Oct. 10, 2025 – Construction continues on the Busse Branch of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. September’s weather gave contractors another great month to complete work around the library’s property. Paving around the site is almost done: the main parking lot, northeast parking lot (access to the east side of building), book return/pick-up window lane, and staff access lane and south parking lot are nearly complete.
In October, contractors plan to complete the public trail along 20th Avenue and sidewalks from the street up to and around the library building. In addition to paving, contractors plan to add topsoil and spread grass seed on the library’s land as well as the future park lawn. Trees which can be planted in the fall will be planted not long after; any trees that need planting in the spring will wait.
Inside the building, contractors continue to prepare the space: electrical, interior framing, and mechanical ducting. Drywall has begun to be installed, and the glass curtain wall installation has begun. Once it’s all in, the majority of the building will be enclosed.
Library staff and the design team continue to work on interior finishes, furniture, and layout of materials. The project is on-schedule, and opening is anticipated to be in the fall of 2026. The new library will be located just off 20th Avenue SW and Edgewood Road SW (behind Aldi) and will be located within a new Westside Park, a project of the City of Cedar Rapids. It will replace the Ladd Library, which is in a leased location.
For more information on the project, visit CRLibrary.org/BusseBranch.