Established in 1896, we have been serving the community from the heart of downtown ever since.
History Timeline
1897
ICPL first opened its doors on Thursday, January 21, 1897 on the second floor of the C.O.D. Steam Laundry building at 211 Iowa Ave.
1901
Our second location opened in June of 1901 at 212 East College Street in the Cannon & Pratt building.
1904
The Carnegie Library at 212 South Linn Street opened its doors on Thursday, October 27, 1904.
1963
An addition was built onto the Carnegie building and dedicated on Sunday, November 10, 1963.
1981
The ICPL at 123 South Linn Street opened its doors to the public on June 14, 1981 after hundreds of volunteers moved all of the library materials across the street.
2004
Doors opened on a major renovation to the new building on June 12, 2004.
Today
The Iowa City Public Library remains at 123 South Linn Street.
211 Iowa Avenue C.O.D. Steam Laundry building212 South Linn Street Carnegie Library123 South Linn Street Current location
