Council Bluffs Public Library, Public library in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Council Bluffs Public Library is a library in Iowa featuring Beaux-Arts architecture distinguished by a low brick facade, stone trim, and three arched openings framed by Ionic columns. The building accommodates extensive collections and dedicated spaces for reading, research, and community gatherings.
The original building was designed by architects Patton and Miller in 1903 and opened in 1905 with Carnegie funding. It was then the largest library facility in the state, marking the shift from a private subscription collection to a public institution.
From its 1866 origins as a subscription service for males over 12, the institution transformed into a free public library serving the entire Pottawattamie County.
The building is located on Willow Avenue and offers a large collection of books, media, and resources for visitors of all ages. Access is straightforward, and the spaces are well-organized for browsing and learning.
The original 1905 Carnegie building was later taken over by Union Pacific Railroad and now serves as a railroad museum. Although it has taken on a new purpose, it remains under the library's ownership.
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