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🌱 Patch AM: How tiny book boxes are reshaping Iowa City neighborhood connections

Also, don't miss Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Iowa City Patch calendar

Wednesday September 23rd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Iowa City! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How tiny book boxes are reshaping Iowa City neighborhood connections
  • Will Iowa City's new bike barriers really make streets safer?
  • How Iowa City schools are responding after the Lake Macbride tragedy

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Is there anybody completely useless? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Iowa City Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Iowa City Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Iowa City.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Turning cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 68, low: 58.
  • Friday: Considerable cloudiness, with a high of 68 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. How Little Free Libraries connect Iowa City neighborhoods through literature (dailyiowan.com) — Little Free Libraries are popping up across Iowa City neighborhoods, giving residents easy, walkable access to free books and a new way to connect with neighbors. Local advocates and the Iowa City Public Library say these tiny, often creatively designed book boxes complement downtown services while reflecting each neighborhood's tastes. Residents describe frequent visits, strong book selections, and a growing sense of community pride.
   

2. IC installs bike lane barriers, biking community responds positively (dailyiowan.com) — New protected bike lane barriers on Dodge and Governor streets are now in place, giving Iowa City cyclists more separation from traffic and testing how the city can maintain this kind of infrastructure. The $144,000 pilot adds curb-style dividers, flexible posts, and a floating bus stop, while raising questions about snow removal and long-term upkeep. Local biking groups are optimistic it will boost safety and ridership.
   

3. Iowa City school district issues statement on incident at Lake Macbride (1630kcjj.com) — Iowa City Community School District is responding after a tragic water rescue during a Borlaug Elementary fifth-grade School of the Wild field trip at Macbride Nature Recreation Area near Lake Macbride. The district is working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, has canceled future School of the Wild trips, and is providing counselors and extra support at Borlaug Elementary for affected students and staff.
   

4. Iowa City man accused of violating probation by being intoxicated at work (1630kcjj.com) — A 41-year-old Iowa City man on probation for harassment, burglary, domestic assault, and child endangerment is accused of violating his terms by being intoxicated at work. After Coralville Police and Hope House staff documented a high breath-alcohol level, he was charged with Public Intoxication and returned to Johnson County Jail on $13,000 bond. A non-jury trial is scheduled for January 13.
   

5. Iowa City man arrested after search warrant reportedly turns up illegal substance (1630kcjj.com) — Police arrested a 53-year-old Iowa City man Monday evening after serving a search warrant on his vehicle and Heinz Road residence. Officers say they recovered more than 40 grams of marijuana, THC gummies, and packaging materials, and allege he resisted exiting his vehicle. He now faces charges including Failure to Affix Drug Stamp and Interference with Official Acts.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Happy Fall, Everyone!
    Here's a poem to welcome it in! Autumn by Edgar Albert Guest The leaves are falling one by one, The Summer days are past and gone, The nights are… (Nextdoor Far Eastside)
  • Responsive, reliable and affordable.
    Is there anything else you need. He knows his stuff!! (Nextdoor American Legion Township)
  • Pizza Hut - Flynn Group posted a job opening for Team Member in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Aramark posted a job opening for Catering Services Supervisor - University of Iowa Premium in Iowa City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Iowa City here.

Ok Iowa City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: No because they can always be used as a bad example! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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