Drake Public Library
🏢 Bridges Iowa eLibrary · Centerville, Iowa
Drake Public Library
The Drake Public Library opened on January 15, 1903 as a personal gift to Centerville from General Francis M. Drake — former Governor of Iowa, Civil War general, founder of Drake University and the city's most celebrated benefactor. Drake declined to join a Carnegie Foundation request, saying simply: "When Centerville gets a library, I am going to give it." More than 120 years later, his building still serves Appanoose County from 115 Drake Avenue.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 115 Drake Avenue, Centerville, IA 52544
Phone: (641) 856-6676
Website: centerville-ia.org
Plus Code: 86G9P4JH+Q4 (Centerville, IA)
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📖 About Drake Public Library
The Drake Public Library is the public library of Centerville, Iowa, the county seat of Appanoose County in southern Iowa. It owes its existence to one of the most generous acts in the city's history: Governor Francis M. Drake — a Civil War general, banker, railroad builder and founder of Drake University in Des Moines — personally funded and donated the library building to the city. When a committee approached him in the early 1900s about joining a request to the Carnegie Foundation, Drake replied that when Centerville got a library, he would give it himself. His formal letter to the mayor and city council, dated April 9, 1901, stated his desire to give the city "a well equipped and permanent free public library." The building contract was awarded July 2, 1901, and the official dedication was held January 15, 1903. In 1986 the building received its first renovation since construction — a handicapped entrance and elevator that removed the original spiral staircase. The glass dome was refurbished in 2003 for the library's centennial. Today the library serves Centerville residents with books, digital resources through Bridges Iowa and Mometrix, a genealogy society, meeting rooms, and children's programs including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Dedicated January 15, 1903 as a personal gift from Governor Francis M. Drake — Civil War general, railroad builder, and founder of Drake University
- Drake declined Carnegie Foundation funding, telling Centerville: "When Centerville gets a library, I am going to give it" — and funded it entirely himself
- Glass dome refurbished in 2003 for the library's centennial; building renovated 1986 to add accessibility features
- Open Wednesday until 6 p.m. — the only evening hour in the weekly schedule
- Hosts the Appanoose County Genealogy Society resources and an active children's literacy program through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Drake cardholders can borrow eBooks and access databases free through Iowa's statewide digital platforms:
📚 Services
- Books, audiobooks, DVDs and periodicals for checkout
- Appanoose County Genealogy Society resources
- Public computers, printing, scanning and faxing
- Meeting room rental
- Online adult, teen and kids research databases
- Interlibrary loan
- Library card for all Centerville and Appanoose County residents
🎸 Programs
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (ages birth–5)
- Back to School Dial a Story (641-898-4800)
- Appanoose County Genealogy Society meetings
- Children's programming and storytimes
- Community puzzles and activities
- Friends of the Library fundraisers
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Francis M. Drake and why is the library named after him?
Francis M. Drake was one of Centerville's most prominent citizens — a Civil War general, Iowa Governor (1896–1898), banker, railroad builder, and the founder of Drake University in Des Moines. He lived on Drake Avenue and in 1901 personally offered to fund Centerville's library rather than join a Carnegie Foundation request, saying he intended to give the city a library himself. The building was dedicated in his honor on January 15, 1903.
What are the Drake Public Library's hours?
The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (the one evening session), and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday.
Does the Drake Public Library offer children's programs?
Yes. The library participates in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which mails free age-appropriate books monthly to enrolled children from birth through age 5. The library also offers a Back to School Dial a Story phone service (641-898-4800) and regular children's programming throughout the year.
Can I do genealogy research at Drake Public Library?
Yes. The library hosts the Appanoose County Genealogy Society and maintains resources for genealogical research. The Society holds regular meetings at the library. Staff can assist with finding county records, historical materials and online research databases.
📜 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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