Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Series
Title
Stewart Library, Records of
Date(s)
- 1897-2009 (Creation)
Extent
Quantity: 41 Boxes
12 Accession Books (1894-1965) (unboxed Series #21)
Arrangement: primarily chronological
Background Note: The first public library in Grinnell, the Grinnell Free Library and Reading Room was established in 1894. Staffed by volunteers, a home was secured for it first in the Morse Block and subsequently in the Spaulding Block. In 1901, Joel Stewart, a farmer, banker, and state legislator, offered to build a library on land donated by the Congregational Church. The cornerstone was laid on May 7, 1901, and the building was dedicated on May 9, 1902.
Over the years and under the direction of the Board of Trustees and many librarians, library services and programs expanded and enriched to serve the increasing needs of the community. Programs for adults, young adults, and children flourished, and the Summer Reading programs and Mother Goose story hours attracted increasing numbers of potential patrons. With the coming of the computer age, the library stepped up to the challenge with electronic cataloguing, facilities for patrons, and an extensive web page, which provides access to local history resources.
In 1978-80 Stewart Library underwent extensive renovation, which was financed by a bond election, and additional renovation took place in 1998. In 1976, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 100th anniversary of Stewart Library was observed and celebrated in 2001.
It served as the public library for Grinnell until 2009, when Drake Community Library opened. The building was then passed to the Grinnell Area Arts Council which turned it into an arts center.
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Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Earl Blair Drawing stored in flat file drawer 9
Conceptual Sketch & Proposed Layout stored in Flat File drawer 9 (no date – not implemented)
Stewart Under Siege photo collage flat file drawer 9
Original mission statement flat file drawer 9
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Archivist's note
Name of Preparer: D. Lalonde
Date of Preparation: 6/15/07; 4/27/2010; 7/20/2012. 6/21/2015; 8/10/2015