Postcard c. 1912

Carnegie Library, Spirit Lake, IA

  • Civic Improvement

    Civic Improvement Library Association established
  • Reading Room on lake street

    Reading Room on lake street
    library card -- $1.00
  • "restroom"

    "restroom" recorded as the meeting place for libraary service
  • Received Grant

    Received Grant
    Received Carnegie Grant
  • Construction begins

    Construction begins
    suitable lot found (1801 Hil) Construction begins
  • Construction ends

    Construction ends
    dedication ceremonies
    Contract price: $8425
    Books on hand: 1486
    Annual circulation: 4387
    Telephone# 782
    First librarian: Minnie E. Stowe
  • Religious books accepted

    Religious books accepted
    books deemed detrimental could be removed
  • Basement used by red cross

    Basement used by red cross
    Basement used by red cross -- WW I and WW II
  • Period: to

    Librarian

    Librarian Violet Hornseth
  • Period: to

    Library directors

    Library directors: Florence Schoelton, Ruth Marble, Bernice Bergman,Marie Smith, Sara Koepp,Fran O'Keefe, Linda Bolluyt.
  • Large bequest from W.C. Booth

    Large bequest from W.C. Booth
    Lower level became children's area
  • Named to National register of Historic Places

    Named to National register of Historic Places
  • Friends of the Library established

    Friends of the Library established
  • 702 16th Street New location for the Spirit Lake Public Library

    702 16th Street New location for the Spirit Lake Public Library
    702 16th Street
    New location for the Spirit Lake Public Library
    City purchased building and parking lot (formerly a Red Owl grocery store, then a telemarketing firm) $180,00 raised in three months for renovation fundraising drive led by Nadine Hough Dedicated July 15, 1990
  • Library received accreditation by the state of iowa

    Library received accreditation by the state of iowa
  • increased the library's hours of service to 50 per week

    increased the library's hours of service to 50 per week
  • Automated the circulation system

    Automated the circulation system
  • Automated the card catalog

    Automated the card catalog
  • internet service

    internet service
  • theth anniversary celebration

    September 19, 2000 theth anniversary celebration
    Books on hand: 25,378
    Library cardholders: 5,023
    Annual circulation: 109,608
    Meeting room used by 5123 people in year
    Cost of a library card $0