#Educational

Books for Understanding Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

A reading list to better understand the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, from examinations of past conflicts to more current events.

The Book That Inspired the Harlem Renaissance

Many credit a particular book with ushering in the Harlem Renaissance, especially as it related to literature. That book: Cane by Jean Toomer.

The Science and Recent History of Bookstore Design

There are myriad online options for book buying. So what goes into the physicality of bookstores to make them appealing to book buyers?

The Strange History of the Oddest Title of the Year

A brief look at the Bookseller/Diagram Prize of the Oddest Title of the Year with interviews with winners of 2021 and 2020.

When Do Kids Start Reading?

Most kids start reading between the ages of 4 and 7, but there are many additional factors that actually impact when kids start reading.

The Cost of Reading: The Book Industry’s Carbon Footprint

How much do print books contribute to climate change? Are ebooks better for the environment than paper books? Here are the answers.

How To Find Out About Trending Books

If you want to stay on top of the trending books everyone is reading, here are the best ways to do it, as recommended by a book professional.

7 Facts About Zora Neale Hurston You Didn’t Know

You may think you know Zora Neale Hurston, but do you really? Get to know her better with these seven facts about her life.

How Did Iowa City Become the First UNESCO City of Literature in the United States?

How Iowa City earned its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, the first in the Americas and third ever overall.

Improve Your Reading Skills With These Online Classes

If you'd like to improve your reading while retaining comprehension, these classes cover poetry, the classics, short stories, and more.