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2025 Iowa City Book Festival set for Oct. 5-12

Posted on June 3, 2025 by unesco-ic

The 17th annual Iowa City Book Festival will be held Oct. 5-12, 2025, at locations throughout downtown and beyond. It will showcase a dynamic mix of original events and collaborative […]

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Protecting our Literary Resources and Institutions Requires Action

Posted on May 7, 2025 by unesco-ic

May 7 is Johnson County Great Give Day! Join us to raise awareness and funds for our local nonprofit organizations! #JoCoGreatGiveDay You can support the City of Literature by donating […]

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Cedar Falls student named new Iowa Student Poet Ambassador

Posted on April 15, 2025 by unesco-ic

Literary representatives from across the state have selected award-winning young writer and poet Daniel Somotochukwu Umemezie as the 2025-26 Iowa Student Poet Ambassador (ISPA). Chosen from a highly talented pool […]

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MusicIC Festival presents PENELOPE on April 26

Posted on March 10, 2025 by unesco-ic

Tickets are now available! ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY: Music and literature festival will feature Grammy-nominated artist Shara Nova in the contemporary multimedia song cycle, Penelope, written by Sarah Kirkland Snider and […]

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Comic book cats tell story of protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage

Posted on February 24, 2025 by unesco-ic

“Marisel and Panna Kota are ordinary cats which lived a carefree and peaceful life in the unusual Odesa Museum, better known in Ukraine as the Bleshchunov House. 24/02/2022 is the […]

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A statement on anti-library legislation in Iowa

Posted on February 23, 2025 by unesco-ic
A block that reads "Statement on anti-library legislation: If this legislation is enacted, the cost is immense. A significant portion of adult literature, books written by University of Iowa graduates, bestsellers, and award-winning titles, will no longer be purchased by Iowa’s public libraries and no longer accessible to Iowans. Libraries and the cities they serve will be pulled into court to defend materials that some individuals see as “obscene.” Iowa librarians will no longer share best practices and evolve their library services to better meet the needs of their communities, knowledge gained through professional organizations."

A statement from the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization regarding anti-library legislation pending in the Iowa Legislature: For almost 90 years, Iowa City stood at the forefront of […]

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Top student writers honored at One Book Two Book Festival

Posted on February 5, 2025 by unesco-ic

The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization’s annual One Book Two Book Children’s Literature Festival will recognize the creative excellence of 28 area students as it offers a day […]

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Writer reflects on time spent in Nanjing for residency

Posted on December 9, 2024 by unesco-ic
A woman sits on a bench in front of shelves of books.

Yamila Transtenvot, who recently moved from Iowa City to Argentina, took part in the Nanjing International Writers Residency in October and November. The residency brought writers from six Cities of […]

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Cities of Literature highlight SDGs with social media campaign

Posted on November 27, 2024 by unesco-ic

As they do annually, several UNESCO Cities of Literature will raise awareness about the United Nations’ 2030 Strategic Development Goals with the social media campaign, “17 Books for the 17 […]

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Slam-O-Vision 2024 final to stream Dec. 12

Posted on November 25, 2024 by unesco-ic

On Thursday, Dec. 12, slam poets from 14 UNESCO Cities of Literature will compete in the Slamovision Grand Finale’s 6th year. Manchester City of Literature is hosting Slamovision for the […]

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Recent Posts

  • 2025 Iowa City Book Festival set for Oct. 5-12
  • Protecting our Literary Resources and Institutions Requires Action
  • Cedar Falls student named new Iowa Student Poet Ambassador
  • MusicIC Festival presents PENELOPE on April 26
  • Comic book cats tell story of protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage

Our Mission

To build and support diverse communities of writers and audiences through the transformative power of story.

Our Vision

We lead by inclusion and collaboration, celebrating the emotions, discovery and connections inspired by the written word in all its forms.

Our Values

• Collaboration: we engage in complementary and cooperative work.
• Community: we foster inclusive engagement to create connection locally and globally.
• Creativity: we seek, engage, and support innovation.

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