Looking for…. ?
Our Mission
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.
Our Vision
The Cedar Rapids Public Library exists to impact our community and transform its quality of life through education, civic engagement, the arts, and entertainment.
Our Values
Freedom
Our Library is committed to the free and open exchange of ideas.
“He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.”
Community
Our Library is for everyone. You are welcome here.
“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.”
Creativity
Our Library is on a journey toward inspired products and relevant services.
“And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.”
Fun
Our Library is serious about art, entertainment, and recreational experiences that are essential in making life worth living.
“I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, natural history and naval architecture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, tapestry, and porcelain.”