Library Services Bring Big Value: Stories from the FY2025 Annual Report

Nov. 3, 2025 – When Missa Coffman and Marios Liolios were planning a class on Japanese stab binding, a form of book binding, they needed to cut very precise holes in dozens of book covers, plus the paper to go inside each book. To do so by hand would have been extremely time consuming – and it wouldn’t be as neat and precise as they needed it to be.

“This would have taken several days, if not a week,” Liolios said.

So they turned to the library’s Maker Spaces, where a laser cutter made the project easy to complete quickly. They were able to offer book binding kits to class attendees, as well as create book kits to sell at their small business, Tree of Liminality.

“It’s just a nice thing for us to have access to,” Coffman said. “I think it’s wonderful to have the Maker Spaces as a community resource center. It’s really impressive.”

The Tree of Liminality has a small retail space and the Staircase Gallery, where local art is displayed, at 1301 Third St. SE in the New Bohemia neighborhood. They offer a variety of artistic services, from art matting and framing to typing poems to consulting on creative projects.

In conjunction with the Farmhouse Art Collective, a nonprofit they help run, they also teach a wide range of art classes, including the book binding class.

“The Maker Spaces offer equipment that would be cost prohibitive for us to own a whole closet of,” Coffman said.

That equipment, which also includes 3D printers, sewing machines, Cricuts, and more, are just one way the library helps small businesses and drives economic development in Cedar Rapids.

The library also provides Wi-Fi and computer access, printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines people utilize for their business needs. Library spaces also make an impact, with study rooms for taking video calls, meeting rooms for business gatherings, and a quiet place for remote workers. Library staff help patrons use all of these resources, plus navigate the internet, find information, and more.

Then there are digital databases, where people can do market research, learn new skills, and do things like apply for grants.

The Cedar Rapids MICRO Loan program is also co-hosted by the library – people interested in a small business loan from the program can meet with trained librarians to work on their business plan and application. A small collection of business reference books complements the program.

And at the Opportunity Center at Ladd Library, staff help job seekers with classes on resume building, interviewing, and job searching, as well as offer one-on-one help for people navigating the job market. RIVA AmeriCorps Vista members joined the team in FY2025 to help connect immigrants and refugees to jobs and resources.

“The Opportunity Center takes the resources and services the library offers – like access to technology, information, and support – and actively uses them to improve people’s lives in visible, meaningful ways,” Opportunity Center Program Coordinator Erin Norwood said.

Together, all these programs lead to a big impact. Using a formula from the Urban Library Council, the Cedar Rapids Public Library provided nearly $2.5 million dollars in value to entrepreneurs and businesses in FY2025.

“It’s not just about helping people find employment—it’s about empowering individuals with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to improve their lives,” Norwood said. “The services support workforce development, reduce inequality, and promote social mobility. That, in turn, strengthens the local economy and builds a more resilient, self-sufficient community.”

Learn More:

Maker Spaces: CRLibrary.org/maker-spaces

Opportunity Center: CRLibrary.org/opportunity-center

Micro Loans: CRLibrary.org/micro-loans

Tree of Liminality: treeofliminality.com