Approximately 250 people attended the library's Ground Breaking Celebration!

"Saturday's groundbreaking -- like public libraries themselves and the fundraising campaign that made Independence's new facility possible -- was an exercise in democracy, with scores of community members joining a few dignitaries in getting the job done."  -Orlan Love, Cedar Rapids Gazette
 

Independence was alive and buzzing with the excitement of ground breaking for a new 14,200 square foot public library the morning of May 12th.  Approximately 250 people attended the community celebration.  Those in attendance listened to Christie Vilsack's keynote address, participated in the shovel decorating contest, and dug those shovels into the future home of the library at 805 1st St East!

Over 500 households and businesses have donated over half the cost of the new building...more than $1.6 million.  Other major sources of funding:  $700,000 from the city of Independence, $550,000 from a CAT (Community Attraction and Tourism Grant), $75,000 from the R.J. McElroy Trust, $60,000 from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust.

Christie Vilsack's description of public libraries as "the souls of communities" and "solution centers" inspired the crowd with hopes and dreams for our new public library. 

Important Dates:

• Construction will begin on the new facility the end of May. 

• Construction slated to be completed in July 2008.

• Doors open to the public in the late summer or early fall of 2008.