The Albia Public Library was established in 1903 in Albia, Iowa, United States. It was founded by the Albia Women's Club, a local organization dedicated to promoting education and literacy in the community.
At the time of its establishment, the library was located in a small room in the Albia City Hall. It had a collection of approximately 500 books and was run by volunteers from the Women's Club.
The library's mission was to provide access to books and resources for the community, with a focus on promoting education and lifelong learning. It also served as a gathering place for community members to come together and share ideas.
Over the years, the library grew in size and popularity, and in 1923, it moved to a larger building on Benton Avenue. In 1967, the library moved again to its current location on Washington Avenue, where it continues to serve the community today.
The Albia Public Library has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the growing needs of the community. It now has a collection of over 30,000 items, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources.
Today, the library remains an important resource for the community, offering a variety of programs and services for all ages. It continues to fulfill its original mission of promoting education and literacy in Albia and providing a welcoming space for community members to gather and learn.
1. Fiction Books: This collection includes a wide range of novels, short stories, and other works of fiction from various genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books: This collection includes books on various topics such as history, biographies, self-help, cooking, travel, and more.
3. Children's Books: This collection includes books for children of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for young adults.
4. Young Adult Books: This collection includes books specifically targeted towards teenagers and young adults, covering a variety of genres and topics.
5. Reference Books: This collection includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and other reference materials for research and information purposes.
6. Audio Books: This collection includes audiobooks in various formats such as CDs, MP3s, and digital downloads, for those who prefer listening to books.
7. Large Print Books: This collection includes books with larger font sizes for those with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
8. Magazines and Newspapers: This collection includes a variety of magazines and newspapers covering different topics and interests.
9. Local History Collection: This collection includes books, documents, and other materials related to the history of Albia and the surrounding area.
10. E-books and Digital Resources: The library also offers access to a wide range of e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources through its online platform.
The Albia Public Library in Albia, Iowa, offers a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for readers to explore and discover. These materials provide a unique glimpse into the past and offer valuable insights into various subjects and time periods.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions of classic works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These books are not only valuable for their literary significance but also for their historical and cultural importance.
The library also houses a collection of rare history archives, including local newspapers dating back to the late 1800s. These newspapers offer a fascinating look at the events, people, and issues that shaped the community of Albia over the years. The archives also include historical photographs, maps, and documents that provide a visual representation of the town's past.
In addition to books and archives, the library also has a collection of rare manuscripts. These handwritten documents offer a glimpse into the lives of people from different eras and cultures. Some notable manuscripts include letters from soldiers during the Civil War, diaries of early settlers in Albia, and personal journals of prominent figures in Iowa's history.
The library also offers access to digital archives, including rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents from around the world. These resources can be accessed online through the library's website, providing readers with a vast collection of rare materials at their fingertips.
The Albia Public Library is committed to preserving and sharing these rare and valuable materials with the community. The library regularly hosts events and exhibitions featuring these items, allowing readers to engage with them in a meaningful way.
In conclusion, the Albia Public Library offers a diverse and extensive collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for readers to explore and learn from. These materials provide a unique and valuable resource for anyone interested in history, literature, or local culture.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and audiobooks.
2. Interlibrary Loan: If the library does not have a particular book, subscribers can request it through interlibrary loan and have it delivered to the library for pickup.
3. EResources: The library provides access to various online resources such as ebooks, emagazines, and databases for research and learning.
4. Computer and Internet Access: The library has computers with internet access for subscribers to use for research, job searching, or personal use.
5. Printing and Copying: Subscribers can use the library's printers and copiers for a small fee.
6. Programs and Events: The library hosts various programs and events for the community, including book clubs, author talks, and children's storytime.
7. Meeting Rooms: The library has meeting rooms available for community groups and organizations to use for meetings and events.
8. Reference and Research Assistance: The library staff is available to help subscribers with research and reference questions.
9. Homebound Services: The library offers homebound services for subscribers who are unable to visit the library due to illness or disability.
10. Outreach Services: The library provides outreach services to schools, nursing homes, and other community organizations to promote literacy and library services.
11. Book Sales: The library holds book sales throughout the year, offering discounted books to the community.
12. Summer Reading Program: The library hosts a summer reading program for children to encourage reading and learning during the summer months.
13. Local History Collection: The library has a collection of local history materials, including books, photographs, and documents, for community members to explore.
14. Technology Classes: The library offers classes on various technology topics, such as basic computer skills and social media, for subscribers and community members.
15. Volunteer Opportunities: The library offers volunteer opportunities for community members to get involved and support the library's services and programs.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The Albia Public Library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local and regional artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Book Readings and Author Talks: The library hosts book readings and author talks where visitors can meet and interact with their favorite authors. These events also provide an opportunity to discover new books and authors.
3. Book Clubs: The library has several book clubs for different age groups, including adults, teens, and children. These clubs meet regularly to discuss and analyze a selected book.
4. Children's Storytime: The library organizes regular storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities related to the books.
5. Book Fairs: The library hosts book fairs where visitors can purchase books at discounted prices. These fairs also feature book signings and meet-and-greet sessions with authors.
6. Writing Workshops: The library offers writing workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. These workshops cover various topics such as creative writing, poetry, and publishing.
7. Film Screenings: The library occasionally hosts film screenings, showcasing a variety of genres and themes. These screenings are often followed by discussions and Q&A sessions.
8. Local History Exhibitions: The library has a dedicated section for local history, and it regularly hosts exhibitions featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of Albia and its surrounding areas.
9. Technology Classes: The library offers technology classes for all ages, covering topics such as basic computer skills, social media, and coding.
10. Special Events: The library also hosts special events throughout the year, such as holiday-themed activities, book sales, and community gatherings. These events provide a fun and engaging way to connect with the community and the library.

1. Respect the library's rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies, such as noise levels, food and drink restrictions, and borrowing limits. These rules are in place to ensure a peaceful and organized environment for all patrons.
2. Keep your voice down: Libraries are meant to be quiet spaces for studying and reading. Be mindful of your volume when talking to others or using your phone. If you need to have a conversation, move to a designated talking area or step outside.
3. Handle books and materials with care: Treat library materials with respect and care. Avoid bending pages, writing in books, or damaging them in any way. If you accidentally damage a book, inform a librarian so they can properly repair it.
4. Return books on time: Be mindful of due dates and return books on time. This allows other patrons to have access to the materials they need. If you need to renew a book, do so before the due date to avoid late fees.
5. Use headphones when listening to audio: If you are listening to music or watching a video on your device, make sure to use headphones. This will prevent disturbing others who are studying or reading.
6. Keep the library clean: Help keep the library clean by throwing away your trash and returning books to their proper shelves. If you notice any spills or messes, inform a librarian so they can clean it up.
7. Use the library's resources responsibly: The library offers a variety of resources, such as computers and printers. Make sure to use them responsibly and follow any guidelines set by the library.
8. Be mindful of personal belongings: While the library strives to provide a safe environment, it is important to keep an eye on your personal belongings. Do not leave them unattended, and if you need to step away, ask a friend to watch them for you.
9. Respect others' privacy: Avoid looking over someone's shoulder while they are using a computer or reading a book. Respect others' privacy and personal space.
10. Seek help from a librarian: If you need assistance finding a book or using a resource, do not hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They are there to assist you and make your library experience more enjoyable.

The Albia Public Library offers a variety of subscription plans for patrons to access its resources and services. These plans include:
1. Free Library Card: This plan is available to all residents of Albia and surrounding areas. It allows patrons to borrow physical materials such as books, DVDs, and audiobooks from the library's collection. It also provides access to the library's online resources, including e-books, e-magazines, and databases.
2. Non-Resident Library Card: Non-residents can purchase a library card for an annual fee of $25. This card provides the same benefits as the free library card.
3. Digital Library Card: This plan is available to all residents of Iowa and provides access to the library's digital resources, including e-books, e-magazines, and databases. It does not allow for borrowing physical materials.
4. Family Library Card: Families can purchase a library card for an annual fee of $50. This card allows multiple family members to access the library's resources and services.
5. Educator Library Card: Educators in the Albia Community School District can apply for a free library card. This card provides access to the library's resources and services for educational purposes.
6. Institutional Library Card: Organizations, businesses, and institutions can purchase a library card for an annual fee of $50. This card allows multiple employees or members to access the library's resources and services.
7. Interlibrary Loan Service: The library offers an interlibrary loan service for patrons who need materials that are not available in the library's collection. This service is available for a fee of $3 per item.
Overall, the Albia Public Library offers a range of subscription plans to cater to the diverse needs of its patrons. These plans provide access to a wide variety of resources and services, making the library a valuable resource for the community.

Monday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM  1:00 PM Sunday: Closed

"Albia Public Library in Albia, United States is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the bus or train to reach the library, with multiple stops located nearby. Plan your trip using the local transit system's website or app for convenient and affordable travel."