About Us
YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Davenport Public Library connects a diverse community to resources that inform, enrich, educate, and entertain.
Davenport Public Library serves the more than 102,000 residents of Davenport, Iowa. The Library contributes to the community's prosperity and enhances quality of life through Library programs, services, and materials with three premier locations and the OWL (Outreach Wheeled Library). The Library offers fun and educational programs and events, and partners with community organizations to develop literacies in the Davenport community.
Davenport Public Library is an independent department of the City of Davenport with governance by a 9-member Library Board of Trustees.
The Library is accredited by the State of Iowa and works collaboratively with other Iowa libraries in the Quad Cities area through the RiverShare Libraries consortium. The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public LIbrary is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as the foundation to raise funds and manage an endowment portfolio for the Library.
Davenport Public Library | Main Located at 321 Main Street in the heart of downtown Davenport, the 66,000 square foot library was designed by world-renowned architect Edward Durell Stone and built in 1968. The building underwent a $1.8 million renovation in 2021 to improve accessibility, create study rooms and more spaces for meetings, and a makerspace, Studio 321. The building is a local Historical Landmark and a contributing property in the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library is the home of the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and is the City Archives.
Davenport Public Library | Fairmount Located on the west side of Davenport at 3000 N. Fairmount Street, the 26,000 square foot library was built in 2006 as part of the Branching Out initiative and the special library levy passed by Davenport voters in 2003. The Library is conveniently located just off the Duck Creek bike path and features meeting rooms and study rooms; dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults; a cozy fireplace; a Book Nook lounge for food and drinks; the FRIENDS Bookstore; a drive-up service window; and a community garden. ******COMING SOON! Work began in July 2023 on a $2.8 million Fairmount Community Center funding through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The 4,000 square foot facility will be built across the parking lot from the Library and will include an entrance vestibule, lobby and reception area, kitchenette, half-court sized basketball court, an open multi-purpose space, and restrooms. Davenport Parks and Recreation Department will manage community programming when the facility is completed early next year.
Davenport Public Library | Eastern Located in the northeast part of Davenport at 6000 Eastern Avenue, the 26,000 square foot library was built in 2010, also due to the special library levy; is silver LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified; and received several awards: 1) Library Journal's New Landmark Libraries, Honorable Mention, 2011; 2) American Libraries' Library Design Showcase, 2011; and 3) National Association of Women In Construction Award, 2011. Nestled within the 14-acre Praire Heights Park, the Library features meeting rooms and study rooms; dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults; a drive-up item return; a FRIENDS book sale area; and large windows with beatiful daylighting allowing the public to connect to nature in a pleasing literary environment.
Davenport Public Library | OWL Acquired in 2020, the OWL (Outreach Wheeled Library) brings Library services directly to the community through visits to nursing homes, schools, daycares, and community events throughout Davenport.
Davenport Public Library | Online The Library offers virtual service 24/7 with access to a Library catalog, website, eBooks, digital audiobooks, and many digital resources.
Wireless Internet access and public computers, faxing, copying, notary services, and scanning are available at each Davenport Public Library location.
Explore Our History
Since our founding in 1839, Davenport Public Library has grown from a single reading room in the LeClaire Hotel to a world-class library system with three libraries and the OWL.
Annual Reports
The Annual Report provides a brief summary of initiatives, statistics, and more!
Fiscal Year 2022
Fiscal Year 2021
Fiscal Year 2020
Fiscal Year 2019
Fiscal Year 2018
Strategic Direction
The Strategic Plan 2022-2024 outlines goals and strategies in support of the Library's mission to connect a diverse community to resources that inform, enrich, educate, and entertain.
Organizational Chart
The Organizational Chart shows the basic structure and governance of the Library. Jeff Collins is the Library Director.
Our Mission
Connect a diverse community to resources that inform, enrich, educate, and entertain.
Our Vision
Create a community-wide culture of learning in which all citizens use the Library and see themselves reflected in the services and staff.