FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 20th, 2013

CITY COUNCIL MAKES DECISION TO REBUILD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Votes from the public favor construction of a new library over the remodeling of
the old flood-damaged library downtown.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Based solely on the opinions of citizens exposed
through questionnaires and focus groups, the Cedar Rapids City Council has made the
executive decision to build a new public library for community use. After debate
regarding whether remodeling the old library would be more effective than building an
entirely new one, the Cedar Rapids public weighed in with votes towards the new library
favoring votes toward a remodeled library 65 percent to 35 percent, respectively.
Carefully conducted research shows citizens prefer a library capable of supporting
the latest amenities, of which the old library would not be able to do. For example,
renovation costs to regulate the heating and air systems in the old library would
potentially be just as high as installing all new equipment in a new building. Citizens
also voiced desire for a library wired with updated technology to improve daily learning,
as well as a space accommodating to future growth.
Through the use of focus groups, the City Council learned the improved parking
associated with the location of the new library is also an ideal benefit to the public. Along
with these points, the idea that this new building will boost the citys morale and kickstart flood recovery plans was a solid selling point.