The first account of library services in the Fayette County of Arlington dates to 1883, when resident O.H. Osborne made his personal collection of books available to readers within the town’s post office. Books were later stored in a downtown jewelry store before the community came together in 1928 to remodel a room for library use in the City Hall. The present building was constructed in 1982 at a cost around $62,000. A grant covered one-third of the cost, with the remaining funds raised from donations by local citizens and organizations. The 1,800-square-foot building was dedicated November 21, 1982.
Published January 25, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
The Cherokee Public Library was organized by a group of twelve local women in 1886 and officially operated out of a permanent space in 1898. By January 1903, Cherokee had received confirmation of a $10,000 grant awarded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The grant was increased by $2,000 the following year, and the new building was formally dedicated and opened in April 1905. A significant expansion project added two floors to the rear of the building in October 1998. The library is open six days a week to serve residents in Cherokee and the surrounding area.
Published January 18, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Cherokee County
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The first library in the Winneshiek County town of Fort Atkinson was established in 1964 in a room on the first floor of the former public school building. It later moved to the building’s lower level and then to a portion of the fire department. In 1995, Fort Atkinson Public Library returned to the public school building, which had been fully refurbished. It shares space with the city museum.
Published January 11, 2012 |
Museums, Public Libraries |
The history of the public library in the Webster County town of Dayton can be traced to 1900, when a few women each purchased books for exchange. Books were housed in the back of the local bank with access for local children. In 1966, a new building was constructed to house the post office, city council chambers, and the public library. In 1993 the council chambers were relocated allowing the library to expand with an additional 420 square feet. The library is open four days each week.
Published January 4, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
The first public library in the Cedar County town of Clarence was established in 1940 and occupied a room in the town hall. To accommodate an expanding collection of books, two jail cells were removed from the town hall in favor of additional library space. In 1952, resident Edna Zybell donated her former home for use as the library, where it has been located since.
A committee was formed in January 2011 to review library expansion options; by October, the committee determined expansion of the home was not feasible. A lot along U.S. Highway 30 has been selected for construction of a new library. An architectural plan is pending, but aggressive fundraising efforts are underway to generate money for the building project.
To make a donation to the library project, send a check payable to the Library Building Fund to: Edna Zybell Library, P.O. Box 450, Clarence, Iowa 52216.
Published December 28, 2011 |
Public Libraries |
