The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation secures resources in order to enhance and enrich library programs, services, and facilities not normally met by public funding.
Vision
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation advocates for and provides a reliable and growing funding source so that the library may impact our community and transform its quality of life through education, civic engagement, the arts, and entertainment. (adopted 5/2011)
Purpose
Together with the Friends of the Library volunteer group, the Foundation is the vehicle for private support of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. For nearly 35 years, the Foundation has provided the Library with funds that are used to enhance
Public funds support a strong library system; private funds elevate the library to a premier level.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation as cash gifts, deferred gifts, insurance policies, and bequests. Gifts may be made to either the restricted or unrestricted endowment funds. Click here to make a gift online.
A gift to the Foundation is an investment in the future of Cedar Rapids and Linn County, ensuring that the tools of learning will be available to all. A free, public library is the hallmark of a democratic society. Download a printable donation form.
History
Established in 1972, the Foundation was reorganized in 1980 to help finance a new building. The Foundation Board of Directors secured a $6.8 million contribution from the Hall Perrine Foundation with the stipulation that the City of Cedar Rapids provide a site and the Foundation raise $1 million. A successful fund raising campaign exceeded the goal.
Since the 1985 opening of the 1st street building, the Foundation has assisted the Library in its mission to promote literacy, develop superior collections, and expand technological services. Now, the Foundation will help rebuild this beloved institution - the "people's university".
Flood of 2008
The Cedar Rapids Public Library was among the thousands of homes, businesses, civic facilities and nonprofits in the city’s downtown and surrounding areas devastated by the June 2008 flood. The Foundation is spearheading the Library 3.0 capital campaign to build a new Cedar Rapids Public Library in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Click here to learn more about Library 3.0.
In the meantime, the community is enjoying a broad array of library services at the CRPL West at Westdale Mall and the Downtown storefront location. The Foundation office is located across the hall from CRPL West alongside other Library administrative offices at Westdale Mall.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Current members of the Foundation Board of Directors.
For more information, please contact:
Katie Geiken
Executive Director
Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation
2600 Edgewood Rd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Office: 319.739.0411
WESTDALE MALL
2600 Edgewood Rd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319.398.5123
HOURS
M-F 9am-9pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 1pm-5pm
DOWNTOWN
221 3rd St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319.363.3286
HOURS
M-F 9am-5pm
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