! \n 
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/libraries-storytime/
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/2023/02/Library-storytime.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20260220T165737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T165901Z
UID:5395-1771680600-1771680600@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Lunar New Year Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join Midwest Chinese Academy for a festive Lunar New Year storytime! Enjoy a heartwarming Chinese New Year story about family reunion and learn how to say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin. Perfect for curious young learners and families!
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/lunar-new-year-storytime/
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/istockphoto-2217546349-612x612-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20230119T170816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T171241Z
UID:2309-1771682400-1771684200@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Book Character Meet & Greet
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nBring your camera and snap a picture with Clifford and Frog & Toad!
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/book-character-meet-greet/
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/2023/01/characters-2026-II.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T142512
CREATED:20230112T164042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T165720Z
UID:2296-1771765200-1771768800@www.iowacityofliterature.org
SUMMARY:Write Out Loud Student Award Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Students in grades 1 through 8 in Corridor area districts have been invited to submit writing to One Book Two Book! Those submissions are evaluated by a team at ACT in Iowa City. Grade-level winners will be selected in two categories: \n\nThe Write Stuff\, which is judged based on language\, clarity\, structure\, and emotional impact.\nFrom the Heart\, judged based on creativity\, passion\, and expressiveness.\n\nRecognized students will read their winning submissions at “Write Out Loud\,” a special award ceremony Sunday\, February 22\, at 1 p.m. in Macbride Auditorium\, on the campus of the University of Iowa. In addition\, a percentage of all students whose submissions were deemed to be of outstanding quality also will be honored with a “certificate of distinction.” All recognized students will receive certificates and prizes at the event. The grade-level prize winners will have their work published in a booklet available at the festival.
URL:https://www.iowacityofliterature.org/event/write-out-loud-student-award-ceremony/
LOCATION:Macbride Auditorium\, 17 N. Clinton 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/TheWriteStuff-3-used.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR