Library Returns to Downtown Cedar Rapids, but Users Scarce

By Spencer Willems

Pat Houar, 62, of Cedar Rapids, checks out a stack of books from the Cedar Rapids Public Library satellite location downtown. Houar, like most business at the small book stop, comes in once a week during her lunch break. (Spencer Willems/ The Gazette)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 30, 2009 at 1:13 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 1:13 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Public Library is back downtown.

In fact, it’s been back since June.

But according to employees and administrators at the library’s satellite station at 221 Third St. SE, you wouldn’t know it.

“It’s been challenging getting people here,” said Christina Riedel, the satellite’s managing director. “There’s a lack of awareness in the public that we’re here and open for business.”

Riedel admits that the library’s satellite has a different dynamic than did the old library before the flood. Its 1,800-square-foot space is more of a hole-in-the-wall library compared with its former 85,000-square-foot downtown location.

But despite their size, Riedel said, the downtown satellite and the temporary library in Westdale Mall provide the same vital resources to the community.

“Public libraries play a key part as a common equalizer — our mission goes beyond class or educational background,” Riedel said. “People who don’t have access to Internet, to e-mail, who can’t create a resume or apply online, we can help.”

Most of the satellite’s visitors are professionals who work downtown.

“Every few days, I’ll see a regular from the old site,” Riedel said. “But we’d like to pull in new people, too — people who aren’t used to going to the library when they need to get something.”

The satellite offers a book drop-off, public computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access, as well as a selection of books, media and research resources. But attempts to offer community programming or events haven’t found an audience.

“A lot of the people coming by come on their lunch break or while they wait for the bus,” Riedel said.

Pat Houar, 62, works at U.S. Bank downtown, and makes a point to come by the library once a week. “It’s a good place to go and not spend money,” Houar said. “It’s a great resource for people who work downtown.”

Jim Bryant, 41, works at APAC, and also stops in about once a week. He has noticed the small crowds, but he isn’t surprised. He said he found the satellite library by accident.

“It’s easy to miss,” he said.

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