Building History

The Oskaloosa Public Library opened its doors in 1903. The Oskaloosa Women's Club spearheaded the drive to create a public library for the community. The Carnegie Foundation donated $20,000 for the library's construction, and the library's first book collection came from the YMCA library (which had had a members-only library).

The Oskaloosa Public Library has evolved from being just a  collection of books to a high-tech information center that serves both young and old.  Besides an extensive collection of materials in an impressive array of formats, the Oskaloosa Public Library offers wireless Internet service with two computer labs; one for children and one for teens/adults.

The Oskaloosa Public Library also offers the innovative OPL@Home program that gives patrons with library cards online access to the library's services from their own homes. The library also has an Iowa Communication Network room with fiber optic links to other ICN member institutions.

In 1997, an addition to the library building doubled its space. Many new patrons do not realize there was an addition because both the interior and exterior colors, woodwork and bricks match the original building's early 20th century look.  The library also features a centennial time capsule that was sealed in September 2003 and will not be opened until Sept. 14, 2103.

Time Capsule