*** Note: This letter has been updated to reflect current July (“post-flood”) information. The most important change is that ALL ORIENTATIONS WILL NOW BE HELD IN THE OLD CAPITOL MUSEUM, located near the intersection of Clinton and Iowa.
Dear Writer,
Here in Iowa City, we are preparing for the 22nd Iowa Summer Writing Festival. Every day we hear from writers across the map, and as registrations come in, we’re starting to see the contours of a lively community in 2008. We think you’ll find yourself in good company.
This letter should provide the advance information you’ll need to make your visit to campus a smooth one. We’ve included information about airport transportation services, computer availability on campus, photocopying, housing facilities, and a campus map. Be sure to bring it with you. The letter from your instructor(s) included here confirms your registration in your workshop(s). Later you will receive a receipt of your payment from the University of Iowa Center for Conferences.
Registration for Weeklong Sessions
Weeklong sessions begin on Sunday evening with registration in the Old Capitol Museum. Please plan to arrive between 6:30–7:15 p.m. We will provide a light dinner, and you’ll have the chance to begin to meet other writers. At 7:30 p.m. we hold a general orientation. The Sunday night session is the official beginning of your workshop, and it is essential that you attend. After orientation, we will move to Schaeffer Hall and Maclean Hall, where classes are held. Your workshop leader will make assignments for Monday’s workshop and for the rest of the week. The letter from your workshop leader included here should provide more specific information about preparing for your class. (Note: latecomers go directly to the lobby of Schaeffer Hall.)
Weeklong workshops will meet for at least three hours every afternoon, Monday through Friday. You will also have a 20-30 minute individual conference with your workshop leader sometime during the week. Workshop ends at approximately 5:30 Friday evening.
Registration for Weekend Sessions
Weekend sessions begin on Saturday morning with registration and a continental breakfast in the Old Capitol Museum. Please arrive between 8:30–9:15 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. we will conduct a brief general orientation. We will introduce the workshop leaders, distribute materials, and discuss the general schedule for the weekend. After orientation, we will move to the English-PhilosophyBuilding, where classes are held. We plan to get you into your workshop immediately following orientation. It is important that you arrive promptly. (Note: latecomers go directly to the lobby of Schaeffer Hall.)
Weekend workshops will meet for at least eight hours over the two-day period and end by 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Getting To Iowa City
BY AIR: The Eastern Iowa Regional Airport (CID) is located in Cedar Rapids, about twenty miles north of Iowa City. Airport Shuttle Service (1-800-725-8460 or 319-337-2340) charges $35 each way or $65round-trip between the airport and Iowa City, with a $5 additional charge for each additional person going to the same destination. Their counter is located by baggage claim in the airport. They require at least one day advance notice. To make reservations, call or visit them on-line at Marco’s Taxi (319-337-8294) charges $30 each way and will waive their $5 additional charge for additional passengers if you mention you’re participating in the Festival. The Yellow Cab Company (319-338-9777) charges $35.50each way, with a $3 additional charge for each additional person.Black and Gold Cab (319-88-1976) charges $35 each way with no additional fees.
The Quad City International Airport (MLI) is located in Moline, Illinois approximately 65 miles from Iowa City. Greyhound Bus service is available between Moline and Iowa City.
BY BUS: The Greyhound Bus comes directly into town. The terminal is located at the corner of Court and Dubuque Streets (170 E. Court St.), in downtown Iowa City.
BY CAR: Iowa City is just south if Interstate 80. Take the Dubuque St. Exit, #244. Dubuque Street will bring you directly into the heart of campus and downtown Iowa City.
***Note: If the Dubuque St. Exit is closed due to flooding, take Exit #246 (Dodge Street) which is 2 miles to the east. Once you’ve taken Exit 246, turn south off the ramp onto Dodge Street and take it into town. Stay on Dodge Street all the way to Market Street—a little over 2 miles. Turn right onto Market Street—it’s a one way—and continue on Market 3 blocks to Gilbert Street, where there is a stop light. Turn left onto Gilbert and go 2 blocks to Iowa Avenue. Take a right onto Iowa Avenue and drive three blocks. The Old Capitol Building, with its signature gold dome, will be directly in front of you. The Old Capitol Museum is located inside. Park at any metered space on Iowa Avenue or a side street.
BY TRAIN: There is Amtrak service to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, 50 miles from Iowa City.
Parking
There is a parking rampabout 2 blocks from the Old Capitol Mall—on Clinton Street at the corner of Clinton and Burlington. This lots and nearby city parking ramps are highlighted on the enclosed map. Parking meters on campus are strictly monitored, including nights and weekends. Any tickets you receive are your responsibility.
Computing/Printing
A laptop computer is not required for workshop, but if you have one, we encourage you to bring it. Festival participants may use computing centers (called ITCs) on campus, though hours are limited. University computing centers provide Windows and Macintosh equipment as well as general software such as Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer. Printing is available at a cost of five cents per page. To print your work in University computing centers, you must purchase a printer card, which we will have available at orientation.If you plan to use computers and/or printers on campus, we strongly recommend you store your work on a USB flash drive (jump drive, pen drive, thumb drive, etc.). This is the easiest way to transfer files to and among University equipment. We will include a list of computing center locations in your orientation packet. If you have questions about computing on campus, please contact the computing Help Desk at 319-384-4357 and mention you’re visiting the University as part of the Festival.
Photocopying Your Work
You will be responsible for making photocopies of your work for the other members of your group. Your instructor’s letter will tell you specifically what you should bring. Typically, photocopies are made in advance for distribution at the first workshop session. Please bring at least 13 copies. If it turns out that there are fewer than 12 people in your group, we encourage you to share your extra copies with members of other workshops. Copy facilities are extremely limited on weekends. It’s a good idea to make your copies in advance and bring them to your first class meeting.
The Climate
While Iowa can get quite warm and muggy in summer, the University is generous (exuberant even) with the air-conditioning. It’s a good idea to pack a sweater for workshop.
Activities
Activities at the Festival have been designed to encourage participants to talk about and share their writing. In addition to the Monday night reception, we hope you’ll take the opportunity to get to know other participants by joining us for coffee at Capanna (across from the Sheraton’s main entrance, next to the Iowa Public Library) each weekday morning. The Elevenses Series, Monday through Friday mornings, features presentations and discussions on a variety of topics of interest to writers. On Wednesday nights (Saturday night for weekend sessions) we host an Open Mike, which is your chance to share your work with other writers. The week-long session ends on Friday evening with a farewell dinner for participants.
Iowa City and The University of Iowa provide numerous literary and recreational activities outside of the Festival. Prairie Lights, a local bookstore and traditional gathering place (see map, Dubuque St.), holds a summer reading series that includes both Festival faculty and other outstanding contemporary voices. Other literary events, as well as a wellspring of literary resources, can be found on The Writing University webpage. That address is
More information about scheduling, activities, recreational facilities, and other Iowa City resources will be provided at your orientation meeting. You may also want to peruse our area visitor’s bureau online at as well as our University arts calendar at If you have immediate questions about your visit to campus and Iowa City, don’t hesitate to call us at (319) 335-4160.
We look forward to seeing you in Iowa City!
Sincerely,
Amy MargolisCaryl PagelJeanne Stoakes
DirectorProgram AssistantProgram Secretary
Housing
***Note: Both the Iowa House and the Heartland Inn will be closed for the remainder of the summer due to flooding.
We suggest you make your housing arrangements as early as possible.
Please consult the enclosed map to locate the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), the Iowa House (in the IMU), and the Sheraton. This map features the downtown area and the buildings in which we hold Festival events. You’ll receive a more complete area map when you arrive.
The Sheraton Hotel (319-337-4058)is adjacent to Iowa City’s pedestrian mall, in the heart of downtown and about three blocks uphill from our Festival classrooms. If you’re coming into Iowa City from I-80, take the Dubuque Street Exit, #244. Follow Dubuque Street as far as it will go, turn left on Washington Street (you have no choice), go one block, and turn right onto Linn Street. Go two blocks to Burlington Street, and turn right. You’ll see a sign for the entrance to the Sheraton part way down the block. The parking lot for the Sheraton (free for hotel guests) is located on Burlington Street. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.; check-out is 12:00 noon.
Iowa City and Coralville also offer a wide range of B&B’s as well as a number of other motels and hotels. You can find these at If you are interested in camping, you may want to check the state parks homepage at
The Iowa House (319-335-3513) is located in the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) on the University of Iowa Campus, less than one block from our Festival classrooms. If you’re coming into Iowa City from I-80, take the Dubuque Street Exit, #244. Take Dubuque Street to Market Street and turn right. Follow Market Street to the bottom of the hill, turn left, go one block, and you will see the sign for the IMU. The Iowa House entrance is on the west end of the IMU, near the river. The Iowa House desk will direct you to the parking ramp for that facility, where guests may park for free. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m.; check-out is 12:00 noon.
The Heartland Inn (319-351-8132) is in Coralville, about 1.5 miles from our Festival classrooms. If you’re coming into town from I-80, take the 1st Avenue South Exit, #242. Continue south on 1st Avenue until you reach 2nd Street. The Heartland is on the corner of 1st Avenue and 2nd Street (Highway 6), on your left. The large parking lot adjacent to the Heartland is free. The Heartland will provide free shuttle service to the Iowa Memorial Union for Festival registrations—Saturday mornings 8:15 a.m.–9:30 a.m. for weekend sessions, and Sunday evenings 6:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. for week-long sessions. Some additional, limited shuttle service is available. Check-in time at the Heartland is 3:00 p.m.; check-out is 11:00 a.m.