We're celebrating 125 years!

In order to market the library to more than just the academic or fiction minded patron, since early on the library has added books to the collection on a variety of topics. This article describes these materials as "practical," which was used to mean that they described such skills as carpentry, book binding, and different types of engineering. City Library Practical Aid. (1910, January 13). Iowa City Daily Press, p. 5.

The local newspapers supported the library by publishing articles such as this one. These articles were used to describe the history and promote current services of the library. At the time, newspapers were a large form of communication in the community, similar to our use of websites now. The Iowa City Library. (1910, February 22). Iowa City Republican, p. 3.

This is another example of the local newspaper supporting library services by publishing information on them. This article also praises the growth of the "reading public" that was seen as the library continued to update services and offerings. Iowa City Public Library. (1910, December 5). Iowa City Daily Press, p. 18.

Since the library was settled in the Carnegie building for a much longer time than the previous buildings, that meant it was periodically updated and refreshed to be a comfortable place for the community. Here is also an example of the library using the newspaper to make announcements, including the building being updated and materials from before the remodel coming due. Repaired Library Very Attractive. (1911, September 8). The Iowa City Citizen, p. 2.

The library has always been involved with the community, and that includes local schools. This article describes ways the library has supported local education specifically. Library is School-Lover. (1912, January 31). Iowa City Daily Press, p. 8.

Before we were able to communicate with the community directly via email, or indirectly on our website, we needed to reach out in person. One way that was achieved was through the County Fair. This Fair in 1915 was a success for the library. Booklists were provided, services were advertised, and its use to the entirety of Johnson County was demonstrated. New Light on Public Library. (1915, August 19). Iowa City Daily Press, p. 2.

As was the norm at the time, the newspapers also published information regarding updated library hours. The building itself was open for a fairly robust amount of time, but reading rooms and the children's room tended to have shorter hours. Library Opens Longer Hours. (1915, September 14). Iowa City Republican, p. 4.

Each year the library puts out an annual report to gather up statistics from throughout the year. These reports commonly discuss major events, the amount of materials checked out, and how many new cardholders exist. McRaith, H. (1917, January 18). Library is Active Center. Iowa City Daily Press, p. 3.

During the year of 1916 the library saw massive growth. This included circulation growth and a rise in the number of patrons registered with the library. Library Year One of Success. (1917, January 18). Iowa City Daily Press, p. 2.

The extensive board report from 1918 details different aspects of library statistics, the same way that modern library board reports do. McRaith, H. (1918, January 17). Library Board Learns Facts. Iowa City Daily Press, p. 7.

Reports from the library were periodically released to the public via newspaper. This report is the 21st and was directed towards the Board of Trustees. McRaith, H. (1918, January 18). Annual Report of City Librarian is Given Out. The Iowa City Citizen, p. 4.

With many soldiers stationed at military camps during the war, a call was sent out to donate books to them for entertainment purposes. The public library served as a collection point for these endeavors. Campaign for Camp Libraries is Urgent. (1918, March 18). Iowa City Citizen, p. 8.