The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation has successfully closed its $10 million capital campaign following a $3.5 million donation from the Busse Foundation, the organization announced Thursday.
The transformational gift brings the Foundation’s “Inspiring Big Dreams” campaign to completion and will result in the new westside library facility being named the Cedar Rapids Public Library Busse Branch.
Jeff Busse, Executive Director of the Busse Foundation, said the gift reflects his family’s connection to library services. “Our three daughters have always been avid readers and the Library played an important role for them growing up,” Mr. Busse said. “Clearly the library plays an important role in literacy development, but it has grown to be so much more: A place for people to learn about community resources, a place to gather, a place for presentations, and a safe space.”
The campaign launched publicly in January 2024 to fund construction of the new library facility on 20th Avenue SW off Edgewood Road SW. The approximately 40,000-square-foot Busse Branch will offer double the collection and meeting room space of the current westside location, Ladd Library.
“This incredibly generous contribution marks a historic milestone in the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation’s commitment to this vital community project,” said Charity Tyler, executive director of the Library Foundation.
The successful campaign ensures the library system will have a permanent westside location to replace Ladd Library, which operates in leased space. Dara Schmidt, director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library, said the Busse Foundation’s support demonstrates “the true power of philanthropy.”
“The Busse Branch transforms this neighborhood for generations to come, and opens opportunity far beyond its doors,” Ms. Schmidt said.
A dedication ceremony will be held as part of the new branch’s grand opening, with details to be announced in 2026.
The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation works to mobilize community resources that support the library’s programs, collections and strategic initiatives through private funding.
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