Why the Library
Research, Explore, Dream, Meet!
People turn to libraries to fulfill their dreams. They want to research history, find a better job, learn more about a topic of interest, meet with friends, and attend seminars. No institution does as much as the Cedar Park Public Library to make these kinds of opportunities available to every member of the public... And does so free of charge.
All Are Welcome
The Cedar Park Public Library brings together people with diverse goals, backgrounds, and ambitions, and helps them gain the knowledge and skills needed to create widespread and beneficial social impact in our society. The Cedar Park Public Library gives everyone in our community the power to demonstrably improve their lives. Again, at no cost to them.
Library Initiatives
- Support for Early Literacy Programs
- Support for Summer Reading Program
- Support for Technology Resources at Library
The Cedar Park Public Library Foundation provides funding for these Library initiatives and programs, capital support for the New Library currently being built in the Bell District, and more.
Our Nationally Recognized, Award-Winning Library's Impact
History of the Library
The first library building, a 500 square feet store front in the Cedar Park Plaza (1980 to 1981)
In 1979, a group of concerned Cedar Park citizens brought a proposition before the Mayor and City Council advocating for a local library. The City Council approved the first yearly budget for the library, and dedicated volunteers worked diligently to establish the Cedar Park Public Library.
In December of 1980, the city hired Pauline Lam to serve as the Library Director. The Library officially opened on January 17, 1981 in a small facility in Cedar Park Plaza.
Second library building, a 1,500 square feet remodeled laundromat, at Commercial Pkwy (1981 to 1990)
The Library was moved to a remodeled laundromat a year later. (This Library location is roughly 100 yards from where the New Library is currently being built in the new Bell District!)
The original 7,300 square feet permanent building at 550 Discovery Boulevard (1990 to 2000).
Through the support of the community and the City of Cedar Park, the Library completed construction on a new 7,000 square foot building at 550 Discovery Boulevard in September of 1990.
Expanded 25,500 square feet library building at 550 Discovery Boulevard (2001 to present).
In order to continue to meet the needs of the Cedar Park area, the library expanded its facility to 25,000 square feet in 2001 through a bond passed by the citizens of Cedar Park and the fund raising efforts of the Library Foundation. In 2015, the founding Library Director, Pauline Lam retired and Julia Mitschke became the Library Director.
The New Library - Bell District
The new multi-story Library will be surrounded by dozens of large heritage trees and a 16-acre park with a trail. It will anchor this urban-style, walkable mixed-use development that includes restaurants, shopping and other amenities, enabling visitors to make a day out their trip to the Library.
Such a picturesque and energetic setting certainly inspires the design and creates new opportunities for the new Library to establish an even stronger identity as a "great front porch" for the community and a "civic living room".
The new Library opens November 1st, 2024.
Imagine the Possibilities - Targeted Focus Areas
Technology
Interactive Learning
Interactive Learning
The Library often provides the only Internet access for economically disadvantaged residents in our community. The current Library has 35 workstations and a dozen wireless internet access points. These resources will more than double in the New Library.
Interactive Learning
Interactive Learning
Interactive Learning
The New Library will offer an exhibit featuring water play that teaches science and engineering principles and encourages fine motor skills, experimentation, and problem-solving. Additionally, two makerspaces will provide hands-on learning opportunities for all ages.
Community Diversity
Interactive Learning
Community Diversity
The Library serves people from all walks of life, ages, and education levels, from children learning to read to adults bridging into new careers. The New Library will expand international collections featuring languages that reflect Cedar Park demographics: Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and Telugu.
Gathering Spaces
Interactive Learning
Community Diversity
The current Library has limited gathering spaces and rental options for community members and business owners. The New Library will offer a 2,300 sq ft multipurpose room, a social porch, an outdoor classroom, a reading porch, group study rooms, and more!
Help Us Build a Stronger Cedar Park
Support the Transformation of the New Cedar Park Public Library
Help us reach our $1.5 million goal to transform the new library into a cutting-edge community hub.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in building our future. Thank you for your generosity.
Join Us in Shaping the Future - Make a Difference Today
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