The Logan Public library owes its existence to two retired principals of the Logan High school.  The ladies presented their idea to the public and in November 1913 a meeting was held.  The price of admission was a book and 128 books were collected. It was at this meeting that our first library board was elected and we became the Logan Public Library.  Our  first site was a room in the northeast corner of the courthouse. 

In 1915 Logan received one of the last Carnegie Grants and the original building was built on our current site.  In 1967 the basement was remodeled and a children's room created and in 1988 we doubled our space to 4,800 square feet.  A new entry and elevator on the east side has made us ADA accessible. 

The new addition gave us lounge and study areas as well as more shelf space on the main floor.  In the basement we added a story well area to the children's room, created a meeting room with kitchenette, and handicapped accessible restrooms.  The children's library was recently  redecorated making it a bright, child friendly spot. 

In 1993 we acquired our first computers and have continued to expand technology services for area patrons.  We we are proud supply audio books and visual media along with our printed materials and patrons may also make use of our online lending of eBooks & audio books through Libby using our library. 

We like to view our library as being "without walls" with our ability and desire  to acquire information for our patrons. Our aim is make all who enter to feel welcome and comfortable.    
 
 Visit the Carnegie Library history site to view a selection of our original documents in digital form as well as photos & many interesting facts about our library & community.

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Library Board Members:
Sandra Richardson- President
Judy Dinkel
Gary Ervin
Gene Esser
Helen Knauss

Public Library Boards in Iowa have five primary roles:

1.  Advocate for the library in the community and advocate for the community as a member of the library board.   To be a library advocate is to work for the betterment of library services for the community.   Advocacy includes working to obtain adequate funding for the library; pursuing opportunities to meet and speak with community groups; getting to know the mayor and city council; making sure the community’s needs and interests are paramount when making board decisions.

2.  Plan for the future of the library.  Planning is deciding what is going to happen with library services over the next few years.  It is taking charge of the library’s future and creating it to be responsive to what the community needs.

3.  Monitor and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the library to make sure the library is operating the way it should.  For example, the board approves the bills so they can be paid.  The board also helps determine whether the community is satisfied with the service received from the library.

4.  Set library policies.  (Policy is a carefully designed, broadly stated, written guideline for actions and decision of the library.)  Once adopted by the board, library staff carries out the policies on a day to day basis.

5.  Hire and evaluate the library director.  The board hires a qualified director to manage the day-to-day operations of the library and works with the director, carefully respecting each other’s roles.  The board also regularly evaluates the director to make sure the library operates well and in the best interest of those the library serves.