The CEDAR RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY
web site is now back up!

CLICK HERE

This site will be used to chronicle the events of the Flood of 2008
and how they affected the CRPL.

• Original flood damage and initial clean up
• 18 July 2008: Media Tour
• 18 July 2008 Panorama

P08 August 2008:
The Gazette Article: Cedar Rapids library may need temporary site for 3 years

30 July 2008:
Metro Library Network Awarded Giacoletto Grant For Post Flood Information Technology Upgrades

A $50,000 grant from the John P. and Lawrence J. Giacoletto Foundation has been awarded to the Metro Library Network for information technology (IT) upgrades following the June 11-13 flood. Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha public libraries are members of the network and IT services are provided by the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

IT services have been under considerable stress following the flooding of Cedar Rapids 85,000 square foot downtown library. The online catalog and holds notification system were among the services temporarily lost. Services are coming back on line but network members agree that it’s been painfully slow.

"This will allow us to invest in upgraded servers and electrical backup for the library network's online systems in case of future disasters," explains Susan Kling, Marion Public Library Director.

The Giacoletto Foundation, established in 2007, fulfills the wishes of John and Lawrence Giacoletto. The Foundation carries on the Giacoletto brothers' devotion to education, as well as their interest in the technical and cultural aspects of life. The Giacoletto Foundation is devoted to awarding grants exclusively for public, charitable purposes, with preferences given to those that support higher education and lifelong learning.

24 July 2008:
Readers Rebuild updates

Do you want to know what’s going on at the Cedar Rapids Public Library during its recovery process?Do you want to keep informed about volunteer opportunities?

Please sign up for the Readers Rebuild updates! In order to receive the updates, send a blank email to join-crpl_readers_rebuild@lists.ia.gov

24 July 2008:
How do you use your public library?

The Cedar Rapids Public Library seeks personal stories about how you use your public library and why the library is important in your life.

If you are willing to share, please e-mail your story and your contact information to m.devries@cedar-rapids.org

15 July 2008:
CR [See Our] Good Story oral history project

The Cedar Rapids Public Library West Side Branch will be participating in the CR Good Story oral history project.  Residents are invited to the West Side Branch library located in Westdale Mall on the second floor and record their own stories of the Flood of 2008 using a headset and recording device. The CR Good Story project is sponsored  by Guaranty Bank and Information Security Education, LLC.

For more information, please refer to http://www.crgoodstory.com or contact the library at 319-398-5123.

07 July 2008:
Librarians compiling list for new collection
Donors will be able to select from list

Librarians are compiling a list of books and other materials that the CRPL’s book distributor will hold until the library has a place to put them. The books will arrive pre-processed, which means that staff will be able to shelve them immediately, saving an enormous amount of time.

“We’ll be able to take books out of their boxes and place them directly on the shelves—when we have shelves, that is,” says Interim Director Tamara Glise. The time that would be required to process each book individually is unacceptable as it would add months on to getting the library back on its feet.

However, Glise emphasizes, before the list is completed, the 32,000 items that were checked out at the time of the flood must be inventoried. “We have to figure out what needs to be replaced,” she explains.

Once the list is compiled, individuals will have an opportunity to select a book from the list to donate. “Many of our patrons and supporters have been asking what they can do. This will be a way to help rebuild our library,” says Glise. “By fall, we hope to have a wish list available.”

As it becomes available, information concerning the CRPL wish list will be published on the temporary website http://crlibrary.info

07 July 2008:
Report titles of flood damaged library materials

Patrons are asked not to return flood-damaged library materials but call in or e-mail titles.

“Patrons will not be fined or assessed a fee for damaged materials,” says Interim Director Tamara Glise. “We just want to know what books and materials are not coming back to us so we can take them out of our data base. As we build a new collection, this information is critical.”

E-mail titles to: libstaff@cedar-rapids.org or call in titles to the West Side Branch desk, 390-7806.

HOME

Q & A: Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL) Post Flood
17 July 1008

Following are frequently asked questions.

Q: How can residents obtain library services?
A: The Cedar Rapids Public Library West Side Branch in the Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Rd. SW, is open. Recently additional space was added to display more adult and youth fiction and nonfiction.

Hours are:
10 am – 9 pm, Monday-Friday
10 am – 5 pm, Saturday
1-5 pm Sunday

West Side Branch desk telephone: 319-390-7806. Cedar Rapids residents may also use the Marion and Hiawatha public libraries.

Q: How can I renew my materials or place a reserve on a book?
A: You can renew your materials simply by calling or stopping by any of the Metro Libraries. The West Side Branch can be reached at 319-398-5123 or 319-390-7806, Hiawatha at 319-393-1414 and Marion at 319-377-3412. This will be the case until such time as the Self-Serve Line and the Online Catalog are restored. The same will be true for reserving books.

Q: What’s the best way to stay informed about post flood library progress?
A: If possible, go to the temporary website http://crlibrary.info or call 319-286-5987. The temporary website contains basic information only.

Q: What is happening with programming?
A: Programs are being held at the West Side Branch. Program information is posted on the temporary website http://crlibrary.info, and publicized in various publications including The Gazette and Penny Saver – or call the West Side Branch desk, 319-390-7806.

Q: Where can I return CRPL books?
A: Continue to return CRPL library materials to Hy-Vee book drops, the West Side Branch at Westdale (including the out door drop box near the south entrance of Younkers), Marion or Hiawatha Public Libraries. Do not return books to the Cedar Rapids downtown facility.

Q: What about flood damaged library materials?
A: Do not return flood damaged books. Please dispose of them. You will not be fined but please call the West Side Branch desk, 319-390-7806, so we can take those books/materials out of the Library database.

Q. I have library materials that are overdue. Will I be fined?
A. Fines and fees are being waived for the present. Please return CRPL books and other library materials.

Q: Can I donate books or other library materials to the CRPL?
A: No, not at this time. Due to lack of space, storage, processing equipment and other issues, we are not able to accept books or other donated library materials. Our librarians are working on an alternate plan for used books.

Q: Can I donate books and other library materials to Friends of the CRPL?
A: No, not at this time. Friends of the CRPL are also seeking storage and working space. Friends hopes to be back in operation soon. In the interim, residents who cannot wait and need to donate used books now are directed to the Marion and Hiawatha public libraries.

Q: I am moving and have books I want to give away. What do I do?
A: You can donate them to the Marion or Hiawatha Friends.

Q: What is the status of the library building?
A: The first floor of the main library has been completely cleaned out and gutted by professional recovery teams; it looks much like it did 25 years ago when it was under construction. Its mechanical and electrical systems were destroyed by flood waters and will have to be replaced. Like other public buildings, the CRPL must wait for the flood mitigation plan being prepared before decisions about the library facility can be made.

Q: Have books or other materials been removed from the library?
A: Art works have been recovered as well as computer servers. Materials on the second floor -including the children’s collection-are being retrieved.

Q: If I can’t get into the building to help clean up, what CAN I do?
A: You can make a monetary donation to the...

Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation 500 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

You can now safely and securely donate ONLINE to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation by click on the button below

Established in 1971, the CRPL Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that supports the library. Donations are tax deductible. The Foundation supports projects that public monies can not cover. For more information about the Foundation, contact Marie DeVries, 319-286-5982.

Q: When will I be able to donate books or volunteer?
A: You can donate books now by using this link:

You can now safely and securely donate books that have been pre-selected by the Cedar Rapids Public Library You buy the book and it will automatically be shipped to CRPL!

As soon as we secure space, storage, and equipment, we will be in a position to deploy volunteers and accept other materials. We will let the public know when that time comes. If you want to be placed on our volunteer list, please provide us with your contact information including name, address, phone, and email.

Mail: CRPL West Side Branch, 2600 Edgewood Road SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
E-Mail: libstaff@cedar-rapids.org  Phone: 319-286-5987

HOME

• 08 August 2008: Cedar Rapids library may need temporary site for 3 years
• 14 July 2008: Cedar Rapids library board hires architect to rebuild
• 03 July 2008: Cedar Rapids library won't reopen for at least a year
• 01 July 2008: Q & A: Cedar Rapids Public Library post flood
• 25 June 2008: Public library cannot take book donations yet
• 23 June 2008: Cedar Rapids library looking for space
• 20 June 2008: Adult collection at Cedar Rapids library feared lost
• 13 June 2008: Watching, waiting as floodwaters rise at Cedar Rapids library

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© 2008 Cedar Rapids Public Library.   Web Services by Len Struttmann