Library Status Due to COVID-19

Curbside Pickup Only. Mobile Printing available. Call (641)682-7563 for more info or questions.

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Curbside pickup

Library Closed For Thanksgiving Holiday

The Ottumwa Public Library will be closed on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

We wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Nov 9 Board of Trustees Meeting

PUBLIC NOTICE

The regular November meeting of the Ottumwa Public Library Board of Trustees will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Monday, the 9th day of November 2020 online due to the COVID 19 virus. Details are at the bottom of this agenda.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Agenda Approval

4. Minutes Approval (October 12, 2020)

5. Expenditures (October, 2020)

6. Old Business

7. New Business

   1. Review/Revise policies

      1. Disciplinary Procedure

      2. Educational Leave

      3. Genealogy Room

   2. Update on COVID 19 and the library

8. Director’s Report

9. Staff Suggestions

10. Audience Participation

11. Adjournment

Reminisce Society November 2020 - First Virtual Meeting!

 Reminisce Society Returns!

“Just before the Battle, Mother – a visit from a Civil War Soldier.”

With Humanities Iowa’s OJ Fargo

    We are returning for our Reminisce Society presentations in November ONLINE!  We are so excited to return to offer some programming for our patrons even if it is not safe to gather in large groups in person yet.  For our inaugural online Reminisce Society we will host Humanities Iowa speaker, O.J. Fargo, to present the program, “Just before the Battle, Mother – a visit from a Civil War Soldier,” on Thursday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. over Zoom.

    Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army uniform and focuses the first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War veteran, Thomas Goodfellow (played by O. J. Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the conflict from events preceding Fort Sumter to his return home. This includes what he wore, ate, slept in, weaponry as well as other topics.  The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier” who stays in character.

 

    Plan to join us Thursday, November 19 at 10 am, for a fascinating glimpse into Iowa’s culture. Reminisce Society programs are free and open to everyone. If you would like to join please call the library at 641-682-7563 and ask to be put on the list or email sferrell@ottumwapubliclibrary.org A Zoom meeting invitation will be emailed to you.  Additionally, if you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance or for further information, please call the library’s director, Sonja Ferrell at 641-682-7563, extension 202.

    The Ottumwa Public Library has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host this presentation. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.

Kids Craft Bag Giveaway

 Hey Kids! Swing by the library to pick up your

Children's Grab and Go Craft Bags!

Tuesday, November 10th and Wednesday, November 25th from 3:30-5:00PM

 Library staff will be in the parking lot handing out bags as you drive through. Please enter the parking lot from the 4th street entrance, and pop your trunk or open a back window so staff can safely hand off your craft bag. We're so excited to see you, but please remember to wear a mask if you would like to talk to staff. No registration required, craft bags are available while supplies last.