Cedar Falls Public Library

What Cedar Falls Public Library does

Cedar Falls Public Library is a tax-supported municipal public library located at 524 Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa, serving residents of Cedar Falls and rural Black Hawk County since 1878. As a non-profit government entity with 11-50 employees, it provides free library services to all eligible residents regardless of age or background, operating across three internal departments (Circulation & Technical Services, Reference, and Youth & Teen). The library offers traditional lending (books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games) alongside a modern Library of Things collection (GoPro cameras, mobile WiFi hotspots, musical instruments, gardening tools, STEM kits), digital resource access via Hoopla, Libby, Comics Plus, and Tumblebooks, and dedicated age-segmented programming including a Teen Room, Tween Zone, and Co-Lab maker space.

The library's technology infrastructure centers on the Aspen Discovery catalog and account management system (cedarfalls.aspendiscovery.org), supplemented by the Beanstack reading tracker platform and integrations with third-party digital lending and gaming providers. Signature community amenities include the Music Garden (installed April 2025 with six Percussion Play outdoor instruments), the Big Woods Lake StoryWalk (a 1/4-mile outdoor literacy trail with Braille accessibility), and the Fable's Book Bike Tour mobile outreach program. Programming is anchored by an annual Summer Reading challenge, year-round storytimes, book clubs, craft programs, and partnerships that extend into youth nutrition (USDA SUN Meals) and STEM learning (Minecraft-based NirvanaOnline).

The library's business model is non-commercial: services are free to residents, with primary funding from local tax revenues and supplementary support from the Cedar Falls Community Foundation (multiple endowed funds including the Cedar Falls Public Library, Mary Beckman, Kathryn Ray, Robert and Shirley Berg, and Marguerite Lybbert Farm Trust endowments), the Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library (operating the Book Nook used book sales with 100% of proceeds supporting CFPL), and individual donations. Overdue fines were eliminated on most materials as of January 1, 2020, though $5/day fines remain on Library of Things items. Go-to-market is community-led, relying on the physical location, the website, email newsletters, social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest), and community events to drive engagement.

Name

Cedar Falls Public Library

Legal name

Cedar Falls Public Library

Website

https://cedarfallslibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1878

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cedar Falls Public Library is a tax-supported municipal public library in Cedar Falls, Iowa, founded 1878, serving city and rural Black Hawk County residents with free lending, digital resources, programming for all ages, maker spaces, and outdoor community amenities like the Music Garden and Big Woods Lake StoryWalk.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Foundational Reading & Writing Literacy (EDAAAAAA), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library programs
• Digital lending resources
• Youth literacy programs
• Maker space workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Cedar Falls

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Tax Funding: The Cedar Falls Public Library has been serving residents since 1878 as a free, tax-supported library. Primary funding comes from local tax revenue.
2. Donations and Grants: The library receives donations through the Cedar Falls Community Foundation with multiple endowed funds (Cedar Falls Public Library Endowment, Mary Beckman Endowment, Kathryn Ray Endowment, Robert and Shirley Berg Endowment). Additional funding from the Marguerite Lybbert Farm Trust.
3. Friends of the Library Support: The Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library operates the Book Nook (used book sales), supports programs and events, and organizes volunteer activities. 100% of Book Nook proceeds support CFPL.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cedar Falls Public Library delivers free, tax-supported public library services to residents of Cedar Falls and rural Black Hawk County, providing physical and digital lending of books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, and a Library of Things collection (musical instruments, GoPro cameras, mobile WiFi hotspots, STEM kits, gardening tools). It offers year-round age-specific programming for youth, teens/tweens, and adults, anchored by a Summer Reading Program, alongside digital resources through Hoopla, Libby, Tumblebooks, and Comics Plus, plus maker space, 3D printing, and outdoor literacy amenities.

Product overview

Cedar Falls Public Library operates as a single-location public library offering a unified mix of traditional lending services and modern community programs. The core offerings include a physical and digital catalog (Aspen Discovery) for books, media, and the Library of Things collection; dedicated Youth and Teens/Tweens departments with age-specific programming spaces including a Teen Room and Tween Zone; and signature outdoor amenities like the Music Garden and Big Woods Lake StoryWalk. Digital access is provided through integrations with Hoopla, Libby, Tumblebooks, and Comics Plus. The library runs year-round programming through its Programs & Events system, anchored by the annual Summer Reading Program and the mobile Fable's Book Bike Tour. Supporting infrastructure includes the Co-Lab maker space, Reference Services, Seed Library, and the Book Nook retail operation run by Friends of the Library.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Catalog Physical and digital collection search system using Aspen Discovery, allowing patrons to search for and place holds on books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games, and other materials, and to manage their library accounts.
• Library Card Services Free library card issuance for Cedar Falls city residents, rural Black Hawk County residents, and property owners, providing access to borrowing, digital resources, and program participation. Children below 7th grade require parental signature.
• Programs & Events Year-round programming for all age groups including storytimes, book clubs, craft programs, cooking demonstrations, tech help sessions, and special events.
• Youth Department Services Early literacy programs, storytimes, summer reading, puppet shows, Adventure Pass, Big Woods Lake StoryWalk, and educational resources for children from birth through age 12.
• Teens & Tweens Services Dedicated programs for ages 9-18 including Teen Advisory Board, homework help, book clubs, Minecraft nights, craft programs, and a dedicated Teen Room space.
• Library of Things Non-traditional lending collection including musical instruments, technology devices, gardening tools, outdoor games, GoPro cameras, mobile WiFi hotspots, and STEM kits.
• Seed Library Seed exchange program for local gardeners complementing gardening and seed-saving programs, providing free seeds and education on seed saving practices.
• 3D Printing Services Library provides 3D printer access for patron use, allowing creation of custom objects and prototyping.
• Adventure Pass Pass program allowing checkout of passes to area attractions including Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa, and Grout Museum District.
• Summer Reading Program Annual summer reading challenge running June 8 - August 1 with reading logs, prizes, performers, crafts, scavenger hunts, and special programming for youth, teens, and adults.
• Fable's Book Bike Tour Mobile library outreach program visiting various parks across Cedar Falls during summer months, combining library services with outdoor recreation and prize incentives.
• Music Garden Outdoor musical instrument space behind the library featuring six Percussion Play instruments (Harmony Bells, Liberty Bells, Sunflower Petal Drum, Cyclone, Cattail Chimes, and Cavatina) for multi-generational entertainment and sensory engagement.
• Big Woods Lake StoryWalk Outdoor literacy installation at Big Woods Lake featuring laminated picture book pages on mounted frames along a 1/4 mile trail with activity prompts focusing on early literacy practices. Includes Braille accessibility features and audio versions through the National Library Service BARD.
• Digital Resources (Hoopla, Libby, Tumblebooks, Comics Plus) Digital lending platforms providing access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies, music, animated picture books, and digital comics.
• Book Nook Friends of the Library volunteer-run shop selling used books, puzzles, and library merchandise. Proceeds support library programs and resources.
• Reference Services Research assistance through Ask-a-Librarian online form, Text-a-Librarian service ((319) 988-1615), and in-person Reference Desk support.
• Teen Room Dedicated space for teens aged 12-18 featuring comfy seating, board games, video game consoles, YA graphic novels, and YA materials.
• Tween Zone Designated area for tweens (ages 9-12) between 2:00-5:00 p.m., featuring comfy chairs, collaborative workspace, and activity supplies including fidgets, puzzles, games, and coloring materials.
• Co-Lab Maker space on the second floor hosting quilting groups, craft programs, cooking demonstrations, and other hands-on creative programming.

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• City of Cedar Falls Public Works DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2025The City of Cedar Falls Public Works Department installed the Music Garden outdoor instruments behind the library. Funding was provided by Cedar Falls Community Foundation, installation by the City.
• Friends of the Cedar Falls Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Friends of the Cedar Falls Public Library is a volunteer organization that operates the Book Nook (used book sales), sponsors programs and events, and supports library services. All proceeds from their activities support CFPL. They also fund youth programming, teen activities, and adult events.
• Iowa Library for the Blind and Print DisabledminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled to create Braille for the StoryWalk and provide audio versions through BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download).
• Happy Faces EntertainmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment company providing murder mystery theater programs for teens and adults during summer reading programming.
• USDA (SUN Meals Program)minorOthersThe library participates as a SUN Meals meal site, serving free meals to children ages 18 and under during summer break through the USDA Child Nutrition Program.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• OverDrive (Libby): Digital lending platform vendor that powers CFPL's Libby/OverDrive eBook and eAudiobook service. While not a competing institution, OverDrive is an ecosystem enabler whose product roadmap and licensing terms directly shape CFPL's digital lending capabilities.

Broad incumbents

• State Library of Iowa: State-level library administrative body overseeing Iowa public libraries. Provides state funding, programming support, and resources to municipal libraries including CFPL — acts as an umbrella organization in the same industry space.

Direct peers

• Iowa City Public Library: Municipal public library serving Iowa City, Iowa — comparable tax-supported public library with strong university-town overlap (University of Iowa). Directly comparable in offering digital lending, programming, makerspace resources, and reciprocal borrowing arrangements similar to CFPL's UNI partnership.
• Dubuque Public Library: Municipal public library serving Dubuque, Iowa — comparable Iowa public library with similar tax-supported funding model, digital lending platforms, and community programming approach.
• Sioux City Public Library: Municipal public library serving Sioux City, Iowa — comparable Midwestern municipal public library with similar funding model (tax appropriations, Friends organization), programming breadth, and digital resource offerings.
• Waterloo Public Library: Municipal public library serving Waterloo, Iowa — the adjacent city to Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County. Operates as a comparable tax-supported public library serving a similar Midwestern community of comparable scale, with overlapping digital platforms (Hoopla, Libby) and similar programming.
• Ames Public Library: Municipal public library serving Ames, Iowa — comparable scale, tax-supported model, and university-town overlap (Iowa State University). Similar programming mix (maker spaces, storywalks, digital lending) and partnership-driven funding structure.
• Des Moines Public Library: Municipal public library serving Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa's largest public library system. Comparable in mission and tax-supported funding model, with broader branch network and similar programming breadth (digital lending, maker spaces, community outreach).
• Cedar Rapids Public Library: Municipal public library serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa — the closest large-city Iowa peer. Operates as a tax-supported public library system with similar programming (maker spaces, digital lending, community partnerships) and comparable funding structure through local government appropriations and a Friends foundation.

Regional players

• Black Hawk County Library: County-level library extension serving rural Black Hawk County residents — directly overlapping with CFPL's rural Black Hawk County service area. Comparable tax-supported model with reciprocal borrowing and shared digital platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CedarFallsPublicLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/cedarfallspubliclibrary
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfakeChannelId
• Xx.com/cflibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cedar-falls-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cedar Falls Public Library