It has been seven months since our Library Foundation launched Cedar Rapids’ Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In that time, more than 3,800 children have enrolled in this early literacy program and 170 children have received the graduation book for their 5th birthday. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an early literacy program providing free, age-appropriate books… View more
The Cedar Rapids Public Library invites the community to engage in discussions and dialogues about complex topics through a new series called “Reality Bites”. This participatory series involves learning, discussing, and sharing. “The program was designed to address salient issues in our community; like race, immigration, mental health, and politics,” said Victoria Fernandez, Patron… View more
Two-Way Conversions 7-27-18 5th Avenue SE downtown is now open to two-way traffic. The Union Pacific Railroad has completed the installation of new safety gates and crossing arms at the 4th Street railroad tracks on 5th Avenue. Work has also been completed on the underground storm sewer, pedestrian improvements, pavement restoration, and new pavement markings… View more
The Downtown Library is now accessible through 5th Avenue. The two-way conversion is complete on 5th Avenue and is nearly finished on 4th Avenue as well. Fifth street is still down to one lane accessible only from the 4th Avenue side for the time being. Thank you for your patience as we continue to monitor… View more
The Cedar Rapids Public Library will increase hours in both locations beginning Sunday, July 1, 2018. The Downtown Library will open from 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays. The Ladd Library will open an hour earlier, at 8 am, on Monday-Thursday. “We are very happy to be able to increase hours at both locations… View more
Two-Way Conversions Update 6-26-18 Progress continues around the Downtown Library as we near July. The intersection at 5th Avenue and 5th Street should open by the end of this week, however traffic can’t cross the railroad tracks until new signals and lights are up. Once 5th Avenue partially opens, 5th Street will close through the… View more
Two-Way Conversions Update from the City of Cedar Rapids 6-20-18 The Union Pacific Railroad continues to work on the installation of safety gates and crossing arms downtown. Gates and crossing arms on both sides of the roadway are necessary for two-way traffic flow. Below is a summary of the work currently taking place: 2nd Avenue… View more
Construction continues on the two-way conversion project in downtown Cedar Rapids. Beginning Monday, June 11, the Downtown Library will not be accessible via 5th Avenue. Patrons can access the parking lot through the entrance on 5th Street, but we ask you to be mindful of the traffic and construction. Access is limited to one car… View more
Union Pacific Railroad is scheduled to begin work on the installation of the 2nd Avenue railroad safety gates and crossing arms on Wednesday, May 30. 2nd Avenue will remain open at this time. Intermittent closures may occur as the project progresses on 2nd Avenue SE at the 4th Street railroad tracks. Residents can sign up… View more
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is daring YOU to connect with the community and keep learning all summer long. The 2018 Summer Dare is not your average summer reading program. It is an inter-generational summer learning program that challenges the entire community to get out, explore, learn, connect, and, of course, read. “Participating in a… View more