100 YEARS OLD
CENTENNIAL 1855-1955

The first library board had been appointed by the town council which included Sophia Rowan, chairman, Clella Finster, Lucille Pierson, L.G. Johnson and Arthur Cooper. On December 29, 1958, Betty Smith, the State Representative for libraries, met with Sophia Rowan and Clella Finster and outlined the requirements needed for state aid. The area in the town hall was designated, and bookshelves were built by the high school industrial arts department. Doors were donated by the George Potgeter Lumber Company so the doors could be locked when the library was not open. 

The first books were loaned by the Iowa State Traveling Library, some were given by the county and local people. 

The second phase started with the planning of a new library home. The town hall had served the initial purpose, but more space was needed. At this time the Central Iowa Telephone Company was moving into a new building. So club secretary, Jane Johns, wrote Sutherland Dows, president of the telephone company, with the thought of buying the old building. The answer was most gratifying–if the building was to be used for a public library, they would be glad to present it as a gift, including the surrounding real estate. 

Physical work began, to prepare the library rooms, and in the adjoining apartment located in the west end of the building. 

On June 25, 1962, an open house was held in the new library which included a hobby show. At that time a memorial fund was established with the money to be used for buying books. At this time a large number of books have been purchased by the fund. 

In the early years the library held a local art show, and local citizens showed slides of interest in order to raise funds for various projects. 

At one point books were no longer brought in from the traveling library, but were instead provided by the North Iowa Library Extension in Mason City, with deliveries being made three times a year. In 1968, changes were once again made and through a grant of $6000 from the Kinney- Lindstrom Foundation the changes were possible. One large room was made on the first floor, a basement room, rest rooms, a kitchen area, paneling, new shelves and windows were included in the project. The Progress Club canvassed for funds of new carpet. 

The front of the building was renovated in 1974. Once again a grant from the Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation was provided. This time in the amount of $5,000. The front of the building was faced with brick and a porch across the front of the building was added. 

In 1976, the library began receiving its books through the North Central Regional Library System, located in Mason City. 

Rooms of the library have been used for both the Boy and Girl Scouts, the cemetery society, and many other club and committee meetings, as well as bake sales and election day coffees.