Kendall Young Library
🏢 City of Webster City · Webster City, Iowa
Kendall Young Library
One of Iowa's most architecturally remarkable public libraries, the Kendall Young Library was funded by the 1896 bequest of Webster City resident Kendall Young, who left his entire estate — valued at $150,000 — to the city for a free public library. The 1905 Beaux Arts building at 1201 Willson Avenue features gold marble columns from Africa, terrazzo and mosaic floors, stained glass windows, and a stained glass dome. A 1998 addition expanded the footprint to 22,300 square feet while preserving the original building's exquisite aesthetic.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–7pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1201 Willson Avenue, Webster City, IA 50595
Phone: (515) 832-9100
Website: kylib.org
Plus Code: 86J8F58J+32 (Webster City, IA)
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📖 About Kendall Young Library
The Kendall Young Library serves Webster City, the county seat of Hamilton County, Iowa — a city known as 'Boone River Country' for the river that meanders along its eastern edge. The library's origins are among the most generous in Iowa history: Webster City resident Kendall Young died in 1896 and left his entire estate, valued at approximately $150,000, in trust to the city for the purpose of establishing a free public library. Construction of the Beaux Arts building was completed in 1905 at a cost of $50,000. Its interior is breathtaking: gold marble columns imported from Africa, terrazzo and mosaic tile floors, stained glass windows throughout, and a magnificent stained glass dome over the main reading room. A capital campaign launched in 1984 raised more than $2 million, enabling the architectural firm Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle to design a 1997–1998 addition that expanded the building from 9,600 to 22,300 square feet while carefully matching the original's stained glass and terrazzo aesthetic. The library holds four special collections: Abastenia St. Leger Eberle sculptures, a Jane Young stained glass window, the Foster doll collection (170 dolls), and Van Ness Native American artifacts. It also participates in Iowa's BRIDGES digital consortium and lends Adventure Passes for state parks, Library of Things items, and mobile printing.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded by Kendall Young's 1896 bequest of his entire $150,000 estate — one of the most generous library endowments in Iowa history
- 1905 Beaux Arts building with gold marble columns from Africa, terrazzo floors, stained glass windows, and a stained glass dome
- Expanded in 1997–98 to 22,300 sq ft with the original building's aesthetic fully preserved in new stained glass and terrazzo
- Four special collections: Eberle sculptures, Jane Young stained glass, Foster doll collection (170 dolls), and Van Ness Native American artifacts
- Open Monday through Thursday until 7 p.m. and Saturday until 4 p.m. for Hamilton County residents
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Kendall Young cardholders can stream, download, and explore free through Iowa's statewide digital programs:
📚 Services
- Checkout of books, movies, and media
- Library of Things lending collection
- Iowa Adventure Pass — free/discounted state park admission
- Mobile printing via ePrintIt portal
- BRIDGES/Libby and hoopla digital downloads
- Meeting rooms for community groups
- Tech help one-on-one appointments
- Virtual library tour available online
- Interlibrary loan
- Online renewals and account management
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Book Club (adult)
- Tech help workshops
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Community events and cultural programs
- Library of Things demonstrations
📍 Nearby Libraries in North-Central Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kendall Young, and how did the library come to bear his name?
Kendall Young was a Webster City resident who, upon his death in 1896, left his entire estate — valued at approximately $150,000 — in trust to the city of Webster City for the sole purpose of establishing a free public library. Construction of the Beaux Arts building was completed in 1905, and the library was named in his honor. The donation remains one of the most significant library endowments in Iowa history.
What makes the Kendall Young Library building architecturally significant?
The 1905 Beaux Arts building features gold marble columns imported from Africa, terrazzo and mosaic tile floors, stained glass windows, and a magnificent stained glass dome over the reading room. A 1997–1998 addition expanded the building from 9,600 to 22,300 square feet; the architectural firm Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle matched the new spaces to the original with custom-made stained glass and terrazzo, preserving the historic aesthetic throughout.
What special collections does the Kendall Young Library hold?
The library is home to four special collections: sculptures by artist Abastenia St. Leger Eberle; a stained glass window attributed to Jane Young; the Foster doll collection, which includes 170 dolls; and the Van Ness collection of Native American artifacts. These collections give the library significance as a local cultural institution beyond its role as a public lending library.
What are the Kendall Young Library's hours and can I borrow an Iowa Adventure Pass?
The library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sunday. Yes — the library lends Iowa Adventure Passes, which provide free or discounted admission to state parks and recreation areas for cardholders.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
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