In 1873, Independence became the first city in Iowa to provide free, tax-supported library services.

Join us this October and November to celebrate our sesquicentennial by participating in the events below!

Faces of IPL - going on throughout October and November

Submit your story of how IPL has made a difference in your life or your favorite IPL memory.

On Reserve Podcast, Episode 18: "Stories of IPL" 

Laura, Amy, and Vonnie share their stories and memories of IPL in this special sesquicentennial episode!

The Rest of the Story: How Libraries Grew Up with Iowa - Tuesday, October 10 @ 6:30 pm

Join Iowa author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby at IPL to learn the fascinating history of libraries in Iowa and how our state become 4th in the nation in number of libraries per capita.

Independence Public Library: Iowa's First Free Library - Thursday, October 26 @ 6:30 pm

Tony Bengston and Judy Olsen discuss why 1873 was such a pivotal year in Independence and IPL history and tell us about former library locations and key individuals that shaped the library and our community.

A Tribute to our Past: City and Library History Exhibit Opening Ceremony - Saturday, November 4 @ 10:00 am

Join us for an opening ceremony of our sesquicentennial history exhibit!

A Tribute to our Past: City and Library History Exhibit - November 4 through November 7
     Open during regular library hours

Take a journey through years gone by at this exhibit in the library's Community Room. Explore the library's historical timeline and see relics from the past, learn about individuals in the library's history, and enjoy photos from the distant past through the present. Exhibit will be open the following days and hours:

• Saturday, November 4: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Sunday, November 5:  1:00 - 4:00 pm
• Monday, November 6:  9:30 am - 8:00 pm
• Tuesday, November 7:  9:30 am - 8:00 pm

Determined, Defiant, and Self Reliant - Thursday, November 9 @ 6:30 pm

Does Elizabeth Sanford's story interest you? Then come to this program presented by historian Kathy Wilson about other self-reliant women of the Victorian era.