Ottumwa Public Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Learning

The Ottumwa Public Library is a community treasure that provides access to information, technology, and resources for all ages. The library is located in the heart of Ottumwa, Iowa, and has been serving the community for over 100 years.

History

The Ottumwa Public Library was established in 1893 with a collection of just over 200 books. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest public libraries in Iowa, with a collection of over 100,000 items including books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and newspapers. The library has also embraced technology with free Wi-Fi access and computer stations available for public use.

Services Offered

  • Library Card: Anyone who lives or works in Wapello County can obtain a library card free of charge. With this card, patrons can check out books and other materials from the library's vast collection.
  • Programs: The library offers a variety of programs for all ages including storytimes for children, book clubs for adults, and computer classes for seniors.
  • Reference Services: Librarians are available to help patrons find information on any topic they may need assistance with. This includes research databases and online resources.
  • Interlibrary Loan: If the library does not have an item that a patron needs, they can request it through interlibrary loan. This service allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries across the state or country.
  • E-Resources: The Ottumwa Public Library offers access to e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and other digital resources through its website.

Special Collections

The Ottumwa Public Library has several special collections that are unique to the area. These include:

  • Ottumwa Courier Archives: The library has a collection of microfilm and digital copies of the Ottumwa Courier dating back to the late 1800s. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in local history or genealogy.
  • Iowa Room: The Iowa Room contains books, maps, and other materials related specifically to Iowa history and culture.
  • Lego Collection: The library has a large collection of Legos available for checkout. This is a great resource for families looking for something fun and educational to do together.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the library's hours?
  2. The library is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-8pm, Friday from 9am-6pm, Saturday from 9am-5pm, and Sunday from 1pm-5pm.

  3. Can I renew my library materials online?
  4. Yes, you can renew your materials online by logging into your account on the library's website or by calling the circulation desk at (641)682-7563 ext. 202.

  5. Does the library have meeting rooms available?
  6. Yes, the library has several meeting rooms available for public use. These can be reserved online or by calling (641)682-7563 ext. 203.

  7. Can I donate books to the library?
  8. Yes, the library accepts donations of books and other materials. These items may be added to the library's collection or sold in the Friends of the Library book sale.

Conclusion

The Ottumwa Public Library is an essential resource for the community, providing access to information, technology, and resources that promote learning and personal growth. With its extensive collection, knowledgeable staff, and wide range of programs and services, the library is truly a hub of knowledge and learning.



Related Links:


1: Ottumwa Public Library

https://blog.ottumwapubliclibrary.org/
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A blog for the events and services offered at the Ottumwa Public Library. Events Online Resources About Policies Contact Services Catalog  Virtual Author talk with Kate Beaton April 4th at 6PM Register here for this free event.  Labels: 2023, virtual_author_event Labels: 2023, Coffee_and_Conversations Nonfiction Book Club: March 30th 2023 Labels: adult_programming, book_club, nonfiction_book_club  Join us for a virtual author event! Register here  Labels: 2023, virtual_author_event Reminisce Society Meeting- March 28th Mike Vogt with Humanities Iowa The next meeting of the Reminisce Society will be Tuesday, March 28th! Join us at 10 am in the K.C. Hall as we enjoy the presentation "Camp Dodge: Home Away From Home" presented by Mike Vogt with Humanities Iowa. Reminisce programs are free and open to the public. This program will be presented in-person and virtually via Zoom Meeting. For any questions or to have your email added to the Zoom list please call us at 641-682-7563 or email Director Sonja Ferrell at sferrell@ottumwapubliclibrary.org. Labels: adult_programming, iowa_history, reminisce_society Virtual Tour of Ottumwa Public Library Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Place Holds Using Online Catalog OPL Online Author Speaker Series 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 adult adult_crafts adult_programming adult_summer_reading adults adventure_pass announcements annual_report April April_2013 art august author_visit board_game_day book_club book_list book_release book_reviews book_sale books carnival catalog children childrens closing Coffee_and_Conversations collection_development color_party coloring_party concert COVID-19 craft_event curious kids science club d&d December downloads earth_day ebooks emagazines family family_fun_night family_movie_night fantasy february February_2013 february_2014 february_2019 fiction games gardening genealogy group_discussion halloween harry potter healthcare history holiday horizon_lecture_series humanities iowa inclement_weather indie_authors iowa iowa_history january january_2013 job job_hunting July kids kids_graphic_novel_club kirkwood labor_day legos library library_board library_closing local_author local_history magazines March_2013 march_2015 martin_luther_king_jr movie_night movies music and movement nonfiction nonfiction_book_club november november_2012 october online ottumwa ottumwa_history painting_party pirate_party position preschool presentation printing programming programs reader's_ink reading recorded_books recycled robots reminisce_society santa scavenger hunt science_fiction scifi selection seniors services small_business smart_investing spanish speaker speculative literature spring_break srp2022 staff_training story-time storytime storytime_kits summer_reading SummerReading survey Tail_Waggin_Tutors take_&_make_crafts take_your_child_to_the_library_day teen_tech_week teen_writers_group teens thanksgiving trivia tumblebooks tweens virtual virtual_author_event WILBOR winter break winter_reading writer's_room writing zinio zombies Zoom_program




2: Ottumwa Public Library | Ottumwa IA

https://www.facebook.com/OttumwaPublicLibrary/
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Ottumwa Public Library, Ottumwa, Iowa. 2779 likes · 140 talking about this · 641 were here. Ottumwa Public Library has been serving the city of Ottumwa... You're using a browser that isn't supported by Facebook, so we've redirected you to a simpler version to give you the best experience. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. You’ve been temporarily blocked from using it. If you think that this doesn't go against our Community Standards, let us know.




3: Online Resources - Ottumwa Public Library

https://blog.ottumwapubliclibrary.org/p/online-resources.html
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Brainfuse is a versatile online service designed to support every step of the job search process. JobNow features live online coaches who, among other things, ... Events Online Resources About Policies Contact Services Catalog Print virtually any document or web page from your Internet connected PC to one of the Ottumwa Public Library's printers.  No additional software required. Android and Apple apps available for mobile devices. Download Ebooks, audiobooks, and now digital magazines for use on your home computer and other personal electronic devices. Ottumwa Public Library Online Author Series Watch presentations from best selling authors online. Delve into digitized copies of local Ottumwa newspapers from 1840-2008. Key word searchable newspapers in a downloadable format.             Ottumwa High School Yearbooks                                                                                Search Argus Annuals from 1903-1990                                                                                           through the digitized copies provided by the                                                                                    Iowa Heritage Collection.          Adventure Pass is a season pass to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines that will be available for check out to Ottumwa Public Library patrons. Patrons can go to the public library’s website and select a day that works for their family to reserve the pass, print their pass, and go to the zoo for free.







5: Events - Ottumwa Public Library

https://blog.ottumwapubliclibrary.org/p/events-calendar.html
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Subscribe to: Posts (Atom). Quick Links. Beanstack · Virtual Tour of Ottumwa Public Library · Ottumwa Newspaper Archives · Dolly Parton's Imagination ... Events Online Resources About Policies Contact Services Catalog Virtual Tour of Ottumwa Public Library Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Place Holds Using Online Catalog OPL Online Author Speaker Series 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 adult adult_crafts adult_programming adult_summer_reading adults adventure_pass announcements annual_report April April_2013 art august author_visit board_game_day book_club book_list book_release book_reviews book_sale books carnival catalog children childrens closing Coffee_and_Conversations collection_development color_party coloring_party concert COVID-19 craft_event curious kids science club d&d December downloads earth_day ebooks emagazines family family_fun_night family_movie_night fantasy february February_2013 february_2014 february_2019 fiction games gardening genealogy group_discussion halloween harry potter healthcare history holiday horizon_lecture_series humanities iowa inclement_weather indie_authors iowa iowa_history january january_2013 job job_hunting July kids kids_graphic_novel_club kirkwood labor_day legos library library_board library_closing local_author local_history magazines March_2013 march_2015 martin_luther_king_jr movie_night movies music and movement nonfiction nonfiction_book_club november november_2012 october online ottumwa ottumwa_history painting_party pirate_party position preschool presentation printing programming programs reader's_ink reading recorded_books recycled robots reminisce_society santa scavenger hunt science_fiction scifi selection seniors services small_business smart_investing spanish speaker speculative literature spring_break srp2022 staff_training story-time storytime storytime_kits summer_reading SummerReading survey Tail_Waggin_Tutors take_&_make_crafts take_your_child_to_the_library_day teen_tech_week teen_writers_group teens thanksgiving trivia tumblebooks tweens virtual virtual_author_event WILBOR winter break winter_reading writer's_room writing zinio zombies Zoom_program