Library
The Oskaloosa Public Library first opened its doors in 1903 as a result of a drive spearheaded by the Oskaloosa Women?s Club and a generous donation of $20,000 from the Carnegie Foundation. The Library?s first book collection came from the Mahaska County YMCA library. Located just one block south of the Oskaloosa City Square and business district, the Library has served as an easily accessible hub of information and resources in the downtown area for 110 years.
Over the years, the Library has evolved from a warehouse of books to a technology driven information center. In 1996, an expansion and renovation of the Library doubled the floor space, allowing room for a larger collection, two computer labs and an expanded children?s department. Many new visitors to the library do not realize the addition, as the architects made an effort to ensure interior and exterior colors, woodwork and bricks matched those of the original building. The new building has remained an aspect of the community of which many citizens are proud.
Today, the Library houses more than 83,750 items, which include books, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, DVDs and other materials. Patrons also have access to thousands of periodical articles through online databases, as well as downloadable eBooks and audiobooks through WILBOR, an online catalog. Twenty public access PCs and a WiFi network provide patrons with access to the Internet. Recent additions to the Library?s technology include a newly remodeled Technology Instruction Lab with updated computers on the first floor, a selection of eReaders for instruction, and an AWE Early Literacy Station for children.
Eight full time and five part time staff help patrons on a daily basis find the materials and resources they seek, provide programs for patrons of all ages, and make sure the items in the collection are accessible and available to the public. Story times, author visits, computer classes and the annual Summer Reading Program present several opportunities for enrichment to the members of the community.
The Library's Time Capsule
In the foyer on the second floor of the library, you'll find a marble time capsule. Items, including secret mementos from staff, were placed in the library?s time capsule on Sunday, September 13, 2003. They were intended to represent the current library as well as the library?s past. Bates Funeral Chapel provided the time capsule, and Swim?s Sports provided engraving.
The capsule is to be opened on September 14, 2103 - a Friday, for those who wish to put it on their calendars. The complete list of items follows:
- Every Hero Has A Story - Children's Summer Reading
Children will encounter heroes of all kinds - and discover their own inner hero - with this year's Every Hero Has a Story Summer Reading Program! From firefighters to police officers, kids will get to meet heroes from their own community. We'll...
- Computer Classes
From Computer Basics to Getting Started with Facebook, the library offers a variety of computer classes each month. Classes are taught by our knowledgeable staff who have years of experience working with patrons and assisting with technology. Topic based...
- Your Library Card
Most Iowa residents are entitled to a free library card. Proof of current address and a photo I.D. are required. Please visit the circulation desk on the 1st floor to obtain a card. Children must be at least 3 years old to have a card under their name....
- Dontations & Gifts Of Money
Books, CD's & Other Items The library accepts donations of gently used: Books, Magazines, Music CDs, Books on CD, and DVDs. Please call the library at 641-673-0441 and ask for Nancy Jones, before making your donation. The library staff may not...
- Annual Report
?Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.? Lady Bird Johnson After over 100 years in the take-out business, the Madison Public Library continues to provide the...
Library
Library History
The Oskaloosa Public Library first opened its doors in 1903 as a result of a drive spearheaded by the Oskaloosa Women?s Club and a generous donation of $20,000 from the Carnegie Foundation. The Library?s first book collection came from the Mahaska County YMCA library. Located just one block south of the Oskaloosa City Square and business district, the Library has served as an easily accessible hub of information and resources in the downtown area for 110 years.Over the years, the Library has evolved from a warehouse of books to a technology driven information center. In 1996, an expansion and renovation of the Library doubled the floor space, allowing room for a larger collection, two computer labs and an expanded children?s department. Many new visitors to the library do not realize the addition, as the architects made an effort to ensure interior and exterior colors, woodwork and bricks matched those of the original building. The new building has remained an aspect of the community of which many citizens are proud.
Today, the Library houses more than 83,750 items, which include books, audiobooks, magazines, CDs, DVDs and other materials. Patrons also have access to thousands of periodical articles through online databases, as well as downloadable eBooks and audiobooks through WILBOR, an online catalog. Twenty public access PCs and a WiFi network provide patrons with access to the Internet. Recent additions to the Library?s technology include a newly remodeled Technology Instruction Lab with updated computers on the first floor, a selection of eReaders for instruction, and an AWE Early Literacy Station for children.Eight full time and five part time staff help patrons on a daily basis find the materials and resources they seek, provide programs for patrons of all ages, and make sure the items in the collection are accessible and available to the public. Story times, author visits, computer classes and the annual Summer Reading Program present several opportunities for enrichment to the members of the community.
The Library's Time Capsule
The capsule is to be opened on September 14, 2103 - a Friday, for those who wish to put it on their calendars. The complete list of items follows:
- Secret staff mementos
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer?s Stone, a contemporary library book
- 100 photos of life in Oskaloosa in 2003, taken by Larry Eliason
- The Coal Miner?s Handbook, a vintage library book
- Biography of Andrew Carnegie
- Original invitation to Centennial Celebration
- Original invitation to 1903 building dedication
- Original ribbon from 1997 building expansion dedication
- Human finger bones
- Program from Centennial Celebration
- Contemporary computer storage media
- Business card of the Jurassic Larks, a barbershop quartet that performed at the Centennial Celebration
- Oskaloosa Herald newspaper dated September 11, 2003, with a story of the library?s upcoming Centennial Celebration
- Long time director Elizabeth Michener?s ?Miss Michener? nameplate
- Vintage library postcards
- Every Hero Has A Story - Children's Summer Reading
Children will encounter heroes of all kinds - and discover their own inner hero - with this year's Every Hero Has a Story Summer Reading Program! From firefighters to police officers, kids will get to meet heroes from their own community. We'll...
- Computer Classes
From Computer Basics to Getting Started with Facebook, the library offers a variety of computer classes each month. Classes are taught by our knowledgeable staff who have years of experience working with patrons and assisting with technology. Topic based...
- Your Library Card
Most Iowa residents are entitled to a free library card. Proof of current address and a photo I.D. are required. Please visit the circulation desk on the 1st floor to obtain a card. Children must be at least 3 years old to have a card under their name....
- Dontations & Gifts Of Money
Books, CD's & Other Items The library accepts donations of gently used: Books, Magazines, Music CDs, Books on CD, and DVDs. Please call the library at 641-673-0441 and ask for Nancy Jones, before making your donation. The library staff may not...
- Annual Report
?Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.? Lady Bird Johnson After over 100 years in the take-out business, the Madison Public Library continues to provide the...