Learn about the library's 123-year history below. This infographic was made possible through the research and compilation efforts of Library Director Jane Millard. Her original article detailing the unabridged history of the library in honor of its 2004 centennial can be found here.
History in Photos
The Jefferson Public Library Carnegie building is one of 99 such buildings in Iowa.
A Scottish immigrant turned businessman and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie supported the construction of over 2,500 libraries around the world over a 30-year period.
Explore our genealogy and local history resources here.
Did you know? The library used to have a water fountain. It's speculated that some of the iron was used for the war effort in the 1940s.
Keep up with the ongoing library expansion project, including media coverage and site tours, here.
Library Directors
Maud Culbertson 1901-1902
Ida B. Head 1902-1918
Mary G. Barney 1918-1920
Nellie Hopper 1920-1946
Ruby Washburn 1946-1948
Helen Prehm 1948 (temporary)
Leona Lacock 1948-1984
Mandy Kirchner 1984-1987
Lois Krause 1987-2000
Jane Millard 2000-present
Children's Librarians
Elizabeth Jones
May Belle Davis 1956-1964
Frances Bryan 1964-1977
Liz Carlstrom 1977-1980
Shirley Clark 1980-87;1997-98
Sonya Young 1987-1997
Terry Clark 1998-2021
*Position changed to Youth Services Librarian
Stephanie Hall 2021-2022
Bailey Mount 2022 - present
Current library staff includes: Diana Stehn, Judy Contner, Sandy Heithoff, Trudy Richardson, Sarah Roeder (Adult Department); Carrie Jensen, Carrie Boude (Youth Department); Anaia Spencer and Natalie Wright (Student Librarians); Brian Wind (Custodian).