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Ada Van Vechten Window Rededication
In the 1890s Ada A. Van Vechten and other ladies in the community wanted to establish a public library in Cedar Rapids; however, the gentlemen felt that they had enough libraries available and a public library was not necessary. Mrs. Van Vechten discovered that women were able to vote in bond issues. She helped rally the ladies in the community and a bond issue passed to establish a public library. Usage of the new library grew rapidly and after the turn of the century Mrs. Van Vechten turned her attention to Andrew Carnegie who was donating money for libraries all over the country. Her efforts were fruitful with the Carnegie Foundation donating money for a new public library that opened in 1905. Unfortunately, Mrs. Van Vechten died a short time after the library opened. She was mourned by a grateful city. Her friends and admirers collected money for a stained glass window that was dedicated on February 2, 1907 (her birthday). The window was the one architectural feature that was moved to the current library facility in 1985. The window was rededicated on Sunday, February 4, 2007. 
Local Historian Mark Hunter At the Van Vechten window rededication on February 4, local historian Mark Hunter presented information about Ada A. Van Vechten and her role in the establishment of free library service in Cedar Rapids to an attentive audience. 
Friends Founding Members On Sunday, February 4, Friends President Rochelle Holcomb (from left) presented certificates of appreciation to founding Friends members William Shuttleworth, Nancy McHugh, Barbara Waychoff, and Phyllis Fleming while Library Director Lori Barkema looks on. 
Van Vechten Window The Ada A. Van Vechten window sheds light on the staircase at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The window was originally dedicated on February 2, 1907, and placed in the former library at 500 First St. SE. Donated by her friends and admirers, the window reflects Mrs. Van Vechten’s love of nature and plants. More information about Ada Van Vechten can be found on the Library's site by clicking on the stained glass image at the top of the page or here. |