CPals
Community Pathways to Access Literacy
“To build a community that identifies literacy as a pathway to strengthen relationships with oneself and others.”
Initiatives (click to learn more)
Reading Volunteer
The library proudly connects dedicated volunteers with young readers, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to foster meaningful reading experiences. Volunteers create enriching moments of connection through listening and reading materials together.
All volunteers receive training provided by the library to ensure a supportive and engaging experience. Reading sessions typically take place in schools or care centers, where volunteers help cultivate a love of literature and build community through shared stories.
CPals Reader Recommendations
This community-wide initiative invites Clarinda residents to share their favorite books and inspire others to read.
As part of the program, participants can display custom yard signs, turning front lawns into literary landmarks. These signs spark curiosity, encourage conversations, and help build a stronger, more connected community through the love of reading.
Free Little Libraries
Free Little Libraries are small, community-based book exchanges typically placed in front yards or public gathering spots. They offer a simple and welcoming way for people to take a book or leave a book—completely free of charge.
Each Free Little Library costs approximately $200 to set up, making it an affordable and impactful way to promote literacy, sharing, and neighborhood connection.
Classroom Libraries
This program empowers community members to help build vibrant, literacy-rich classroom libraries. By donating books or funds, supporters provide students with access to diverse, engaging reading materials that foster a love of learning, boost literacy skills, and create inclusive spaces where every child feels seen and inspired.
Book Clubs
This program invites people of all ages to join, start, and share book clubs in their neighborhoods, schools, or libraries. By connecting readers through shared stories and meaningful discussions, the initiative fosters literacy, builds community, and encourages lifelong learning. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just getting started, there’s a place for you to explore new books and new perspectives together.
Book Bike
Our book bike bring books directly into neighborhoods, making reading more accessible and visible. They spark curiosity, encourage spontaneous reading, and connect communities with free books, promoting literacy in a fun, mobile, and inclusive way.
If you’d like the Book Bike to stop by at your event, give us a call at 712-542-2416.
Student Library Cards
This program works with our local schools to make it easy for parents to get library cards for their students.
Contact School Office to Learn More >
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program available to children birth through age 4 living in and around Clarinda. Your child’s first gift will be a free copy of The Little Engine That Could delivered to their home. After that, your child will receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book every month until the month of their 5th birthday or they move out of the area.
Donation
Your donation helps power a range of community-driven literacy initiatives—from building classroom libraries and stocking Free Little Libraries to launching book clubs and rolling out book bikes. It also funds training for reading volunteers who connect with young readers, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Every dollar expands access to books, fosters a love of reading, and strengthens connections through shared stories. Together, we’re building a more literate, inclusive, and inspired community.