Photos by Category | Public Libraries

Public Library (Fonda, Iowa)

The first public library was organized in the Pocahontas County community of Fonda in 1901 by the Fonda Woman’s Club. The club sponsored the library for 40 years until it was taken over by the city and formal by-laws were adopted on July 28, 1941. The library shares a building with the City Hall and is open five days weekly.

Published May 16, 2012 | City Halls, Public Libraries | Pocahontas County | Map

Public Library (Tabor, Iowa)

The Federated Woman’s Club in the Fremont County town of Tabor adopted a project in January 1954 to open a public library for the community. After receiving permission to house the library on the first floor of the Town Hall building, the group collected money and books from local residents, churches, and organizations. A carpenter donated services to raise shelves, and the library opened in July 1956.

In 1975, the city council established regular support for the library, while additional funds were provided by Fremont and Mills County. By the 1980s, the library had outgrown its space and began looking at new locations. An anonymous donation made it possible to move to a home, which had most recently been used as The Brick Inn restaurant. A contractor was engaged, and the building was remodeled for use as the Tabor Public Library. The new location officially opened in June 1987.

Published May 9, 2012 | Public Libraries | Fremont County | Map

Public Library (Steamboat Rock, Iowa)

Plans for a library in the Hardin County town of Steamboat Rock were made in 1958 when members of the community progress club collected books and funds. The first library opened the following year within a room in the town hall, where it remained until for three years. At that time, the old telephone company building was donated for use as a library, with an open house held on June 25, 1962.

Upgrades were made to the interior in 1968, while in 1974, the front of the building was renovated with the addition of brick facing and a front porch for a cost of $5,000. The building continues to serve as the library today; it’s open six days each week.

Published May 2, 2012 | Public Libraries | Hardin County | Map

Public Library (Murray, Iowa)

The public library in the Clarke County town of Murray was organized in April 1935 by resident Leila Kane. Kane worked with local organizations to create plans and secure funds to setup the library, which opened in the IOOF building with a collection of 35 books. The Murray Lions Club played a significant role in growing the library by collecting 1,000 books in a book drive then providing space in their building, where the library remained until the early 1970s. The library then moved to its current location, sharing space with the community center.

Published April 25, 2012 | Public Libraries | Clarke County | Map

Public Library (Joice, Iowa)

The Joice Federated Society Club held a special meeting in the spring of 1961 to discuss the establishment of a public library. The meeting featured two area residents spoke of their success in establishing a library in nearby Grafton, and by the end, a decision was made to move forward with the project. By July, the goal was a reality, with an open house held to celebrate the town’s first public library, located in a room within the Joice Fire Station.

By 1965, money had been raised to begin construction of a new library building. The 1,200-square-foot brick building was completed in October for an estimated cost of $14,000. Interior details were finished and books were moved in time for a grand opening at the new library on December 18, 1965.

Published April 18, 2012 | Public Libraries | Worth County | Map