The Independence Library Board and Staff believe that the entire community should benefit from library services. Adults can utilize the books and materials available for checkout, use public computers, do research or ask the library reference questions, attend programs, meet with others, and utilize other services such as fax and copy service.

Areas to Read, Relax, and Gather

The library is welcoming and has several comfortable areas for reading and relaxing.

Wide Screen Television

The wide screen television runs with closed-captioning on a news channel. If you would like to hear the TV, check out a set of wireless headphones at the desk.

Fireplace

There is a cozy fireplace with soft seating by the magazines, newspapers, and wide-screen TV.

Study Rooms & Community Room

There are also study rooms that can be used to meet with a small group or for quiet study. If you would like to reserve one, give us a call at 319-334-2470. If you have a larger group that you would like to have meet in the library, you will want to find out more about the Community Room.

Adult Programs

Adult programs, like computer classes, special presentations, book discussions, artist showcase events, games & goodies and others provide education, information, cultural experiences and/or opportunities to create and connect.

Summer Reading Program

An annual event for adults is the Summer Reading Program. The Independence Public Library encourages adults to read each day. Each year the Summer Reading Program has a theme. 

Books, eBooks, and More

Traditional Books and Materials

The library offers adult books in several traditional formats available for checkout:

• Biography
• Fiction
• Large print
• Non-Fiction

There are also other forms of media to check out: 

• Audio books
• DVDs
• Magazines (back issues can be checked out while the current issues are available for browsing at the library)

If you like to download audiobooks or ebooks, check out our BRIDGES program for free book downloads. You can read or listen to these with most smart phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.

 

Computers and Wi-Fi

15 desktop computers and 6 laptop computers are available for public use in the library. A valid library card in good standing and technology usage agreement form (part of library card application) are required to use the equipment. Or, feel free to bring in your own laptop and use our wireless network.

Research

Do you need to do some research? We have several online information sources offering correct, authoritative information. Check out EBSCOhost with periodical and newspaper articles (great for current events).  Learning Express is available for career help, test preparation, software tutorials, and brushing up on your math and reading.  You can use these resources anywhere you have an Internet connection 24/7.  You will need usernames and passwords, so call us or stop in for that information.

If you are interested in genealogy, we have Ancestry.com available to you at the library.  This is a great free resource for you.  It differs from the other databases in that you have to be at the library to use it.  

Upcoming Events

What programs are coming up at the library? Following is the calendar of the events for adults.  See the other library calendars to find events for other ages.