Grand Opening Set for Cedar Rapids Public Library’s New Busse Branch

A new Westside location of the Cedar Rapids public library has announced a grand opening date.

The Busse Branch Will Open Soon

The Corridor Business Journal reports that the Cedar Rapids Public Library's new Busse Branch will open to the public on Saturday, September 19th. A grand opening celebration is planned. A capital campaign raised more than $10 million for the project, including a $3.5 million naming gift from the Lauren T. and Audrey Busse Foundation. The CBJ reports that the city of Cedar Rapids also allocated $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the library expansion.

Where Will the New Library Be Located? 

The Busse Branch will be located at 1845 Sandberg Lane, a new road off of 20th Ave. and Edgewood Road SW, according to the CBJ. The 40,000-square-foot building will replace the Ladd Library, a leased space near the Westdale Town Center. The CBJ reports that the new building will double the collection of books and meeting room space available on the West side. The new library will also include 11 study rooms and a children's library with a programming room, according to the CBJ.

The Ladd Library will close on August 9th so staff can start moving materials to the new facility.

The grand opening celebration will start at 10 a.m. on September 19th, with a ribbon cutting. The CBJ reports that activities, refreshments, and tours of the new building will follow until 2 p.m. The library will remain open until 5 p.m. that day. Regular library hours will begin on September 20th.