Ericson Public Library
🏢 Bridges Iowa eLibrary · Boone, Iowa
Ericson Public Library
Boone's landmark public library was built in 1901 as a personal gift from C.J.A. Ericson — a Boone businessman and multi-term Iowa legislator who championed public libraries statewide — and has stood on Greene Street ever since. Designed in Renaissance Revival style by the Des Moines firm Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 702 Greene Street, Boone, IA 50036
Phone: (515) 432-3727
Website: boone.lib.ia.us
Plus Code: 86J83478+6Q (Boone, IA)
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📖 About Ericson Public Library
The Ericson Public Library is the public library of Boone, Iowa, the county seat of Boone County in central Iowa. The original building was completed in 1901 as a philanthropic gift from C.J.A. Ericson, a local businessman and politician who served multiple terms in the Iowa General Assembly and was a vocal champion of public library development across the state. Designed in Renaissance Revival style by Des Moines architects Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, the structure features a projecting central pavilion and a Venetian window-piece above the main entrance. An addition was constructed in 1922–1923 to expand capacity. In 1983 the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of Iowa's recognized historic library landmarks. Today the library provides books, magazines, newspapers, audiovisual materials, public computers, and digital resources through the Bridges Iowa statewide OverDrive platform, and offers services ranging from genealogy research to disc repair and proctoring.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Completed in 1901 as a personal gift from C.J.A. Ericson, an Iowa legislator and library advocate — not a Carnegie grant
- Renaissance Revival architecture by Des Moines firm Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, with a distinctive Venetian window pavilion at the entrance
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, one of Iowa's recognized historic library buildings
- Original building expanded with a 1922–1923 addition; serves Boone County residents under Iowa's Open Access program
- Fine-free checkout policy — no overdue fines, though replacement fees apply for lost or heavily damaged items
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Ericson cardholders can borrow eBooks, audiobooks and more free through Iowa's statewide digital collections:
📚 Services
- Books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and audiobooks for checkout
- Genealogy research collection
- Public computers, printing, scanning and faxing
- Disc repair and cleaning service
- Exam proctoring (by appointment)
- Interlibrary loan ($1.00 per request)
- Tech tutor assistance
- Meeting rooms
- Iowa Open Access — card valid statewide at participating libraries
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime programs
- Summer reading program
- Teen programming
- Adult programs and book discussions
- Friends of the Library events
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was C.J.A. Ericson, and why is the library named after him?
C.J.A. Ericson was a Boone businessman and politician who served multiple terms in the Iowa General Assembly. He was a strong advocate for public libraries statewide, and in 1901 he personally funded the construction of Boone's library building — donating it to the city rather than applying for a Carnegie grant. The library bears his name in recognition of that gift.
Is the Ericson Public Library building historic?
Yes. The 1901 Renaissance Revival building, designed by the Des Moines architectural firm Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 23, 1983. A 1922–1923 addition expanded the original structure, which features a projecting central pavilion with a Venetian window above the entrance.
Can residents from outside Boone use the Ericson Public Library?
Yes. The library is open to all Boone city residents, all residents of Boone County towns, and rural Boone County residents. It also participates in Iowa's Open Access Program, so cardholders from other participating Iowa libraries can borrow materials. Non-eligible residents may purchase a non-resident card for $50 per year.
Does the Ericson Library charge overdue fines?
No. The library does not charge fines for items returned late. However, if an item is not returned within 90 days of its due date it is considered lost and the patron is charged the replacement cost. Damaged items may also incur fees depending on the extent of the damage.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
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