In January 1895 Ada Van Vechten organized the City Federation of Ladies Literary Clubs. The Federation, which combined eight literary clubs into one organization, expressed as an objective the promotion and establishment of a public library. Throughout that year, the women campaigned, despite indifference and disagreements from many in the community who thought a public library would cost too much or that adequate library facilities (notably the Masonic Library) already existed.

In an Oct. 28, 1895, Gazette article, the women announced: "The ladies of the federation are deeply in earnest in their wish to found a library which shall be open to the whole town, and it is their intention to present petitions from all clubs interested to the city council, asking for the appropriation allowed by law for a public library."

Women of the federation presented the petition, and the town council was persuaded to put the matter to a vote. The dissent continued; some were disgruntled that women could vote on the issue. Through the fray, Ada Van Vechten persisted, pushing the cause against taxpayer opposition.

The people of Cedar Rapids voted on the public library question at the regular city elections of March 2, 1896. The vote was 1105 yes, 1046 no. A scant 59 votes established a new public library.

Had it not been for the women canvassing the city, the levy would not have passed. In fact, Van Vechten’s neighborhood, near her 845 Second Avenue home, generated the heaviest favorable vote. Ada Van Vechten organized the library campaign and accomplished her lofty purpose of uniting citizens with good books.

Van Vechten died in November of 1905, fewer than 5 months after the dedication of the new Carnegie library building. In 1907, a stained glass window was dedicated to the memory of Ada Van Vechten. This window still stands guard over the Cedar Rapids Public Library from its location over the Grand Stairway.