Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial Library
🏢 Wayne County · Corydon, Iowa
Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial Library
Named in honor of Iowa congressman Karl Miles LeCompte, this Wayne County library has served the small-town community of Corydon since the mid-20th century — placing a full collection of print, digital, and children's resources within a short walk of the courthouse square.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 11am–4pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–4pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–4pm |
| Thursday | 1pm–6pm |
| Friday | 11am–4pm |
| Saturday | 10am–12pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 110 S FRANKLIN ST, CORYDON, IA 50060
Phone: +1641-872-1621
Website: corydon.lib.ia.us
Plus Code: 86G8QM5J+3C (CORYDON, IA)
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📖 About Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial Library
The Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial Library stands at 110 S Franklin Street in Corydon, the county seat of Wayne County in southern Iowa. The library is named for Karl Miles LeCompte (1887–1972), a Corydon native who represented Iowa's 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1939 to 1959. Governed by a local library board and supported by city and county funding, the library provides residents of all ages with free access to physical collections, digital borrowing through Iowa's Bridges eLibrary program, and public computers with internet access. Saturday morning hours make the library accessible to families and working adults who cannot visit on weekday afternoons.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Corydon native and 20-year U.S. Congressman Karl Miles LeCompte (1887–1972)
- Serves Wayne County residents from its Franklin Street address one block from the county courthouse
- Extended Thursday evening hours (1–6 pm) and Saturday morning access (10 am–noon) for working families
- Free Iowa library card unlocks Bridges eLibrary (Libby app) — thousands of eBooks and audiobooks
- Public computers and Wi-Fi available for job searches, e-government services, and remote learning
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
LeCompte Memorial Library cardholders can borrow eBooks, audiobooks and more free through Iowa's statewide digital programs:
📚 Services
- Public computer terminals with internet access
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Print and copy services
- Physical collection: books, DVDs, audiobooks
- Children's collection and early literacy materials
- Interlibrary loan (ILL) through the State Library of Iowa network
- Digital lending via Bridges eLibrary (Libby) and hoopla
🎸 Programs
- Children's story time and early literacy programs
- Summer reading program for children and teens
- Adult reading challenges
- Community meeting space available by request
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Karl Miles LeCompte, and why is this library named after him?
Karl Miles LeCompte (1887–1972) was a Corydon native and Republican congressman who represented Iowa's 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives for ten consecutive terms, from 1939 to 1959. He was a graduate of Iowa State College and Drake University Law School and practiced law in Corydon before entering politics. The library was named in his memory to honor his distinguished public service career and his deep roots in Wayne County.
Can I get a library card if I live outside Corydon city limits?
Yes. Wayne County residents living outside the city of Corydon are welcome to apply for a library card at no charge. You'll need to present a photo ID and proof of your current address. Cards from the LeCompte Memorial Library can also be used to access Iowa's statewide Bridges eLibrary digital collection from any device.
Does the library offer any resources for genealogy research?
Yes. Through the State Library of Iowa's statewide digital programs, cardholders can access genealogy and newspaper archive databases remotely. For local history about Wayne County, the library also maintains a collection of local reference materials — ask a librarian for assistance.
What are the Saturday hours and is the library ever open on evenings?
The library is open Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon. For evening access, Thursday is the one weekday with later hours: the library is open from 1 pm to 6 pm on Thursdays. All other weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) the library is open from 11 am to 4 pm. The library is closed on Sundays.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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