Cedar Falls Public Library
Cedar Falls, IA | Government + Cultural
Overview
The Cedar Falls Public Library offers local residents a modern information hub that addresses community needs.
Opportunity
The City of Cedar Falls needed a more modern and technologically advanced library to serve the needs of its growing community.
Solution
The public library for Cedar Falls was completed to rave reviews from local residents and the statewide library community. This 42,000 sq. ft. library with an attached 9,000 sq. ft. community center is a focal point for the downtown district. The building is highly technology-oriented, using automated checkout systems, high-speed Internet access with self-service reservation and printer management, and an integrated OPAC access. Brick, stone, and terracotta blend the building in with the downtown context. Details throughout the library in cabinetry, furniture, finishes and signage give the library a warm, comfortable feeling of home, turning it from an archive of books into a true destination for all library users. A major aspect of the fundraising included the “public purchasing” of exterior detail stonework. Made to resemble book spines with famous titles, donors were able to specify their favorite book titles engraved on the stones as part of their donation package. Names of sponsors are also prominently featured within the library on a custom designed signage.