Pella Public Library
🏢 Marion County · Pella, Iowa
Pella Public Library
Pella Public Library serves a Marion County city founded in 1847 by 800 Dutch immigrants led by Reverend Hendrik Scholte — a community that gave its name from the ancient city of Pella where early Christians sought refuge, hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival, operates the tallest working windmill in the United States, and was childhood home to Wyatt Earp.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 603 Main Street, Pella, IA 50219
Phone: (641) 628-4094
Website: pella.lib.ia.us
Plus Code: 86H9C33M+R5 (Pella, IA)
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Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Pella Public Library
Pella Public Library is the public library of Pella, Iowa, a city of approximately 10,464 residents (2020 census) in Marion County, about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines. The city was founded in 1847 when approximately 800 Dutch immigrants led by Minister Hendrik P. Scholte arrived seeking religious freedom, naming their settlement after the ancient Pella of the Decapolis — a refuge for early Christians. Today Pella retains a strong Dutch cultural identity, celebrated each spring during the Tulip Time Festival on the first weekend of May, and is home to Central College, the Vermeer Manufacturing Company, and the Pella Corporation (the window and door maker). The Vermeer Mill, at 134 feet, is the tallest working windmill in the United States. The library at 603 Main Street serves as the community's hub for reading, research, digital resources, and programs for all ages, with access to the Pella catalog and the State Library of Iowa's statewide digital services.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Serves a city founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants — one of Iowa's most distinctive heritage communities
- Home of the Tulip Time Festival (first weekend in May) and the 134-foot Vermeer Mill, tallest working windmill in the US
- Located in Marion County, home to Central College and major manufacturers Pella Corporation and Vermeer
- Access to the Iowa Digital Library and statewide digital resources for all cardholders
- Childhood home of Wyatt Earp — his brothers Morgan and Warren were born in Pella
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Pella cardholders can borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and use research databases free through Iowa's statewide digital services:
📚 Services
- Public book and media lending with online catalog access
- Children's services and youth programming
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through the State Library of Iowa network
- Adult programs and reader's advisory
- Library card — free to all Iowa residents
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime and youth programming
- Summer reading program
- Adult book discussions and community programs
- Seasonal programming tied to Pella's Dutch heritage calendar
- Community events and author visits
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pella, Iowa known for its Dutch heritage?
Pella was founded in 1847 when approximately 800 Dutch immigrants led by Reverend Hendrik P. Scholte left the Netherlands seeking religious freedom. They named their new settlement after the ancient city of Pella, a place of refuge in the Decapolis region. The Dutch heritage is celebrated every year at the Tulip Time Festival during the first weekend of May, featuring tulip gardens, Dutch costumes, parades, and traditional dances.
What is the Vermeer Mill in Pella?
The Vermeer Mill at Pella is the tallest working windmill in the United States at 134 feet. It is an authentic Dutch-style windmill built to honor the city's heritage and is a landmark of the Pella community, located near the historic downtown.
Is Pella, Iowa connected to Wyatt Earp?
Yes. Wyatt Earp spent most of his childhood in Pella, Iowa. His brothers Morgan and Warren Earp were born in Pella. The family later moved west, where Wyatt Earp became one of the most famous lawmen of the American frontier.
What college is located in Pella, Iowa?
Central College, a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, is located in Pella. The college and the city share the Dutch Reformed heritage that has defined Pella since its founding in 1847.
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