Dublin Core
Description
attempts to attain a library for Coralville had failed for lack of initiative and interest.
Soon the tiny library was serving 350 families and threatening to outgrow its allotted space. In September, 1966, an appropriation of $12,000 was made to the Library Board to remodel the west side of the Fesler Building on Fifth Street. This newly purchased warehouse was to be shared by the Library and the Recreation Department. It provided needed room but required extensive renovation. Improvements included heating, air conditioning, floor covering, lowered ceiling, lighting, an entrance door, and restrooms. The Girl Scouts held a bake sale to purchase a clock, a bulletin board, and a lounge chair. Diana Greer painted a large wall mural of the Pied Piper in the children's reading area. Supplies for the mural were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Lovetinsky.
On January 9, 1967, volunteers from the Coralville Chamber of Commerce and the Walter Johnson Post of the American Legion assisted in moving the library's collection of 5,733 books and other materials to the new quarters. An Open House was held January 15, 1967.
In July, 1968, an agreement was signed with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to provide library service to rural Johnson County residents. At this time, the staff consisted of the directyor and two part-time assistants. The library was open twenty-nine hours each week.
The Recreation Department, which had shared the Fifth Street location with the Library, moved to their new building in S.T. Morrison Park in May, 1971. Extensive renovation was undertaken throughout the