Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation

Originally established in 1972 as the Metropolitan Cedar Rapids Library Foundation, the Foundation’s mission has always been focused on supporting the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s efforts to promote literacy and lifelong learning in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities. In 1980, after five failed bond proposal votes, the Foundation was reorganized and refocused to help finance the library’s move from the Third Avenue Carnegie Library to the First Street library location. With support from the Hall Foundation and the City of Cedar Rapids, the renamed Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation and hundreds of volunteers raised money needed to build a new library, which opened in 1985. In the years that followed, the Foundation provided funds in support of the Library’s collections, technology, infrastructure, art acquisitions, and more. Following the flood of 2008, the Foundation’s role was again reimagined and focused on rebuilding both the downtown Library and the Cedar Rapids community. In collaboration with the City and thousands of donors and volunteers, the Foundation and Library leadership led successful campaigns to build not one, but two new Libraries for our community. The Foundation and Library are now working with the City of Cedar Rapids to build a larger, permanent library facility in the Westdale neighborhood.

The Foundation mobilizes community resources and relationships that empower our Library to deliver innovative programs and services. It is the philanthropic vehicle through which private funds enhance the Library's collections, programs, and technologies. Current Foundation-funded programs include: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Summer Dare learning, preschool outreach, Mobile Technology Lab tech-to-go programs, PressReader, library staff professional development and volunteer appreciation.