Wellman Public Library's History
Here you will find the history of our library, which began over 100 years ago. If you wish a brief overview, please enjoy the Summarized History below. For those wishing a more elaborate story of our library's history, please scroll down to our Detailed History.
A Brief History
Wellman Scofield Public Library has been serving Wellman and the surrounding communities for over 100 years. Originally founded in 1908 by a large donation of books from the estate of Hiram Scofield, a Civil War general with one of the largest private library collections in the nation at the time, the library began as a small, private library serving community members with paid memberships.
In 1917, the Wellman Scofield Library officially became a public library, opening it’s doors to Wellman residents and those of the surrounding communities.
In the years since, the library has gone through many changes; in locations, many wonderful directors, and an ever-growing collection of books that still includes many of the original donations by Scofield. We are eager to serve our community and look forward to expanding our library in the next few years.
As has happened throughout the years, our growing literary collection and the growth in our programming has us full to the brim in our current location. Our library expansion project is set to almost double our current space so we can continue to grow and serve the Wellman community.
Timeline of the Library
The Wellman-Scofield Public Library strives to meet the challenge of the founders at the formal opening in 1908. “On this solid foundation of public goodwill, we trust that future years will build a structure which will materially manifest in a handsome building filled with the best reading matter which will be free to all.”
1889: In October, evidence that a library association was in operation is available by a notice that Jennie Turnipseed, librarian, requested the return of overdue books.
1894: An association was organized with J. W. Gemmill, president, Dr. W. P. Gardner, vice- president; Carrie Waite, secretary and B. W. Nicola, treasurer.
- W. E. Stump, post-master, served as librarian and the books were kept at the post office.
1908: Mrs. C. C. Gardner hired J. W. Hunter to make the trip to Washington and bring home a wagon load of books that she had previously viewed during an interview with the Scofield family. Along with the 900 volumes of books from the estate of Hiram Scofield, Washington book collector, came the stipulation that the library be called The Wellman-Scofield Library.
1908: On October 10, Mrs. Gardner hosted several ladies of the community to meet in her home. A library association of 50 members was formed with membership dues being one dollar per year.
- As president of the association, Mrs. Gardner met with the secretary of the State Library Commission and attended library meetings in Cedar Rapids.
- The first home for The Wellman-Scofield Library was on the second floor of the Sander’s Store (now known as the Marketplace). The space was rented and the books were readied for the shelves.
1908: On November 21, the library was open to the public. Open hours were on Saturday afternoon and evening. As members of the association, librarians received no pay.
1909: In November, Jennie Dodds became the first paid librarian of The Wellman-Scofield Library.
1916: A petition was presented to the Town Council asking for a special election to secure a tax levy to support the library.
1917: The tax levy passed. The Wellman-Scofield Library became The Wellman-Scofield Public Library.
1936: The library moved to the front portion of the former Security Savings Bank located at 217 Eighth Avenue. The City Hall offices and the jail were also housed in this building.
1958: A move to the new Municipal Building located at 316 8th Avenue was made. Once again the library shared a building that housed the City Hall offices, and the jail.
1982: Mrs. Benton (Marian) Jolliffe presented the library with a $5,000 gift in memory of her mother, Helen Durst, a longtime trustee.
1984: A $10,000 grant was received from the Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation and $5,000 was donated by supporters of the library for remodeling.
1988: Fourteen interested members formed a Friends of the Library group.
1990: Technology (a computer) was introduced to the library.
1996: The library received a $25,000 bequest from Hazel Stricker Sitler’s estate. Half of the interest from this money is to be used for books.
1997: With the help of a $20,000 grant from Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust and a $2,000 anonymous contribution, the City of Wellman remodeled the old fire station located at 711 4th Street, giving the library twice as much space to hold a collection of nearly 15,000 items.
1999: The automation of the collection was completed.
2004: The Wellman-Scofield Public Library is open thirty-six hours a week.
- The library has a collection of 14,380 books, 647 audiobooks, 43 books on CD, 32 periodicals, three daily newspapers, two weekly newspapers, 727 videos, 60 DVDs, 29 CDROMs, and 7 CDs. In addition to the above mentioned 15,930 items, the library participates in an audiobook, video, DVD, CDROM, and CD rotation plan which compliments The Wellman-Scofield Public Library’s collection.
- The library has three public computers with internet accessibility, one card catalog computer for public use, two circulation computers, one office computer and the server computer.
- Board of Trustee members are Gary Bontrager, president; Tim Smit, vice-president; Mary Marcia Yoder, Secretary; Eileen Driscoll, Kim Parrott, Gene Scott, and Glennis Stutzman. The board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Wellman-Scofield Public Library.
- Staff members are Sandra Aggson, Director; Fran Rogers, Assistant Director; Sandy Miller, Children’s Librarian and Karen Duttweiler, Circulation Desk Clerk.
2005: Board members: Outgoing – Eileen Driscoll & Glennis Stutzman; Incoming – Paula Buckwalter & Martha Nye.
- New Director, Steve Miller – June 1, 2005.
2006: All new (Microsoft Windows-based) computer and network technology purchased, installed and configured by Director Miller
2023: The Wellman-Scofield Public Library is expanding their location within the City of Wellman Municipal Building.
- The library has a collection of 17,005 items including: books, audiobooks, movies, STEM kits, Halloween costumes, and more; one daily newspapers; one weekly newspapers, In addition, the library participates in an online service offering e-books and audiobooks for our patrons.
- The library has three public computers with internet accessibility, one card catalog computer for public use, two circulation computers, one office computer and the server computer.
- Board of Trustee members are Sarah Latcham, president; Becca Droll, vice-president; Char Serum, Secretary; Marcus Miller, Melody Rowe, Ashleigh Nelson, and Tim Beachy. The board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at The Wellman-Scofield Public Library.
- Staff members are Carrie Geno, Director; Nicole Castillo, Assistant Director; Megan Harris, Children’s Librarian and Laurelin Geno, Clerk.
- After years of fundraising, the library received a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation for over $630,000 to complete it’s fundraising goal in order to expand into the unoccupied area on the east end of the City of Wellman Municipal Building. This expansion will more than double the total size of the library; adding a programming room, study room, staff work room, storage, and additional bathrooms. The project is set to commence end of May 2023 and conclude by the end of October 2023.
- After well over 100 years of being known as the Wellman Scofield Public Library, the library has chosen to simplify and rebrand as the Wellman Public Library. The Scofield name will still have a place in the library, as the new study room will be named in his honor.
Serving as librarians and directors:
1889: Jennie Turnipseed
1894: W. E. Stump
1909: In November, Jennie Dodds
1914: Ella Weller (first paid librarian)
1936: June Wishard Williams
1947: Martha Adams
1951: Lorraine Iames
1968: Elsie Guengerich
1986: Ginny McClelland
1990: Martha Boise
1994: Loris DeGroff
1995: Holly Huffman
2000: Sandra Aggson
2005: Steve Miller
2014: Carol Wilkins
2021: Erin Campbell
2023: Carrie Geno
On October 18, 1889, a notice was published in the “Wellman Advance” by librarian, Jennie Turnipseed calling for “All those having library books are requested to return them to the librarian, Miss Jennie Turnipseed, by Nov. 1st.” This recall of books was in preparation for the library association to reorganize and reopen.
In May of 1891, an opinion piece ran in the “Wellman Advance” titled “Need a Library.” The author expresses, “We need a free circulating library in this town, and we would suggest that some of our literary people go to work on the project. The present growth and prosperity of Wellman is considerable out of the ordinary, a fact that is certainly gratifying to all, but in the midst of all this we should not lose sight of the fact that the literary and educational advantages offered by a town are as important as any other one thing. We can have the library if we go to work and get it. An organized effort will do the business. This it over, for you are sure to hear of this thing again.”
The formation of a library association was organized by J. W. Gemmill, president; W. P. Gardner, vice president; Carrie Waite, secretary; with B. W. Nicola treasurer. At this time, the library books were kept at the local post office with the post master, W. E. Stump, serving as librarian.
“The books for the new library association have arrived, and we presume those connected with the new institution will have it in good running order in a short time. It is to be hoped that this will be the starting point of a good public library for Wellman, one that will enlist the interests and efforts of all our people and grow until it becomes complete and equal to the best found in any of the smaller towns. Nothing is so helpful, especially to the young, as a good library. We want to see it made a permanent, lasting success. It can be done easily, if all become interested.”
(Wellman Advance, July 27th 1894)
As the library continued, the library moved to H. B. Kreger Lumber Office and it took part in the State Traveling Library. “The ‘Wellman Library Association’ have received a new set of books from the ‘State Traveling Library.’ The books will be loaned free to anyone conforming with the rules ‘State Library.’ Library will be open Wednesday and Saturday of every week at H. B. Kreger’s lumber office. – Adam Trieschmann, Librarian”
(Wellman Advance, June 17th 1897)
"In 1908, the town of Wellman was offered a gift of books from the private collection of Col. Hiram Scofield of Washington, Iowa. Reportedly, this 18,000 volume collection was the largest in the country and his wife and daughters wanted the books to be placed “where the need was the greatest.”
The town of Wellman declined the offer because they “weren’t prepared to handle the books.” The Librarian at Washington suggested Mrs. Scofield contact Mrs. C.C. Gardner of Wellman, a prominent, civic-minded woman. She accepted the invitation and drove her horse and buggy to Washington to meet with Mrs. Scofield and her daughters. She learned Wellman could have as many books as they wanted. The only stipulation was the library be named for the late Mr. Scofield.
On October 10, 1908, Mrs. Gardner hosted a meeting for women in Wellman interested in establishing a library. That night a library association was formed and soon after number 50 members. The newly-formed association arranged for the books to be transported from Washington to Wellman in a horse-drawn wagon owned by J. W. Hunter. They packed 900 books in the wagon."
(Reprinted from the Wellman Advance, Thursday, October 4, 1984 in celebration of the 75th anniversary.)
"The Scofield-Wellman Library Association is coming along nicely. The ladies have secured an upstairs room in the Sander’s block for their present headquarters and the next meeting will be held there November 2. Every lady in town and vicinity should take an interest in this work, especially every mother. The good of a library as an auxiliary to the school cannot be over-estimated and it is likewise a very practical way of doing missionary work, for the boy or girl who has a taste for reading and an opportunity to gratify that taste with good books is seldom found loafing on the streets or in questionable places of amusement. In fact a good library goes hand in hand with the church and school in moral and mental training.
Dues of $1 per year will be charged the members entitling them to the use of the books, and to those not members a small rental for each book taken out will be charged. This is done in order to defray the expenses which are absolutely necessary in the beginning at least, although it is the aim of the ladies to make it free, ultimately.
Five weeks later, a formal opening was held in this second-story back room which would serve as Wellman’s library for 28 years. Editor E. I. Coffey had this report in the November 26, 1908 issue of “The Advance”:
Wellman’s new library was opened November 21, 1908, by the Librarian Miss Florence Kirkendall and Miss Langworthy, Iowa Library Commission organizer. Seventy-five volumes were loaned out the first day which is evident that people are going to appreciate the opportunity they now have of securing such good literature at such a minimum a cost. The library consists of 900 volumes of the best kind of literature which was donated by the late Mr. Scofield and the gift is one that many towns much larger than Wellman would feel proud of. When the gift was made quite a problem confronted our people in that some systematic way must be arranged to handle the books so the public could benefit of them.
Col. Hiram Scofield
An early advertisement for the library after the addition of the Scofield collection.
Only those of our ladies connected with the association, its organization, the renting of and preparing a room and the making of such other arrangements as was necessary, have the faintest idea of how much of their time and toil it took to perfect what is now called Wellman Scofield Library. To these ladies are due a wonderful lot of praise."
(From the October 22, 1908 issue of “The Advance”:)
In February 1908 the library’s hours were 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Saturdays. The one room was heated with a “Round Oak” heating stove and lighting was furnished by kerosene lamps. Because of lack of funds, librarians were volunteer women from the association. At the end of a full year, the association had made $65 from fund raisers such as chicken pie dinners and serving lunches at sales. The membership had grown to 115 in the association. In 1909, Miss Jennie Dodds was employed as librarian at $1 per week.
A report of the February 3, 1910 meeting of the association noted 365 books had been loaned that quarter. During this year, Miss Ella Weller gave talks about good reading at the public school, Mrs. June Williams presented a story hour for children at 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays at the park; books for the blind were secured and Wellman Scofield Library was chosen as an official depository for publications of the State Historical Society.
On March 26, 1916, a petition was presented to the town council bearing names favoring a tax for library support. A committee was appointment to canvass the town with petitions. Eardley Bell Jr. presented the proposal to the council. Following a special election, voters approved the tax giving Wellman a public library supported by tax monies. This tax levy provided $500 the following year. Another milestone this year for the library was the installation of electric lights.
On April 16, 1923, the library association with assistance from the State Library Commission catalogued books. By 1933, increased circulation of books made it necessary to install the double card system. The Washington librarian came to assist with this operation.
For 28 years faithful Wellman Library patrons climbed the steep stairs then walked down the long hall to check out a book in the rear room of the Sanders building. In 1936, this room had become overcrowded with the addition of new books to the original 900 volume Scofield Edition.
The Advance reports the increase in good reading material and book circulation made it necessary to open the library an extra day a week. The library hours were now Wednesdays and Saturdays 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
When the town purchased the Security Savings Bank building at 219 Eighth Avenue, the library association made arrangements with the city to rent the front room. The city would use the rest of the rooms to transact the business of the city. On July 2, 1936, the contents of the Wellman-Scofield Public Library was moved to its new location providing better lighting facilities and easier access for young and old patrons. A vault used by the former bank provided a special area for the children’s collection and reading area. (This vault was later used by InVivo, Inc. in its office complex.) The Advance reported Library President E. Bell, Jr. instructed a building committee “to get the room ready for occupancy at once.”
This new location of the library at street level saw an increased activity in usage. In 1941, the librarians report noted a collection of 5,073 books, 595 registered borrowers and an average of 51 books loaned each library day. Borrowers could check out books for a two-week period with one renewal of two weeks. Fines for overdue books were three cents per day or five cents a book for one week.
Mrs. June Williams, assistant librarian, became active librarian on August 14, 1935 when she succeeded Miss Ella Weller who had served for 21 years. Mrs. Williams was succeeded by Mrs. Keith (Martha) Adams in 1947, who was Wellman’s librarian until August 1, 1951. Mrs. Jess (Lorraine) Iames accepted this position in 1951 and she would serve more than a decade.
Again, the library collection was outgrowing its one-room space.
During the period from 1940 until 1952, the library records are brief. Mrs. Cecil Miller with the help of Margaret Small indexed the 6000 volume library, converting the books from a general category system to the Dewey Decimal System. A new feature was added by the Wellman Rotary Club in 1952 – a toy shelf. This project was discontinued after one year. In 1955 a new typewriter was purchased for $35. This same typewriter was replace in 1984. In 1955 the library made its first change in hours by closing on Saturday night from the period November through April.
On April 9, 1957, trustee and city clerk, J.A. Dodds, presented building plans to the board and told them “The council will go with any plans the library directors want for the library.” On May 29, 1957, the Wellman voters approved a $29,500 bond issue and gave the city approval to sell the Town Hall building. The funds were to be used to construct a 48 x 50 foot building that would house the library, council meeting room, clerk’s office, jail, storage facilities, public restrooms and a basement community room. The Advance editor, A. G. Goschke, reported on September 12, 1957 “Work was started Monday on the new Town Hall building. It won’t be long until we will have a building we can all be proud of.”
A news account of the move to the new library was reported in the January 9, 1958 issue of the Advance. “In spite of the fact that the last day of 1957 was cold, snowy and stormy, eleven boys with their wagons moved almost 6000 books from the old library to the new building. Then Saturday morning six new recruits were added and they finished moving all the books and pamphlets. Beavers never worked harder than those boys and we think they deserve a vote of thanks from the community. With such interest we shall always have a growing library in Wellman and will count on some of these boys to be future members of the library.”
The north side of this new building was furnished with birch furnishings and shelving providing Wellman with one of the finest small town libraries in the quad-county area.
A federally-funded project gave a boost to small town libraries in 1967 with the establishment of the Seven Rivers Library system. Now libraries in the seven-county area had access to a large collection head quartered in Davenport. The cost to the libraries was $100 semi-annually. A certain number of hours to be open required the Wellman Library to increase its hours to 20 per week. In 1968, Mrs. Glenn (Elsie) Guengerich accepted the position of Library Director after the resignation of Mrs. Iames.
In 1973, the Seven Rivers Library System was phased out when federal aid for the program was discontinued. A state-funded program established a regional program and Wellman Library joined the 15 county Southeastern Library Services providing inter-library loan service for patrons, and access via a watts line for information and services small libraries can’t offer.
In June 1974, a new municipal accounting procedure required all library funds to be carried with city accounts. Prior to this time the library had a separate checking account. Wellman Library had full support and cooperation from the city in that utilities, maintenance and salaries are included in the city budget.
The 66th General Assembly approved a measure to greatly benefit rural libraries. This bill which took effect July 1, 1977, gave counties authority to level a tax at 6 ¾ cents per thousand dollars for the purpose of providing financial support to public libraries. In Washington County, these funds would be divided among the three city libraries of Washington, Wellman and Kalona, based on population. The three libraries formed the Washington County Library Association and entered into a contract with the Board of Supervisors. These funds cannot be used for salaries or maintenance. The first year these funds placed issues of the Wellman Advance on micro-film (1889-1979); later a micro-film reader and replacement of research materials as well as new books for all ages were added.
In 1979, Mrs. E.N. Foster retired after 37 years of service to the library of which 30 or more years were as board president. Mrs. Ginny McClellen was name to the board to fill this vacancy. Four years later, Dr. Jack Droz was elected president. A by-law change limited officers to no more than two-two year terms.
The library in the new municipal building circa 1958
Patrons enjoying the library (1958)
Interior view of the library from the early 1980s
Young patrons enjoying the children's section (early 1980s)
At the suggestion of the Southeastern Library Services Administrator, an extensive weeding program was held in 1983. All books of historical value and memorial gifts were preserved; books weeded were ones that had lost reader appeal or were outdated. These books were offered at a book sale.
The incentive to remodel the library came in the fall of 1982 when a $5,000 gift was given in memory of long-time trustee Mrs. L. W. (Helen) Durst from her daughter Marian Jolliffe. The Board of Trustees building committee met with May Tadlock and councilmen to determine if a 10 foot wide storage room at the rear of the library could be incorporated into the main library. The City gave its approval and the Durst Reading Room was begun. This improvement brought on a larger project.
The administrator of Southeastern Library Services made the suggestion for additional floor space. It was suggested that the library apply for a Kinney-Lindstrom Foundation library grant. The building committee prepared an application for a $10,000 grant. In February of 1984 trustees of the foundation granted the loan. The grant asked $5000 be provided by the community. Wellman’s Library was then ready for a celebration. On October 21, 1984, the Board of Trustees invited friends of the library, residents of the community and other communities to see the new look at the Wellman Library and celebrate its 75th year of service to Wellman. This project was made possible through the excellent support of the community, the Mayor and Councilmen. At this time, Library Trustees were: Dr. Jack Droz, President, Mrs. A. G. Goschke, Mrs. Wilbur Swartzendruber, Mrs. Leo Hall, Mr. Rex Severt, Mrs. Robert Houseal, Mrs. Ginny McClellen, and Mrs. Fred Slockett. Librarian was Mrs. Glenn Guengerich.
In 1986, Ginny McClellen joined the library in the role of library director.
"When Wellman’s volunteer fire department began making plans for a new structure to house fire trucks and ambulance, trustees of the Wellman’s public library asked city council members whether a portion of the vacated space could be used for library expansion. Advance readers had been informed about this need in previous articles. The need arises from a 130% increase in library usage during the past five years.
Plans were set in motion in the fall of 1988, at which time council members, Mayor Ken Kempf and library trustees toured the vacant area in the city building.
Another milestone in Wellman’s library history was there were now 1000 cardholders. Of this figure, the library provided services to 685 rural patrons. To meet future needs of library patrons, the trustees proposed the expansion project.
It is noted in many “Letters to the Editor” and news articles that this expansion created a lot of talk and discussion. Cost was a big factor, along with design and renovation of city hall. Also during the early 1990’s, there was considerable discussion on the rural library funding from county supervisors."
(The following are excerpts from The Wellman Advance” dated Thursday, January 18, 1990.)
In 1990, the Wellman-Scofield Public Library added their first computer to the library. In the same year, library directory Martha Boise joined the library as previous directory, Ginny McClelland retired.
After four years in the role, Marth Boise, in 1994 left the library and Loris DeGroff stepped into the role of director. She served for one year, when Holly Huffman took over the job of library director.
"Mayor Ivan Redlinger informed the Wellman City Council that he has requested tentative plans to remodel the city building for an expanded, handicapped assessable library. He asked City Engineer Mike Hart to contact an architect about drawing up tentative plans to convert the old ambulance and fire truck garages, immediately east of the present library in the city building. At this time there were no projections or estimated costs for revamping the building, but did speculate it will have to be done in stages. By October of 1995, expansion plans were unveiled to the city council. In November 1995 the City Council accepted the library expansion project."
(Kalona News – March 23, 1995)
The Library expansion project continues. It is recorded in a local newspaper “It seems the more we get into it, the more problems there are” stated then May Ivan Redlinger, describing the latest developments in the proposed library renovation plan. Several areas of concern were noted, including the walls, room for furnace and floor level. Early in 1996 the library plan was put on hold when a discrepancy with the Senior Center arose. In an April 1996 news report, it is stated that the Wellman City Council set a $124,000 ceiling on the library expansion project. In July of 1996, the library was notified it would receive a $20,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to be used for the expansion project. Construction of the project was scheduled to begin in September and completed by November of 1996.
It is recorded in the February 20, 1997 issue of the Wellman Advance “To make moving much easier, the library kindly asks if everyone would check out a book, or several books, during the next two weeks. This will empty the shelves and lighten the moving load.” Volunteers moved 15,000 books in a little more than three hours. An Open house was scheduled in May after street repair work was completed. This new library, with twice as much space as before, will hold nearly 15,000 items.
Construction to convert the fire station into the new library space in 1996
A volunteer helping to assemble the shelving as the library moves into their new space (1996)
A view of the new circulation desk (1995)
Children's librarian, Sandy Miller, reading for story time (1996)
Librarian, Carol Wilkins, overseeing a children's craft at the library in the late 1990s
“Christie Vilsack, wife of newly appointed Gov. Tom Vilsack, visited the Wellman-Scofield Public Library on Saturday, January 30th to lend her support to Iowa’s libraries during Legislative Day. Recently, Gov. Vilsack has added and Enrich Iowa proposal which includes a recommended $1 million in direct state aid to the Iowa public libraries.
Gov. Vilsack is the first governor in some time to propose state funding for libraries. Based on several criteria including continuing education and other incentives for improvements, public libraries like Wellman-Scofield Public Library, would be able to pick up supplemental income from the state. This would not however take away from the local funding or management. Mrs. Vilsack commented, “If schools are the heart of Iowa, then libraries are the soul of small towns. They are the keepers of the past and the place to secure the future.”
(Wellman Advance, February 4, 1999)
In 2000, the Wellman-Scofield Public Library was awarded accreditation by the State of Iowa for meeting their standards. The library was one of 199 libraries in Iowa to meet the standards and the only library in Washington County to be accredited at that time. The direct at the time, Holly Huffman, credited the work of “The many wonderful volunteers who give so freely of their time and the past and present library board who made it possible for this accreditation to happen.”
That same year, Holly Huffman left the library and Sandra Aggson filled the director role.
(Wellman Advance, August 10, 2000)
In 2004, the Wellman-Scofield Public Library is open thirty-six hours per week and holds a collection of 14,380 books, 647 audiobooks, 43 books on CD, 32 periodicals, three daily newspapers, two weekly newspapers, 727 videos, 60 DVDs, 29 CDROMs, and 7 CDs. In addition to the above mentioned 15,930 items, the library participates in an audiobook, video, DVD, CDROM, and CD rotation plan which compliments The Wellman-Scofield Public Library’s collection.
In 2005, library director Sandra Aggson retired and Steve Miller took over the role of director.
Carol Wilkin stepped into the role of library director when Steve Miller resigned. Carol had previously been working as the library’s assistant director.
To mark the large milestone of 100 years serving the Wellman community as a public library, the Wellman-Scofield Public Library held a celebration at the library in September of 2016. All past directors, past and present board members, and the community were invited to attend. On display during the event were Board of Trustee meeting minutes and ledgers dating back to 1907, old library blueprints, photos, and news articles for attendees to enjoy and immerse themselves in library history. As part of the celebration, those in attendance were given custom tote bags with the library’s 100th anniversary logo.
As the library collection and services expanded, the library slowly began to outgrow their space. Thankfully, a portion of the municipal building that was previously occupied by Goodwin Senior Dining Center followed by Mid-Prairie’s Alternative Learning Center, had been left vacant and was available for the library to expand into.
In 2018, the library began fundraising efforts to expand into the unoccupied portion of the Wellman City Hall building. These fundraising efforts included a Trivia Night held at Parkside Community Center, where 19 trivia teams attended the event and silent auction which helped raise $3,500. The library hired Martin Gardner Architecture to plan the library’s expansion.
The original plan for expansion (2018)
Unfortunately, efforts came to a stop, much like the rest of the world, with the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The library itself was forced to close briefly to ensure the safety of its staff and patrons. Reopening was slow and came a little at a time. For many months, the library operated by curbside pickup only.
Thankfully, things returned to a more normal state again in 2021. That same year, library director Carol Wilkins announced her retirement. Erin Campbell was hired to replace her.
The Wellman-Scofield Public Library, in an effort to see the expansion become a reality, the library met with Martin Gardner Architecture to get an assessment of the cost of their building plans. This led them to re-imagine the layout, making changes to ensure fiscal responsibility while providing the best space for the community. They also resumed their fundraising efforts and, with the support of the City of Wellman, applied for a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. On November 16, 2022, the library was awarded full funding for their grant, allowing the expansion to finally begin.
At the beginning of 2023, director Erin Campbell left the library to pursue a position elsewhere. The role of director was filled by Carrie Geno, who had been in the role of assistant director.
Pictured Left to Right: Children's Librarian, Lisa Lindstrom; Assistant Director, Carrie Geno; Director, Erin Campbell; Board President, Sarah Latcham; and Clerk, Laurelin Geno posing with check after being awarded full funding for the library expansion from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. (Nov 2022)
Hover over the floor plan to see how the library changed.
Library Staff, Library Board, City Administrator, and City Council Representative pose with members of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation at the Library's Grand Reopening celebration (2024)
After final approval of the architectural plans in early spring of 2023, the library began their move to a temporary location in the Driscoll building in downtown Wellman in May so construction could begin. In June, the library expansion officially began. The expansion was set to double the library’s existing space, add more restrooms, create a private study room, and adding a much-needed programming room.
Although the library was operating with a limited collection and in a much smaller location, library staff was able to put on a wonderful summer reading program with more than 900 people attending the events that summer.
In the midst of summer 2023, the Iowa legislature passed HF 718 removing the “Support of Local Library” levy that Wellman tax payers voted to approve years before.
In January of 2024, substantial completion of the library expansion occurred. In February, the library sent out a call for volunteer to assist once again with moving the library, thankfully for the last time. Volunteers showed up and made quick work of moving the library’s collection and shelving. Overseeing the move, library director Carrie Geno and children’s librarian Megan Harris organized volunteers and kept things organized.
As part of launching the beautiful, new library space; the Wellman-Scofield Public Library rebranded as the Wellman Public Library. While Scofield's name is still the official library name. The library board and staff made the decision to give the library a new look and feel. To keep Scofield as a part of the library, the Scofield Study Room honors his memory and features a display of part of the original library collection that came from his personal library in 1908.
The library officially celebrated their grand reopening in March of 2024 with members of City Council; the City Administrator, Kelly Litwiller; mayor, Ryan Miller; the full Board of Trustees; members of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation; and patrons in attendance.