About Us

YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY

Davenport Public Library connects a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain. 

feature-1.jpgThrough curation of library materials, engaging public programming, and high-quality services, Davenport Public Library seeks to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. The Library maintains nearly a quarter of a million items in its collection across our three premier facilities: Main Library, Fairmount Branch, and Eastern Branch, as well as the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and the Outreach Wheeled Library (OWL). People in Davenport as well as the greater Quad Cities area are all welcome to attend the nearly 1,500 programs held annually at  Davenport Public Library locations. There is something for everyone at The Library!

The Library is a department of the City of Davenport, governed by a Library Board of Trustees. The Library is accredited by the State of Iowa and works collaboratively with other Iowa libraries in the Quad Cities area through the RiverShare Libraries consortium. The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public LIbrary is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as The Library's foundation to raise funds and manage an endowment portfolio for The Library.

Wireless Internet access, public computers, faxing, copying, scanning, and Notary Public services are available at every Davenport Public Library location.

Davenport Public Library | Main LIBRARY

Located at 321 Main St. in the heart of downtown, the 66,000 square foot 1968 building was designed by world-renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. The only "Stone" building in Iowa, Main Library is a Local Historic Landmark and a contributing property to the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2021, the building underwent a $1.8 million renovation to improve accessibility, create study rooms and more spaces for meetings, comfortable seating and charging stations, and The Library's first makerspace: Studio 321.

Main Library is the home of the world-class Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and the Davenport City Archives.

Davenport Public Library | Fairmount branch

Located on the west side of Davenport at 3000 N. Fairmount St., the 26,000 square foot library was built in 2006 as part of the Branching Out initiative and the Special Library Levy passed by Davenport voters in 2003. The Fairmount Branch is conveniently located off the Duck Creek Trail Parkway and features meeting rooms and study rooms; dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults; a cozy fireplace; a Book Nook lounge for food and drink; the FRIENDS used bookstore; a drive-up service window; and a community garden. ***NEW! In 2023, The Library partnered with The Burgeon Group to design an interactive art installation in the children's area - come check it out!

******COMING SOON! Work began in July 2023 on the $2.8 million Fairmount Community Center, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The 4,000 square foot facility will be built across the parking lot from the Fairmount Branch. The facility will include an entrance vestibule, lobby and reception area, kitchenette, half-court sized basketball court, an open multi-purpose space, and restrooms. Davenport Parks and Recreation Department will manage community programming when the facility is completed in Spring/Summer 2024.

Davenport Public Library | Eastern branch

Located in the northeast part of Davenport at 6000 Eastern Ave., the 26,000 square foot library was built in 2010 as part of the Branching Out initiative and the Special Library Levy. The building is certified silver LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and received several prestigious awards: 1) Library Journal's New Landmark Libraries, Honorable Mention (2011); 2) American Libraries' Library Design Showcase (2011); and 3) National Association of Women In Construction Award (2011). Nestled within the 14-acre Prairie Heights Park, the Eastern Branch features meeting rooms and study rooms; dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults; a drive-up item return; a FRIENDS used book sale area; and large windows with beautiful daylight allowing the public to connect to nature in a pleasing literary environment.  ***NEW! In 2023, The Library partnered with The Burgeon Group to design an interactive art installation in the children's area. Unique to this space is the Baby Spot, a perfect space for little ones to begin engaging in literacy development. Come check it out!

Davenport Public Library | OWL

The Outreach Wheeled Library (OWL) brings The Library directly to the community through partnerships with senior living facilities, schools, early learning centers, and many community events.

Davenport Public Library | Online

The Library offers virtual service 24/7 with access to a catalog, website, eBooks, digital audiobooks, and many digital resources.

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Explore Our History

Since our humble beginnings as a reading room in the LeClaire Hotel in 1839, The Library has grown to a world-class library system with three premier libraries serving the Davenport community.

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Annual Reports

The Library's annual reports provide a brief summary of initiatives, statistics, and more!

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019


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Strategic Direction

The Strategic Plan 2022-2024 outlines goals and strategies in support of The Library's mission to connect a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain.

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Organizational Chart

The Organizational Chart shows the basic structure and governance of The Library. Jeff Collins is the Library Director.

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Our Mission

The Library connects a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain.

Our Vision

The Library aspires to create a community-wide culture of learning where everyone is empowered.