New Cafe Opens Inside of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Public Library

Back in April, it was announced that Horizons Family Services would be opening up a new cafe in the former home of Roasters at the Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. Last month, that new cafe officially began welcoming customers!

Cedar Rapids Public Library via Facebook

About Horizons Family Services

Horizons Family Services is a non-profit organization that been providing important services in the Eastern Iowa community for more than 60 years. Those services currently include the Financial Wellness Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Neighborhood Transportation Service (NTS).

The latest project from Horizons Family Services is Horizons Cafe at the Library, a new cafe that has opened on the main floor of the Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. According to the organization's Facebook page, all of the cafe's food is provided by their Catering for a Cause program, and "every purchase helps support Horizons’ mission and the vital programs that serve older adults and individuals throughout our community."

About Horizons Cafe at the Library

Since Roasters closed its doors at the library in July of 2025 (they have since relocated), the building's cafe space has remained empty. That changed on Monday, July 13th, when Horizons Cafe at the Library held its official grand opening!

The menu for Horizons Cafe at the Library, which can be found on the Horizons website, features a long list of beverages. Options include shakes, smoothies, refreshers, coffee, lattes, cold brew, hot/iced tea, and more. There are also a few food options, like the quinoa bowl, Caprese salad, charcuterie box, wraps & sandwiches, and cookies. In addition to the cafe, Horizons will now also serve as the 'required caterer' for library events. You can read more about that HERE.

Horizons Cafe at the Library can be found on the first floor of the downtown library at 450 5th Ave SE. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.