Ottumwa Public Library
Ottumwa Public Library has been serving the city of Ottumwa and surrounding communities since 1901.
Services/Programs
Book Clubs
If you're looking for a fun and fulfilling activity, you should consider joining the Reader's Ink Book Club. Hosted by the Ottumwa Public Library, the book club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6pm. Each month, Reader's Ink reads a different book selected by one of its members. The library will loan each member a copy of the book they need for the next meeting. Patron's interested in joining Reader's Ink can contact Sonja Ferrell by email or at (641)682-7563x202.
The library also offers the Nonfiction Book Club which meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30pm. Members select nonfiction books for the club to read. The library will loan each member a copy of the book they need for the next meeting. Anyone interested in joining the Nonfiction Book Club should contact Patricia Essick by email or at (641)682-7563x205.
Copies & Copying
The library has a copy machine available to the general public on the first floor of the library. Copies of letter sized and legal sized pages are $.15 per single-sided page. The library's copier can also make copies up to 11 in. x 17 in. for only $.30 per single-sided page.
Fax Services
The library offers faxing services to the general public. The public can both send and receive faxes at the library. The fee for faxing is $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. There is no charge for patrons sending faxes to local or toll-free numbers. For international numbers, the fees are $6.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. The fee for receiving a fax is $1.00 per page (with no charge for the cover page if it exists).
Genealogy Records Retrieval
We are happy to help patrons in their search for genealogical information. Patrons who are unable to come to the library in person may request that library staff retrieve an article or obituary for them. The library has newspapers from Ottumwa on microfilm from 1871 to the present date (there are some gaps in our collection prior to 1900). The fee for this service is $5.00 for the first article or obituary requested and $1.00 for each additional request. Individuals who would like to request a look-up can contact staff here. Please provide us with as much information about the search as you can.
The Horizon Lecture Series
The Horizon Lecture Series brings different speakers or performers to the library to educate and entertain the community of Ottumwa. Program times vary so stay tuned to the website for news of our latest guest speaker.
Meeting Room
Located on the first floor of the library, the library's meeting room is available to use for events that are free and open to the public. The meeting room can accommodate a maximum of 35 people (depending upon seating arrangements required). Advanced booking is required. Please call the library at (641)682-7563 for further questions and to reserve the room.
Microfilm Readers
We currently offer two microfilm readers to the public. While the library primarily uses microfilm, both machines are also capable of reading microfiche cards up to 105 mm x 190 mm. Both readers have printers attached to them to allow for the printing of microfilm materials. Each printer is capable of printing in either letter (8.5 in. x 11 in.) or legal (8.5 in x 14 in.) size. The charge for printing microfilm materials is $.50 per exposure.
Preschool Story Times
On selected Fridays at 10:30am, the Children's Librarian conducts a preschool story time in the children's section of the Ottumwa Public Library. The librarian will read a couple of stories based upon the theme of the week. Afterward, the children work on a craft that is thematically related to the the stories the children have just heard. For more information about current story times please contact the children's department at (641)682-7563 ext. 208.
Public Use Computers
The library has fourteen computers available for use by the public. Access to public computers is managed by reservation software on a first come first serve basis. Patrons should bring their library card to gain access to an available computer. Out-of-town guests may request a guest pass in order to use a computer.
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