Menlo Public Library

History

In the 1920's and 1930's the Menlo Library was located in the bank basement. It was sponsored by the Menlo Study Club. Members bought books and other donations were accepted. The Library was open on Saturdays only.

The current Menlo Public Library got it's start in July, 1942. The Mayor appointed the first board. The first desk used was purchased for $2. The salary of the first appointed librarian, was $.75 per week for the first six months the library was open.

In the early 60's the Library had many old books displayed horizontally on long tables and selection was anything but easy. In March 1962, the A-O-Kiya Club to supported the Library in the Community Improvement Program. The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors voted one fourth mill tax levy to match State funds, so all rural people within the County could receive free library service. The State Library standards had to be met to receive the Library's share of money. Under the new program the Town Council appointed the Library Board and Librarian. The Council agreed to levy a town tax to match the County funds and to paint the walls. The Library received a general facelifting under the guidance of the Iowa State Traveling Library. Gradually the rules were met and the books were cataloged, card files set up, and books arranged on the shelves. By meeting the standards set forth by the ISTL, the local library was able to qualify for $400.00 in new reference books. The Library was then qualified in 1962 to join the Raccoon Area Library Association. This association was designed to improve the library service. The Library signed an agreement with the Jefferson Public Library to participate in the Cooperative program offered by the Raccoon Area Libraries. The general supervision of this program was done by the Iowa State Traveling Library.

The Library's first Large Print Book collection was in 1968 on a rotating basis sponsored by the Iowa State Traveling Library with federal funds for the service.

In 1960, circulation totaled 1,989 books, by 1993 the circulation had climbed to 10,272 items for the year.

In 1973, the Guthrie County Library Association formed a county book rotation system. This system allows the members to share the use of their new books.

With a grant from the State Library of Iowa in 1993, the Library added a computer system and a fax machine to help with interlibrary loans. In 1996 the Library logged onto the Internet for the first time.

The Menlo Public Library is now a member of the Southwest Iowa Library Service Area, the Iowa Library Association, and the Guthrie County Library Association. The Library participates in the following library programs: Open Access; Access Plus; Guthrie County Book Rotation; Guthrie County Books-on-Tape Rotation and SWILSA Large Print Book Rotation.