[Publib] More on Cedar Rapids Public Library

[Joe Schallan]

I just viewed some video on the website of KCRG, Cedar Rapids' ABC affiliate:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/19891824.html

Don't know how long this link will remain active, but if you click on "Watch this video" you'll see aerial footage taken from KCRG's news helicopter. The Cedar Rapids Public Library and the Czech Museum and Library can be seen about a third of the way in -- the degree to which both buildings are inundated is disturbing.

Here's an excerpt from a cached version of the city's website (offline at the moment), which gives one an idea of the library's importance:

"The Cedar Rapids Public Library was voted the number one downtown destination in a recent public survey. Nearly 300,000 books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and more are available at the library. Public internet and word processing stations may be used free of charge. Computerized databases and expert staff members help library users access information quickly. Computer classes, book discussion groups and special programs are offered for adults. For children, story times and toddler times are held weekly, and special reading programs continue throughout the year. The second floor café is open Monday -- Saturday for lunch, coffee, specialized beverages and desserts. Cedar Rapids Public Library is also home to the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center (ISAIC), a statewide resource for information on substance abuse and problem gambling."

My heart goes out to our Cedar Rapids colleagues.

--Joe Schallan
  Phoenix