Big News for Iowa City

Iowa City has been named the 3rd City of Literature in the world by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), following Edinburgh, Scotland and Melbourne, Australia.

According to UNESCO, "this University town’s unique profile as a creative writing and reading centre with impressive history of literary accomplishments. The community’s strategic commitment to literary culture through the diversity of grassroots initiatives, such as the Iowa’s Writers Workshop and the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, was highly regarded as an instructional model and inspiration for other small cities to promote local economic and socio-cultural development through creative industries."

Congratulations to our city!

Though not much of a partygoer, Nierme would love it if you would come and rub that one spot under her ear in celebration of her fourth birthday. Dangling shoelaces, crumpled paper balls, and other games would also be lovely, but mostly, she needs some serious admiration. We mustn't let her think that Logan is the only one with a fan club!

Nobel Prize in Literature 2008

Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio is the Nobel Laureate in Literature for 2008.

In 2008, the Haunted Bookshop celebrates thirty years of serving the Iowa City community. Share your memories!

The Haunted Bookshop opened for the first time on October 16, 1978, under the ownership of Rok and Jan Williams (now of Northside). Come and help us celebrate thirty years of purveying fine books, providing tea and stories, and full-contact bibliophilia!

Yale Younger Poets Prize 2008

The Yale Younger Poets Prize was awarded to a University of Iowa Writer's Workshop graduate this year. Arda Collins' The Waker's Corridor was chosen by Prize judge Louise Gluck.

National Book Critics Circle Award Winners 2007

The award for Best Novel was presented to Junot Dias for The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

The Poetry Prize was awarded to Mary Jo Bang for Elegy.