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Library History

The Urbana Public Library officially opened its doors in April 2024, marking a historic milestone for the community and the state of Iowa. At the time of its opening, Urbana became home to the first newly established public library in Iowa in more than 50 years—a rare distinction that reflects both vision and perseverance.

Although the library itself is new, the journey to opening its doors spanned more than two decades. For over 20 years, the Library Board, Friends of the Library, and countless community supporters worked together to raise funds, build public support, and advocate for a permanent library in Urbana. Among the community’s most dedicated advocates was the Magill family, whose  belief in the importance of a local library helped sustain the effort through the years.

The library’s home tells its own story of transformation. For decades, the building that now houses the Urbana Public Library served as the city maintenance garage, located near the community park. When the City of Urbana made the site available for library use, the community chose to reimagine and restore the existing structure rather than construct a new building.

The original shell was completely refinished and transformed into a welcoming public space featuring large windows that fill the library with natural light, a loft area that adds flexibility and character, and a fireplace that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for reading, gathering, and community connection. The result is a space that honors Urbana’s past while serving its present and future.

Today, the Urbana Public Library stands as a testament to what sustained community effort can accomplish—a place built from persistence, creativity, and a shared belief that access to knowledge, connection, and belonging matters.