Pictures Tell the Story of Flooded Cedar Rapids Library

Tamara Glise, interim director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library provided the State Library with photos that show the devastation of the June 2008 floods.  Approximately two-thirds or the collection was destroyed.  The children's and substance abuse collections were saved, as well as the collection of children's illustrations.  A number of items of historical significance are on a freezer truck awaiting restoration.

Glise said she was happy to report that the new west wing of the West Side Branch library celebrated a grand opening Friday, August 1.  Approximately 2,500 square feet was added to the Westdale Mall, doubling the amount of space available there.  Still a far cry from the 84,000 square feet lost in the downtown library.