About Us

Mission

The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.

Quick FactsFY23

Iowa City Public Library statistics from fiscal year 2023
  • 1,252,860 total circulation
  • 475,444 Downtown visitors
  • 1,230,852 Downtown circulation
  • 17,089 Bookmobile visitors
  • 67,401 internet wifi uses
  • 300,259 downloaded media
  • 2,207 adult event attendees
  • 120 adult events
  • 28,088 children's event attendees
  • 630 children's events
  • 1,068 teen event attendees
  • 194 teen events
  • 25,051 reference questions answered
  • 300,259 media downloads
  • 2,174 at home packages mailed
  • 1,971 bus passes distributed before Aug 1
  • 57,195 total ICPL cards

Values

Access

We believe quality library and information resources should be readily available and equally accessible to all.

Belonging

ICPL is for everyone.

Collaboration

We strive to extend our effectiveness through strategic partnerships.

Community

We respond to community needs and understand that the free exchange of diverse ideas invigorates the community, stimulates personal growth, and fuels the economy.

Enjoyment

We celebrate creativity and the joy of reading.

Intellectual Freedom

We respect the right to privacy and encourage people to freely access and explore ideas.

Literacy

We believe reading is a gateway to knowledge.

Past, Present, Future

History

We have been dedicated to serving our community since our founding in 1896. We've grown a lot since then. Browse a brief timeline of the Library's history.

Annual Report

A lot happens in a year at ICPL. Check out our annual report overview with quick facts as well as full report sheets.

Strategic Plan

We are always looking to provide better service to our community. Learn more about our strategic plan as we follow our mission to connect, engage, and enrich our community.

Welcome to ICPL

Learn more about library services while taking a tour of our building.