Iowa City Public Library
🏢 City of Iowa City · Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City Public Library
One of Iowa's busiest public libraries, the Iowa City Public Library has served the University of Iowa's hometown since 1896 and anchors downtown at 123 South Linn Street — open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with its own ICPL Channel 20 public-access TV.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–9pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–9pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–9pm |
| Thursday | 10am–9pm |
| Friday | 10am–8pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 123 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356-5200
Website: icpl.org
Plus Code: 86HCMF59+M2 (Iowa City, IA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Iowa City Public Library
The Iowa City Public Library is the free public library of Iowa City, Iowa, the Johnson County seat and home of the University of Iowa. It was established in 1896 and opened to readers on January 21, 1897, with about 1,300 books; after moving several times, it came to 123 South Linn Street in 1981. On June 12, 2004, a new and enlarged 81,276-square-foot building designed by Engberg Anderson opened at that same downtown address, nearly doubling the library's space across two floors and adding leasable commercial space. In 2009 ICPL became Iowa's busiest public library, topping 1.5 million circulations. Owned and operated by the City of Iowa City, it runs ICPL Channel 20, a local public-access cable channel, maintains outreach collections at community sites around town, and connects to statewide resource sharing so an Iowa City card reaches materials from libraries across Iowa.
⭐ What makes this library special
- One of Iowa's busiest public libraries — first in the state to pass 1.5 million circulations in 2009
- Current 81,276 sq ft downtown building (Engberg Anderson) opened June 12, 2004, roughly doubling the library's earlier space
- ICPL Channel 20, the library's own local public-access cable television channel with recorded programming
- Accessible browsing hours with overhead fluorescent lights off and therapy animals on hand for a calmer visit
- Open late until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday for after-work, after-school and University of Iowa student visits
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Iowa City cardholders can stream, download and research free through the library's digital collections:
📚 Services
- ICPL Channel 20 local public-access cable television programming
- Meeting rooms and study rooms for community and quiet use
- Accessible browsing sessions with reduced lighting and therapy animals
- Outreach collections placed at community centers around Iowa City
- Public computers, printing & free Wi-Fi
- Digital library of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music and video
- Reference and research help from library staff
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes
- Summer reading program
- Teen and all-ages events
- Author talks and community programs
- Book discussion groups
📍 Nearby Libraries in Eastern Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICPL Channel 20?
ICPL Channel 20 is the Iowa City Public Library's own local public-access cable television channel. It airs recorded library and community programming, so residents can catch events and information from the library on their TV as well as in person at 123 South Linn Street.
How old is the Iowa City Public Library, and when did the current building open?
The library was established in 1896 and opened to readers on January 21, 1897. It moved to 123 South Linn Street in 1981, and the current 81,276-square-foot building designed by Engberg Anderson opened at that address on June 12, 2004, nearly doubling the library's space.
Which nights is the library open late, and what are the weekend hours?
The Iowa City Public Library stays open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 8 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday it runs 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and on Sunday it's open a short afternoon shift from noon to 5 p.m. Hours can change on public holidays, so check the library's website before a holiday visit.
Does the library offer a quieter, sensory-friendly time to visit?
Yes. The library holds accessible browsing sessions during which the overhead fluorescent lights are turned off and therapy animals are brought in, creating a calmer environment for patrons with autism or anyone who prefers a lower-sensory visit. Check the calendar on the library's website for the current schedule.
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