In 1960, members of Grafton’s Federated Woman’s club sought assistance from the North Central Area Extension Service and Iowa State Traveling Library to setup a plan to establish a small community library. The town council agreed to appoint a library board, set aside funds for the library, and establish a public library in a small room at the pumping station.
The library quickly outgrew its space, so the board began raising funds for construction of a new library. Fundraising culminated with a one-day “Harvest Festival” in October 1964, which yielded $2,000 for the new building. In 1965, Northwood contractors were hired to construct the 1,200-square-foot library which included a kitchen work-room, two restrooms and a fully-furnished basement. Construction was completed quickly, with an open house held August 25, 1965.
Published April 17, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Worth County
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Plans for a public library in the Worth County town of Fertile began in the spring of 1967, when the town council appointed a board of trustees to establish a library. The board held its first official meeting in August 1967; space was quickly secured, and the first Fertile Public Library opened on October 21, 1967. Three years later, efforts began to raise funds for a permanent library building.
Construction on the current, $18,000 library began in July 1970, with many residents donating labor and supplies to build the brick and cement block building. Books and shelves were moved on December 3, 1970, with an open house held shortly after.
Published April 16, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Worth County
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While a small, private library operated in the rear of a local drugstore in the early 1900s, the first plans for a public library were developed in 1966. A committee was organized, regular meetings were held, and money was raised to purchase a building. Books were donated, and volunteers spent three months improving the building with new paint, shelving, ceiling tiles, a water fountain and more. The library opened to the public in 1967 with Agnes Cleveland as the first librarian.
In addition to a large book collection, the library now offers DVDs, copy service, and computer/internet access. The library is open five days each week.
Published April 11, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Worth County
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In 1974, members of the local women’s club formed a committee to investigate the possibility of opening a library in the Benton County town of Atkins. The club sponsored a number of fundraisers to purchase equipment and materials, while residents stepped up to donate books for the new library. The first library officially opened on March 25, 1975, in the basement of the Atkins Telephone Company. After 14 years, the library moved across the street to a standalone location; it remains there today.
Published April 4, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Benton County
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The first library in the Tama County town of Garwin opened its doors on August 29, 1936, with teas and wafers served throughout the afternoon to celebrate the occasion. Sharing space with a local dentist office, the library’s collection grew to 1,600 books within seven months with as many as 65 books checked out each day. The library was run exclusively by volunteers for over two decades, until a part-time librarian was hired in 1958. The library moved to its present location in March 1960. It continues to serve the community, open five days each week.
Published March 21, 2012 |
Public Libraries |
Tama County
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