Crews Make Progress on Downtown Cedar Rapids Library

By Jill Kasparie, Reporter

Construction continues on the new Cedar Rapids Public Library at the former True North building Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, in southeast Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (SourceMedia Group News/Jim Slosiarek)

Tools

By Max Walker

Story Created: Aug 1, 2012 at 9:07 AM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 1, 2012 at 11:40 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Only a year remains until the completion of the new Cedar Rapids Public Library building in downtown Cedar Rapids.

The work site has changed drastically in the past few months. People driving downtown will notice the structure taking shape on the lot just across from Greene Square Park. Right now, crews are working on putting in windows and structural steel.

Librarians also recently started picking out books for the collection. Reference Librarian Erin Horst said they were working to replace old favorites so that they're part of the new collection and to discover new reading trends.

“We’re working really hard to spend the money wisely. We’ll have about the first half of it done in November,” said Reference Librarian Erin Horst.

Library workers are looking forward to the opening and keep anticipating the next phase of the project.

"The next stage, if we were going to walk through you'd see conduits and plumbing and all of those interior pieces that get covered up in the walls,” said Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk.

The new downtown building is expected to open by the end of summer 2013.

Next Article After Four Hour Meeting, Two Building Options for IC Schools

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.