This building was completed in 1955 and replaced the original building on the same location which had been built in 1884. The new building cost a little over $1,000,000. it is constructed of Vermont Marble, with grey marble from Carthage, Missouri, lining the interior halls. Metal work in the windows, doors and stair rails is of bronze.
The main portion of the building is over 245 feet long and 50 feet wide, while the library wing at the west end is 113 feet deep.
Located at 813 First Avenue S.E. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the building is open to
visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.