What Does the New Busse Branch Library Offer Cedar Rapids Families?

Cedar Rapids families now have a much larger library to explore on the city's west side. The new Busse Branch of the Cedar Rapids Public Library officially opened this past Saturday, September 19th, with hundreds of people turning out for the grand opening despite the rain. This new library and community center is located at 1845 Sandberg Lane SW. At nearly 40,000-square-feet there's loads to explore and enjoy for the Cedar Rpaids residents!

So, what does the new Busse Branch actually offer families?

The biggest change is space. Ladd Library had 28,405 square feet, while Busse has nearly doubled that. That additional room provides more space for books and tech, including dedicated sections for children and young adults/teens.

The community also receives a larger selection of spaces to meet and study in. The former Ladd Library had one community space and two small study rooms. Busse has 11 study rooms, additional meeting rooms, and community spaces that can accommodate public programs, as well as special events, and third-party programing.

Additionally, the new children's library includes a dedicated programming room, giving families more opportunities to participate in activities and events. A separate young adult area gives older children and teens their own space within the library, too.

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The new facility also includes expanded technology space and practical features such as a drive-up book return and holds pickup window. Increased accessibility was another part of the design, with two entrances, accessible parking, and connections to nearby sidewalks and walking trails.

Credit: Cedar Rapids Public Library | Busse Branch Building Layout

The building was designed to fit into the surrounding neighborhood while creating a welcoming environment for the broader community. Large windows bring natural light in, while two outdoor courtyards create additional places for people to sit and spend time.

The library was also built alongside the new Allsop Park, creating a connection between the indoor library and outdoor community space. The developing park will provide families with additional opportunities to gather, walk, and enjoy the area surrounding the library.

Another important change is the space available for the Opportunity Center and other library partners. The Busse Branch provides better-designed space for those organizations to connect residents with services related to education, employment, careers, and other community needs.

The project represents a major investment in Cedar Rapids. The $25 million facility was made possible through private donations and public funding, including more than $10 million raised through a private donor campaign, a $3.5 million naming gift from the Busse family, $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the city and another $4 million from Linn County. The land was purchased with a $2 million estate gift from Nadine E. Sandberg to the Library Foundation in 2020.

Seeing a community make this kind of investment in a library is something I can appreciate personally. Cascade recently opened its own new library, and it was an investment our community needed. Having more room, more resources and a better space for local families has made a noticeable difference. That experience makes it easy to see why the Busse Branch could become an important part of everyday life for Cedar Rapids families.

Community libraries are dedicated places for learning and growth. Kids can use computers, attend programs, or find a new favorite book. Teenagers have their own space. And students and adults can use study rooms and technology, while families and community groups have even more room to gather. As Allsop Park and the outdoor spaces around Busse continue to develop, families will have even more ways to use the area.

The new Busse Branch provides our community with books, knowledge, and access; but it is also an investment in our future; where Cedar Rapids families will learn, gather, and grow together.