Charting west library's future

The Cedar Rapids Library Board is considering the possibility of moving its popular west side branch.

That branch, which expanded to become the city's main library option after the flood of 2008 inundated the central library, is currently located on the ground floor of Westdale Mall. But the board is also now looking at a former Target store across from the mall on Williams Boulevard. Public forums on the branch's future are set for Tuesday and Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Westdale library.

We're not necessarily opposed to a move. The Target site has some advantages, such as a wide open floor plan and the potential for a drive-by book drop. A state substance abuse information center could be incorporated into the larger Target site, allowing the library to draw state funds offsetting some of its lease expense.

If library leaders can show how a move would make the west side library a better service for users and a better buy for taxpayers, then a change of address may be warranted.

But they should proceed with caution, because the Westdale branch is clearly an important and popular destination. Library circulation is up, with 810,115 items checked out at Westdale and a much smaller downtown branch during the 2011 fiscal year that ended in June. That's up 54 percent from 2009 and 15 percent above last year.

Foot traffic at the city's libraries jumped to more than 500,000 people in 2011. Easy access to Westdale and plenty of parking have contributed to the brach's popularity. Long after the city completes a new central library downtown, the west side branch will continue to be an vital city facility. So the location decision could have a big impact for years to come.

That said, we know that Westdale Mall's future remains in limbo. So it's smart to consider other possibilities, and we commend the library board for tackling the issue.

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