About Us

YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Davenport Public Library connects a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain. 

Through curation of library materials, engaging public programming, and high-quality services, Davenport Public Library seeks to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. The Library maintains nearly a quarter million items in its collection across three premier facilities: Main Library, Fairmount Branch, and Eastern Branch, as well as the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and the OWL (Outreach Wheeled Library). People in Davenport and the broader Quad Cities region are all welcome to participate in any of the approximately 1,500 annual programs. The Library offers something for everyone!

The Library operates as a department of the City of Davenport and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. It is accredited by the State of Iowa and engages in collaborative efforts with other libraries in the Quad Cities through the RiverShare Libraries consortium. The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, serves as the foundation for The Library, responsible for fundraising and managing the endowment portfolio.

Each branch of The Library provides wireless internet access, public computers, and various services, including faxing, copying, scanning, and notarization.

Davenport Public Library | Main LIBRARY

Located in the vibrant downtown area, this 66,000 square-foot facility, constructed in 1968, was designed by the internationally renowned achitect Edward Durell Stone. As Iowa's only "Stone" building, Main Library is recognized as a Local Historic Landmark and is a contributing property to the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2021, the building underwent a $1.8 million renovation to improve accessibility, add study rooms, expanded meeting spaces, provide comfortable seating with charging stations, and introduce The Library's first makerspace, Studio 321.

Main Library also houses the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and serves as the Davenport City Archives.

Davenport Public Library | Fairmount branch

Situated on the west side of Davenport at 3000 N. Fairmount St., this 26,000 square-foot library was established in 2006, following the Branching Out initiative and the Special Library Levy approved by Davenport voters in 2003. The Fairmount Branch, easily accessible from the Duck Creek Trail Parkway, offers two meeting rooms, two study rooms, specialized zones for children, teens, and adults, a warm fireplace, a Book Nook lounge for refreshments, the FRIENDS used bookstore, a drive-up service window, and a community garden. **NEW in 2023: The Library has collaborated with The Burgeon Group to create an interactive art installation in the children's section - be sure to visit!

******COMING SOON! Construction started in July 2023 on the $2.8 million Fairmount Community Center, which is financed by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Spanning 4,000 square feet, the Center will be located across from the Fairmount Branch parking lot. It will feature an entrance vestibule, a lobby with a reception area, a small kitchen, a basketball court of half-court dimensions, a versatile open space, and restrooms. The Davenport Parks and Recreation Department will oversee community programs upon the facility's completion in Summer 2024.

Davenport Public Library | Eastern branch

Situated in Davenport's northeast at 6000 Eastern Ave., Eastern Branch spans 26,000 square-feet. Constructed in 2010 under the Branching Out initiative and funded by the Special Library Levy, it boasts a silver LEED® certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and has garnered multiple awards: Library Journal's New Landmark Libraries, Honorable Mention (2011); American Libraries' Library Design Showcase (2011); and the National Association of Women in Construction Award (2011). Set amidst the 14-acre Prairie Heights Park, Eastern Branch offers two meeting rooms, two study rooms, specialized zones for children, teens, and adults, a drive-up return, a FRIENDS used book sale section, and expansive windows that bathe the interior in natural light, fostering a connection with nature in a welcoming literary setting. **NEW in 2023! The Library has collaborated with The Burgeon Group to create an interactive art installation in the children's section. A highlight of this area is the Baby Spot, an ideal place for young children to start their literacy journey in a secure environment, also providing a space for parents and caregivers to interact with one another. Be sure to visit!

Davenport Public Library | OWL

The Outreach Wheeled Library (OWL) delivers library services directly to the community by partnering with senior living facilities, schools, early learning centers, and various community events.

Davenport Public Library | Online

The library provides round-the-clock virtual services, including access to its catalog, website, eBooks, digital audiobooks, and a variety of digital resources.