Central Iowa town library cancels book club over "This Book Is Gay"
BONDURANT — Opposition from a large group of parents, and the city’s mayor, over a book about being gay prompted this town’s community library to cancel a planned book club for sixth- through eighth-graders (Iowa Public Radio). “This Book is Gay,” by author Juno Dawson, was supposed to be the subject of the book club meeting Tuesday. But IPR reports that parents spoke out against the book Monday, prompting the gathering to be cancelled. “This Book is Gay,” which tackles several LGBTQ+ topics including some sex education, has been the subject of attempted book bans in Iowa City and Sioux City; Tampa, Fl.; Siloam Springs, Ark.; Brookfield, Wis.; and Houston County, Ala., reports Marshall Libraries. The controversy arises as the Iowa Legislature ponders two bills that would restrict libraries’ autonomy or restrict student access to them.
Growing encampment, fires in recreation area raise concern
IOWA CITY — A growing homeless encampment in a popular recreation area has led to four vegetation fires in less than six months, possibly caused by lithium batteries or propane tanks (KCRG). The encampment is located in an area of the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area known as Mesquakie Park and includes up to 18 people who have either lived there for years, or who relocated there after an encampment outside of Iowa City’s Shelter House homeless shelter was disbursed. Some government officials have said that Iowa City needs to provide at least 300 housing units to help unhoused people in the area find stability, KCRG reports. Meanwhile, organizations including Iowa City Mutual Aid are providing the encampment with supplies like propane and food.
Apply for transitional housing in Muscatine starting April 1
MUSCATINE — A new transitional housing complex with 21 apartments for people seeking to stabilize out of homelessness will begin accepting applications April 1 (WQAD). The Reis Harbor Apartments, dedicated Thursday, will also offer mental health services, addiction education, case management and peer support groups to people seeking to transition out of homelessness. The project is managed by the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCAS) and is named after Sister Irma Reis, an early leader of the nonprofit. QCNews24 says more than 30 people have already expressed interest in the apartments. MCAS will begin accepting applications April 1, with move-ins starting later in the month. To inquire about apartment rentals ofered through MCAS, ​call 563-264-3278 or email mcsa@mcsaiowa.org.
