Library History
The first white settler came to what is now Louisa County in 1834, and Louisa County was established in 1836 by a governmental act of the Michigan state legislature. Columbus Junction, initially known as Sand Bank, had its first trains arrive in 1857; by 1869, August Gilbert had moved his framed home here to the Columbus Junction area on the train lines. It was soon assembled, and from there, he opened a boarding house and restaurant. JW Garner plotted the entire town by 1870, and the town officially incorporated in 1874. In 1886, the first iteration of the Swinging Bridge was built. The Louisa County Safeguard was established in 1870, and was soon followed by the Columbus Safeguard. The Columbus Gazette began printing in 1887. Several other newspapers operated in and around Columbus Junction, but were short-lived and their issues were not preserved. The majority of this information has been found from both the Safeguard and the Gazette, and we’re thankful to those who wrote about the library throughout Columbus Junction’s history!
In some of the earliest issues of the Columbus Safeguard, editorials popped up with encouragement for those reading to establish their own home libraries. Sage advice was given regarding how to choose items - purchase books that you’ll read, not that they are classics or someone has told you it is necessary for your home library. Or to purchase books you’ll read rather than those that are simply a “good deal.” Early ads for encyclopedias or home reference books, like the one found as early as 1877, often relied on local testimonials from businessmen or newspaper men as to the quality of the books, and therefore, an encouragement for locals to purchase this set over another without the testimonial.
In 1884, the Columbus Safeguard advertised a subscription library for $1 for two years’ use of the library. It’s unclear whether the library would be housed in Columbus Junction, or if subscribers would have to travel or request books by mail. The ad also boasts a book per subscriber plus fifty more, so that any subscriber could always have access to a book even when others are in transit. Many subscription libraries were available for residents - some would write off to Chicago and pay their nickel for a volume to be mailed back to them. Some, like this, offered use of the entire collection for two years, advertising the size of the collection based on the size of the subscriber pool.
Libraries were also talked about in terms of the rich and famous. Nationwide articles would appear in local newspapers about the size, physical description, number of books, and value of the collection for famous, and infamous, people in larger cities. Often titles would be listed, to help the “average” person curate their reading list. Many times, private libraries such as these would be advertised as a benefit of being in a particular person’s employ. Job advertisements from around the nation would be printed in local papers, listing tasks, weekly wages, and sometimes, the use of the employer’s library.
The serialization of novels in newspapers was also commonplace until radios took over storytelling between the 1920s and 1950s. Each week, a chapter of a book would be printed in newspapers nationwide, and readers could follow along for the installments. Sometimes these were well known titles, like “The Phantom of the Opera.” Sometimes there were gothic tales, murder mysteries, or otherwise “penny dreadful” types of stories. Nevertheless, each week, without fail, the next installment over 4-8 columns of newsprint, the chapter would unfold, leaving readers to wonder and speculate until the next issue arrived.
In February 1884, the first discussion of establishing a public library for Columbus Junction hit the Safeguard. It appears to be a measure that would be put to ballot “soon,” and would benefit the education of the community and support the normal school that had been operational in Columbus Junction. Finally, the benefit of the public library would be to interest people in the great volumes of literature of past and present - not trashy novels that were being favored by the “younger” generations. While not much can be found after this initial discussion in February 1884, a mere 10 years after Columbus Junction was incorporated, it appears that support was given to the idea of using the Normal School’s library as a public library and many fundraising efforts were listed in subsequent newspapers. Events like concerts or dances, pooling funds from certain groups, and more all helped to establish a larger library at the school that everyone in town could utilize. Additionally, Sunday School libraries were also very popular for religious based texts, sermons, and treatises. Private book clubs or library clubs also became popular, where groups of people would share books and meet to discuss them. Often times, we would see that local book clubs would then donate the books they did read to the normal school or the volunteer run library for others’ use as well. Regularly opinion pieces would be published, some by local writers and some running nationwide, discussing the benefits of lending books, having local libraries, reading, and more. Many of the same arguments used today can be found in those pieces - the benefit of educational opportunities which may not be found in rural areas, the concern about younger people getting into mischief or trouble without something constructive to do, the overall moral fiber of the community degrading when people aren’t well-educated and well-read, the list goes on.
A brief article in 1892 references the “walking library,” an activity that was meant for entertainment for all. From what we can tell, it seems like this was very similar to our Storybook Adventure that’s been installed at the Swinging Bridge park - storytellers were positioned throughout an established walk and participants enjoyed those pieces of the story while traveling along. Conversations continued into the 1890s about a free public library for the community, outside of the school’s library. In November 1893, a reference was made to a lecture course having been secured for the education and benefit of the community. At the end of this brief note, the writer questioned when a public library would then be established. Many advertisements in the newspapers would often reference how the research for a particular remedy had been done in a library, with the most comprehensive selection of reference books, so you know you’re getting the best product possible. The weight of a library and its importance of a library, in those pre-Google and internet days, can be seen in all these ways and more.
The most popular night for the school library to be open was Saturday night, so that people would spend “no more evenings on the streets.” As other schools began to open, so did other smaller libraries within the schools. Sometimes they were only available for pupils. Other times, just for those who paid taxes for those schools. Other times, country kids could pay a quarter for the year’s ability to borrow books, while adults paid fifty cents. This style of public library continued until 1929, when the conversation in Columbus Junction shifted to the need for a public library for all.
Regularly during this time, articles appeared in the Gazette recognizing the importance of a library room and access to books. In 1929, the parent teacher organization, as a part of its regular meeting, discussed papers and opinion pieces about establishing a public library, as well as how the town of Letts had established their own public library. Opinions remained divided as to how best to serve library interests in town - many felt that supporting the school library and establishing a better system of shared use was the right move, while others fully supported leveraging local tax dollars for the establishment of a public library.
The old school, 122 E. Maple Street, was originally built in 1882 as the public school in town. The cost of the building at that time was $7,840, or $236,575.14 in 2023. For a few years after the school moved, it was used as a community building. The building was completely overhauled using WPA funds (approximately $1,234 dollars, or $26,560.25 in 2023) from President Roosevelt’s New Deal to get Americans back to work and through the Great Depression. New windows and roof, flooring, paint, kitchen, and plastering was done throughout the building. Within the old school was housed the Library Room, which was the forerunner to the Columbus Junction Public Library. The library was solely run on donations of books and volunteer time to maintain the collection and recordkeeping. It was in this room that Mrs. Marie Letts, Mrs. T.N. (Madge) O’Neill, and Miss Grace Butler served as librarians, paid for through WPA funds. In 1936, the building was formally given to the town of Columbus Junction.
The Young People’s Group held a dinner and social party at the Community Building in support of establishing the library room, and invited those who attended to give books at the Gazette office or Shellabarger Drug Store. Requested books included fiction, juvenile, travel, science, and biography. Those who donated books were known as the “First Donors” group for the library. Regularly throughout 1936, the Gazette reported on the Young People’s Group hosting events in support of the volunteer library and library room at the Community Building. In March 1937, the donated based Library Room opened with a community carnival, the proceeds of which benefited the library as well. The Community Building, at that time, also supported a preschool and special events, in addition to the Library Room. As a part of the WPA program, classes were also held in the Library Room/Community Building to provide skills instruction, including working with wood, leather, brass, paper, or other arts for all ages. In 1938, the Library Room boasted about circulating books, indicating that any book could be checked out any day of the week and kept for two weeks without charge. The more things change, the more they stay the same - this sounds very familiar for patrons of the library now! Also in 1938 the Library Room opened two days per week - Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-9 pm. Throughout the remainder of the 1930s and into the 1940s, the Library Room hosted teas to benefit the library, solicited book donations, and was bequeathed entire collections of books, sometimes from visitors to the town that were “taken” by the wonderful library.
The year 1939 also saw the initial library board installed to oversee the running of the library. Specifically ladies were asked to serve, and the initial board included Mrs. Florence Burston, Mrs. E.P. Shellabarger, Mrs S.J. Lewis, Mrs. D.A. Marker, and Mrs. W.S. Letts. The library board often announced new books that were included and available at the library, which by the end of 1939 included over 1500 volumes. In December 1939, a visitor from the State Library committee also visited the Columbus Junction Library Room, making suggestions for the benefit of the library. Into the 1940s, the library room and Community Building continued to provide recreational opportunities, including a forerunner of the summer reading program, for the community in addition to the ability to borrow books. However, with the US entering World War II in December 1941, orders were issued to close the WPA projects in 31 Iowa counties in March 1942. It was hoped that plans could be worked out to continue the role the Community Building and Library Room, but the library closed in March 1942, as WPA funds to pay the librarian were no longer available. However, by May 1942, the town had rallied enough funds to reopen the library, charging 25 cents per card per year, and 3 cents per day for overdue items. The board ran the library and continued to solicit donations of items from the community, as well as funds to maintain the library and its facilities. Because of this, the library was only open on Saturday afternoons and evenings. Volunteer librarians, including Mrs. R.L. Hibbs, Mrs. Frank Isett, Mrs. H.J. Oak, and Miss Grace Butler checked out books to the community and some additional hours on Tuesday afternoons were added to the Saturday times. New titles continued to be advertised in the Gazette to entice readers to check them out.
In July 1948, the town council pass the library ordinance, establishing a tax supported library and naming the first library board of trustees, including Paul B. Smith, Ann Marker, Vivian Merritt, Marie Letts, and Ruth Fisher. Lots were drawn to determine the number of years on the board for each member. Paul Smith was elected president, and Ruth Fisher the secretary-treasurer. The initial petition, asking the town council and Mayor Thomas E. Perry to establish the library, garnered over 250 signatures in support. The Columbus Business and Professional Women’s Club volunteered to continue running the library until the first tax dollars could be collected and transitioned into the library’s budget, as well as offering to do tag day sales to raise funds for the newly founded Columbus Junction Public LIbrary. The former library presented a check in the amount of $25.53, or $322.04 in 2023, and the Priscilla Club donated $5 specifically for children’s books. Approximately two dozen letters were sent to other local clubs and organizations asking for donations of lamps, desks, tables, chairs, and other furnishings.
The Columbus Junction Public Library officially opened on November 13, 1948, with Mrs. Frank (Alta) Isett as the first paid librarian. In August 1949, the Business and Professional Women’s Club held a tag day, with $102.90 donated to the new library, or $1,330.73 in 2023. During this time, Mr. Waffle, of the Waffle Book Company, would bring his supply of books for the board of trustees to preview and choose the books they wished to purchase.
Anna Robertson became librarian in 1950. The library was open 10 hours a week, and paid the Park Board $10 a month rent ($126.50 in 2023). The budget for 1957 was $1200.00, or a little over $13,000 in 2023 money; for 1958, $1350.00, or around $14,400 in 2023 money.
Fire damaged the building in 1960, with an explosion being noted by the caretakers of the building. Extensive damage was seen throughout the entire building, especially the library room. Library books were allowed to remain out, with no fines being accrued, while the Board of Trustees dealt with the damage and made plans. The library was moved to the west room on the main floor, and this move was quite easy as it was the same dimensions, so it fit all shelves and furniture. Mayor H.M. Duncan, members of the town council, and library board members all helped move the collection from the second floor to the main floor, using lumber from the lumber yard on the stairs to create a slide. Each shelf of books was placed in a mail bag, borrowed from the post office, and labeled, so that books could be placed back on the shelves without sorting. The total collection numbered over 4000 items. The library had reopened by May 1960 and asked for any books that had been out since February’s fire be returned.
The Columbus Junction Public Library had grown since it began, and teachers at the school now began bringing students to the public library to obtain books. The cost for a library card for country students, since their parents weren’t paying city taxes to support the library, were 25 cents, while adults could obtain a card for 50 cents. E.P. Shellabarger bequeathed $2000, or around $21,000 in 2023 money, to the library to purchase books in memorial to his wife, Mary. The funds were used over a period of years, and each book was stamped with a special stamp to memorialize her.
Circulation of books and magazines for the year 1961 was reported as 7,393. The library was heated with oil stoves at that time and the fuel bill for the winter of 1961-1962 was $69.88 (or $721 in 2023 funds). The budget for 1961 was $1450.00, or approximately $15,000 in 2023 funds.
Isabelle Sellers became the librarian in 1966 when Anna Robertson resigned, and the board accepted Mrs. Robertson’s resignation with deepest regret.
In May of 1969, during Mrs. Seller’s tenure, discussion began about moving to the larger east room. This was accomplished in 1971. Again, volunteers helped with the moving and building of new shelves. Dennis Peters was contracted to paint the room green. In 1971, Adeline Crawford became librarian. In 1972 the governor's wife, Mrs. Robert Ray, visited the library and later sent a letter of appreciation for her visit. Taxes received for that year amounted to $1119.96 (about $8387 in 2023 money). Mr. Don Schnell was appointed to the board of trustees in July 1972. In 1976, he was appointed to serve a three year term on the state Library Commission as a representative of the board of trustees of small libraries. He was appointed to the State Standards Committee, of which the library continues to follow and meet requirements for the highest tier of library service possible for public libraries in Iowa.
In 1977, members of the library board of trustees were Don Schnell, Lyrel Norris, Anna Robertson, Betty (Emily) Bell, and Ardith Ostrem. In April of that year, hours were increased from 10 to 12 per week by being open 9-11 am on Saturdays. In July, the library began issuing physical library cards for patrons to take home with them, rather than keeping at the library. The year 1977 also saw the public library receive county financial support, as the Louisa County Board of Supervisors agreed to use tax dollars to provide rural residents with access to the public libraries, taxing rural property owners ¼ mil. Lyrel Norris and Anna Robertson resigned at the end of the year 1977 from the board of trustees. Margaret Newell and Sue Schweitzer were appointed to replace them.
In Feburary 1978, CETA workers from the Southeastern Library SErvice began work to catalog the library’s collection. Upon the resignation of Adeline Crawford in 1978, board member Ardith Ostrem was asked to serve in the capacity of director, which she accepted. In September of 1978, hours of operation increased from 12 to 17 ½, open 6 days per week.
On June 20, 1978, thirty years after the establishment of the public library, a reception and tea was held at the library to honor former trustees and librarians. A plaque was presented to Anna Robertson for her many years of devoted service as librarian and trustee. Another plaque was presented to be placed in the library denoting the names of former trustees and librarians and the years served. Those serving the longest terms as trustees were Mrs. Anna Robertson for 27 years, Mrs. Lyrel Norris for 23 years, Mrs. Vivian Merritt for 28 years, Mrs. Myrtle Paxton for 18 years, and Don Schnell for 12 years.
In July 1980, the Library’s Board of Trustees and the Columbus Junction City Council met to discuss the possibility of remodeling and the acquisition of more space, including the eventual use of the whole main floor of the building for the library. The council agreed to give the kitchen to the library to be used as a work room, a remodel of the bathroom, and building some additional closets. In the fall of 1982, the work began by Dick Houseal, carpenter. Beryl and Sime Roundy donated $5000 to the Community Building to be used for the benefit of the library, and air conditioning was installed in 1982 as well. During this time, Helen Aringdale agreed to become assistant to the library, as she’d previously been typing for the library. The library hours were increased to 20 hours per week.
Special projects also abounded during this time. A historical preservation project was started in 1981 with Verl Lekwa as coordinator. A tape recorder was purchased and some of the older citizens interviewed. On October 28, 1982 an organizational meeting was held to start a Friends of the Library group. Officers elected were as follows: James Ray, president, Dorothy McConahay, vice-president, Judy Speth, secretary, and John Della Vedova, Treasurer. Membership dues were to be $5 per year.
The budget for 1982-1983 was $10,408.00, just shy of $34,000 in 2023 dollars. Discussion continued on ways to improve the physical appearance of the library, and these conversations took place between the town council and the library board of trustees, as the Community Building Committee had been dissolved. The entire main floor was not specifically the library’s, as it was agreed that the west room, a public meeting room, would be maintained, of which the library could have use.
In 1982, the library received a $23,000 grant from the Kinney-Linstrom Foundation of Hanlontown, Iowa, for remodeling the library. In February 1983, the library moved back into the smaller west room again while the renovations began. The library was completely remodeled with new ceiling, light fixtures, carpet, furniture, shelving, paint, wallpaper, and curtains. On September 11, an open house with Victorian Tea was sponsored by the Friends of the Library, and over 130 guests attended. The total inventory of books for 1983 included 4842 adult books, 3292 children's books, 1811 paperback books, and 29 magazine subscriptions. The Columbus Junction Library Board received the Governor's Leadership Award for Community betterment from Governor Terry E. Brandstad on November 5, 1983.
Beginning in July 1984, the library opened for 29 1/2 hours, including five weekdays until 7:30 pm. Services include storytimes, summer reading programs, adult education classes, lighted magnifiers, loan of a Polaroid Sun Camera, renting of a 16 mm projector, screen, and videodisc players and discs. The Young Adult collection began in 1987, and with the assistance of donations from the Lion’s Club, the large print collection began in the 1980s as well.
Following approval in January 1988, the city council agreed to allow the use of the west room for a children's library. Construction began in January 1989 by Harris Construction, and work was completed in April, at which time the children's collection was moved and furniture arranged for small library meetings and storytimes.
In 1990, Marie Spaethe, former library board of trustees member, left $250,000 to be used for the construction of a new library. A city study was done, and a steering committee and foundation was formed. A decision was made to construct a building that would hold the library, city hall, and police department located at 232 Second St. After 15 years of fundraising, the Columbus Community Civic Center became a reality in 2005, as ground was broken. A ribbbon cutting and open house was held on February 13, 2006. The library was open the next day, and, by the end of the month, 74 new card holders had been registered. The library occupies the second floor of the building, with a private conference room, staff workroom, study room, main library, and children's room.
Ardith Ostrem retired in 2009, and to date, is the longest serving library director of the Columbus Junction Public Library, and Cathy Crawford began her tenure as library director. Cathy enhanced children’s services, valuing the idea that children who love the library become adult library lovers as well. Cathy focused on activities throughout the year, in addition to more summer reading programs for all ages. Many of the WPA style programs from years past were revitalized by Cathy - theatricals, plays, historical programs, and more were heavily attended and thoughtfully produced. Cathy also focused on community outreach, beginning to read at the County Fair, visiting the daycare, and participating in school activities/open houses. Cathy also provided services and assistance to the growing immigrant and refugee population within the Columbus community.
Upon Cathy’s retirement in 2015, Mandy Grimm became library director, continuing much of the work Cathy had begun. Granting writing for special projects and programs, equipment and technology, assistance with the naturalization process, and continued community outreach have been hallmarks of the library over Mandy’s tenure as well.
In June 2018, renovations were completed thanks to a generous donation by the Warren and Connie Lewis family to turn a staff break room into a functioning kitchen, named "Connie's Helping Hands." Various community groups use the kitchen to teach cooking skills, and the library is able to provide snacks and food related programming. Beginning in 2019, the library added new collections of exercise equipment like under-desk bicycles, yoga mats and blocks, exercise balls, and outdoor yard games. Adding to these collections through the years, the collection now boasts games, family dinner book club kits, science/STEM kits, building toys, and more. In 2022, the library, with help from the Parks and Recreation Committee, installed a Storybook Adventure along Possum Hollow Trail of the Swinging Bridge Park. Books are changed monthly through the summer months, and visitors/hikers can read a story while they walk. Thousands have signed into guest book registers at the bottom of the ravine, from most all 50 states as well as many countries abroad. This same year, with the assistance of the Friends of the Library, the Tri-County Library Association (Columbus Junction, Wapello, Letts, Morning Sun, Mediapolis, and Winfield) launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in their service areas. To date, almost 300 children from birth through age 5 have received books to build their home libraries and to improve early childhood literacy outcomes. Through grant writing, fundraising, and sponsorships, the libraries look forward to providing this service for a long time to come. The year 2022 also saw some minor changes in the library’s physical appearance, with paint and new carpet, as well as rearranging the layout. Many patrons found it hard to believe that the “new” library needed new carpet already, despite it having been 16 years since the building had been built!
Covid-19 during the year 2020 provided many opportunities to change how library services are provided. The library began providing take-home programming, with resoundingly positive feedback, and the “digital” branch of the library was given as much focus as the physical branch. Social media platforms and the library’s website became places of engagement across the community, but also across the state and the country. In fact, the library often receives phone calls asking for assistance logging into online accounts from patrons in Columbus, Ohio, who are, at times, disappointed, indicating that they wished they were a part of our library, rather than their larger one. Likewise, visits from those around the state due to the library’s TikTok presence have been noted.
As always, the library could not achieve these successes without the continued support of the City of Columbus Junction, Louisa County Board of Supervisors, our contracting cities (City of Columbus City, Conesville, Cotter, and Fredonia), past and present Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers, the Friends of the Columbus Junction Library, and private donations in memory of loved ones, which have been too numerous through the library’s history to mention. The staff at the library continue to look for ways to better serve and engage with the community as well as working to preserve the community’s history as we head into 2024, the year of our sesquicentennial.
Librarians include:
Mrs. Alta Isett 1948-1950
Anna Robertson 1950-1966
Isabelle Sellers 1966-1971
Adeline Crawford 1971-1978
Ardith Ostrem 1978-2009
Cathy Crawford 2009-2015
Mandy Grimm 2015-present