Library Closed May 3

Both locations of the Cedar Rapids Public Library will be closed on Friday, May 3, for all-staff training.

Westside Library Project

Westside Library Rendering Outside

The new Westside Library will be a bustling community hub, offering a larger selection of materials, more spaces to gather and connect, dedicated children’s program space, and more.  

Thanks to a generous gift made to the Library Foundation in 2020, the library is building a permanent Westside Library to replace the current Ladd Library, which is in a leased facility. The Foundation secured land for the project near the corner of Wiley Blvd and 20th Avenue SW, within walking distance of the current Ladd Library. The site will be developed to include a new City Park, making it a destination for the entire community to enjoy.  

Support the Campaign

Open House

The final Westside Library Open House will be held on Monday, March 25, from 4 pm - 6 pm in the Community Room at the Ladd Library. Library staff and architects will be available to share renderings of the new library design and answer questions. 

Proposed Floor Plan

Proposed Floor plan for Westside Library

Proposed Site Plan

Rendering of possible new park design

Frequently Asked Questions

The project committee and architects are designing a welcoming, accessible library that fits the neighborhood and the community it serves. 

The new library will include: 

  • Square footage will increase from 28,405 sf to nearly 40,000 sf.  

  • Increased space for library materials, including specific children’s and young adult/teen sections. The current library has no distinction between sections. 

  • More meeting rooms and community spaces for the public and for special events. The current library has only one community space and two small study rooms.  

  • Additional and better designed space for the Opportunity Center and library partners to provide services.  

  • Increased accessibility for ease of use. The new Westside Library will include two entrances with accessible parking easily available, as well as connection to walking trails and sidewalks for pedestrian traffic. 

The library will be built alongside a new City park, creating a welcoming environment for all who live, work, and play in the area. 

The new library will be located near the corner of 20th Avenue SW and Wiley Blvd. SW. It will be walkable from the current Ladd Library location. 

Groundbreaking is estimated to happen in Fall 2024. Grand Opening is anticipated to be Fall 2026. 

OPN Architects have been hired to lead this project and are working with Library Trustees, staff, and key stakeholders to ensure a quality building process. Public input is critical to the project. Opportunities for feedback and community input sessions have been held throughout the design phase. Stay connected to the library through our website and social media for updates.  

The City is completing a planning process to develop a concept plan for the park area. This exciting project spans approximately 6 acres and represents a collaborative effort between the City and the Library. The City has hired Genus Landscape Architects to help complete the Plan. Learn more: https://www.cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/westside_library_park.php

Westside Library Park Project

The library is working with the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department on integrating a public park into the site design with a vision for "a park in a library and a library in a park."

Learn more

rendering of park from inside library