June 30, 2025 – We are your library! Just as we exist to serve our community, we rely on the community for support. Wondering what you can do to help? Here are some simple ideas.
Use the Library: Sign up for a library card, borrow books and media, log into digital resources, attend programs, engage with reading challenges, and visit our buildings.
We use statistics like material circulation and library visits to demonstrate the need for secure funding and to show community support to our stakeholders. The more you use our services, the more support we can demonstrate.
Be a Library Advocate: Download our Advocacy Toolkit and sign up for Advocacy Alerts for updates. We will keep you informed on legislation impacting libraries at the local, state, or national level.
Share Your Library Story: Tell us a story about how the library has impacted your life or the lives of those around you. Share meaningful interactions or tell us about your experience with a library staff member.
Volunteer: We have volunteer opportunities available for adults, families, teens, and retirees with a wide variety of interests and abilities. We also enjoy working with small groups and corporate volunteers for special projects.
Join the Friends: The Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library support library services and programs, raise awareness of library services and literacy efforts, and conduct book sales to support the library. Stop by one of their sales or sign up to become a Friend yourself!
Support the Foundation: The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation raises funds to support the library and advance its impact in our community. Their efforts support the Big Dreams capitol campaign for the Westside Library, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and more. There are many ways to contribute to the Foundation, from individual or corporate donations to attending a fundraiser to shopping at their Raygun online storefront.
OPEN+ Magazine
This blog post was first published in the summer 2025 issue of the library's OPEN+ magazine.