The Marshalltown Public Library was established as a free municipal library in 1898. In 1902, it moved locations following a $30,000 donation by Andrew Carnegie for the construction of a brand-new building. An addition was added in 1975. In 2008, the library moved yet again to its final location. The Marshalltown Public Library now stands at 36,000 square feet, with amenities like:

• 2 self-checkout stations
• Internal and external security cameras as well as a security gate
• a large community room with a kitchenette furnished with a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher as well a media projector and dividing wall for multi-program use
• a large Welcome Center area with bulletin boards for community resources available in multiple languages
• two group study rooms with an 8-person maximum
• two group study rooms with a 4-person maximum
• a bookmobile
• a permanent and visible Friends of the Library Bookstore area
• a large and visible donor wall in the front entrance
• public use walkers and strollers that are available for use by patrons at the library
• a large information desk
• a dynamic Adult department with furniture on wheels for easy room reconfiguration
• front-facing shelves for increased book circulation and visibility
• a large Children's area with a designated computer space for patron computers as well as AWE Learning computers
• a designated Teen Space with computers and other activities
• a designated children's play space
• a designated librarian breakroom with a sink, microwave, coffee maker, and dishwasher
• a staff-only entrance
• designated staff lockers
• designated staff workspaces separate from the main library floor
• a large, clear workplace for ease of access and organization of library supplies
• additional library storage that doubles as organization for items that can be checked out by patrons
• ADA-compliant restrooms with changing stations as well as a family restroom
• an on-site washer and dryer
• two book drops