Marion Public Library

• The Marion City Minutes (1865-1933)
• The Marion City Ordinances (1865-1916)
• The Marion City Records (1879-1910)
• The City Council Minutes (1971-1990)

• The Oak Shade Cemetery Burials Record (1901-1901)
• The Lot Owners Oak Shade Cemetery (1937-1937)

In November 1901, driven by the determination of Adeliza Daniels, a lifelong resident and dedicated advocate for city improvements, the women of Marion, Iowa organized the Marion Federation of Women's Clubs to establish a public library. Daniels reached out to Andrew Carnegie, who donated $11,500, setting the foundation for the Marion Carnegie Public Library.

On March 16, 1905, during a civic program at the Methodist Church, the new library building was officially presented to the city of Marion. Construction had begun on September 9, 1904, with A.H. Connor of Cedar Rapids winning the bid at $9,898. The Cedar Rapids architectural firm Dieman and Fiske oversaw the project. The people of Marion took great pride in their new library. The library corner quickly became one of the city's most attractive spots. In 1917, the Federation raised funds to purchase the lot west of the building for further expansion.

The Marion Carnegie Library was initially designed for a community of about 4,000 people. The original facilities sufficed for the first 30-35 years, though calls for expansion occasionally arose. The city’s population remained stable from 1905 through 1940, reaching 4,721 in the 1940 census, up from 4,421 in 1910.

Post-World War II, Marion experienced steady growth in both population and area. By 1950, the population was 5,915 within 2.7 square miles. By 1960, it had nearly doubled to 10,882, with the area tripling to 6.7 square miles. By 1965, the population was 15,257, and the area was 8.92 square miles. A special 1974 census recorded a population of 18,190 and an area of 9.46 square miles.

In 1957, the Marion Carnegie Library was modernized by establishing a Children's Department. The basement auditorium, which had hosted numerous civic and public meetings since 1905, was transformed into "a fairyland for youngsters" with new equipment funded by a $2,590 donation from the Federation of Women's Clubs, dedicated as a memorial to Marion's World War II veterans. The city covered the remodeling and redecorating costs. The children's reading room, dedicated on September 5, 1957, was an immediate success. Trustees noted, "Children are our best customers." The new department soon had its librarian and two staff members, one part-time.

Calls for further expansion continued. In 1959, Marvin Oxley, Marion historian and library trustee, emphasized the need for more space to accommodate the growing population and the increasing number of retired citizens. In November 1959, voters approved an $80,000 city bond for additional improvements. The two-story addition, nearly doubling the library's size, opened in April 1961. Less than a year later, librarian Mrs. Ruth Mills reported that "People Are Reading More Books Than Ever," with circulation topping 80,000 in 1931, 105,052 in 1961, and 149,000 in 1978.

In 1974, a major renovation enhanced the library's facilities. Guided by expert studies, the library board, led by Russell Hansen, aimed to preserve the 1905 building and its 1960 addition while enhancing public appeal and usefulness through a three-phase remodeling program. The renovation introduced new entrances, steps, windows, restrooms, extensive interior rearrangement, an updated electrical system, new furnishings, and an elevator—Marion's first—significantly improving access for the handicapped. The community welcomed these improvements.

Following the 1974 renovation, the Marion Public Library continued to adapt and expand to meet the needs of its growing community. The 1970s and 1980s saw an increase in the library's role as a community hub and a significant boost in its collection and services. In the late 1970s, recognizing the need for more diverse programming and materials, the library expanded its offerings beyond traditional books. This included the introduction of multimedia resources, such as filmstrips, records, and cassette tapes, which broadened the scope of the library’s collection and attracted a wider audience.

The Marion Public Library has undergone significant growth over the years. In the 1980s, it introduced its first computer system, paving the way for future technological advancements. In the 1990s, the library provided public Internet access and expanded its space for a dedicated children's area. Moving into the 21st century, the library embraced advanced technology, offering e-books and digital services, while also focusing on community engagement through various events and programs. In 2020, a new state-of-the-art library building was opened, symbolizing the library's commitment to innovation, education, and inclusivity. Today, the Marion Public Library remains devoted to inspiring and engaging the community through access to knowledge, culture, and technology. For more information, visit the library's website or contact it directly.