Aug. 11, 2025 - At the Cedar Rapids Public Library, we believe in the power of welcome. Our mission, Welcome to All, is the foundation of everything we do. Our vision—My library champions discovery, builds connections, and strengthens community—guides us toward a future where everyone can thrive.
This strategic plan outlines our priorities for the coming years, shaped by the voices of our community, staff, Trustees, and partners. It is a roadmap to ensure the library continues to serve as a dynamic, responsive, and forward-thinking institution.
We have identified three strategic priorities that will guide our work: Access, Connection, and Service. By removing barriers and creating inviting, welcoming spaces, we ensure that everyone can engage with the library’s resources. Through strong partnerships and a focus on essential literacies, we connect people to the support and knowledge they need to grow. And by investing in our staff, advocating for sustainability, and demonstrating our impact, we ensure the library remains a vital, trusted institution now and into the future.
With your continued support, the Cedar Rapids Public Library is ready to meet the moment—welcoming all, connecting many, and serving with purpose.
Strategic Priorities:
Access:
Ensure everyone can experience the power of the library.
Ensure the library offers the opportunity for dignity, autonomy, and enjoyment.
Adjust to financial realities.
Promote a collection that represents our community.
Build on Opportunity Center success to expand and refine workforce development offerings.
Connection:
Foster meaningful relationships between people, ideas, and resources.
Embrace the span of essential literacy (ex: early, health, digital, economic, etc.) and offer tailored supports based on community need.
Meet community partners where they are to enhance support for those in crisis.
Prepare for a new building as part of a cohesive library system with two branches with unique services and populations.
Build relationships with the library and our community.
Service:
Support the library as a thriving institution, now and into the future.
Highlight the value of the library and its role in the community.
Inspire our staff champions to be experts in our library and our field.
Advocate for our future.
Acknowledgements
This plan is a result of broad input and thoughtful feedback from our community, staff, Trustees, and partners. We are tremendously thankful to the teams of people who shared their ideas, hopes, and visions for the future.