On January 14, 2006, Davenport’s new library branch opened to the public! It was the first new addition to the Davenport Public Library’s facilities since the additions of the bookmobile and Annie Wittenmyer Branch.
The Davenport Public Library desired to expand its services since the 1960s. With the 2001 Branching Out Campaign agreement between the City of Davenport, the Davenport Public Library’s Board of Trustees, and the Friends of the Davenport Public Library, this dream was coming to fruition.
Studies were conducted as to where new library branches would best serve the Davenport citizens, as well as an estimate of how much new facilities would cost to build. It was determined that new libraries would be built in the west and the north/central part of the city. The land for the new library branch was purchased in 2002. It was purchased from the Van Arnum family; it was their family’s farm land.
The Branching Out Campaign was supported by the 2003 tax levy, the City of Davenport’s Capital Improvement Plan, and the Friends of the Davenport Public Library. The tax levy passed on November 4, 2003 was to provide staff, to purchase collections, and to provide maintenance for the branches. The CIP funds would cover 60% of the funding required to build the new facilities, and the Friends would cover the remaining 40%.
News of this monumental effort was shared with the citizens of Davenport through the “Davenport City News” newsletter as well as newspaper articles.
The Davenport Public Library celebrated the building of this new library branch at each stage of construction. The community was invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on May 2, 2005, and the laying of the cornerstone on October 11, 2005. Another special moment was marked in June 2005 with a topping-off ceremony, where community members were invited to sign steel beams that were to be installed at the front entrance of the library. Dick Stahl, former Quad Cities poet laureate, read a poem he wrote for the occasion.
The Library promoted its new Library Branch with movie advertisements that played during previews at local movie theaters.
The grand opening of the Davenport Public Library’s Fairmount Street location was a proud moment in its history. Many years of efforts of staff, City Council members, the Library’s Board of Trustees, and the Friends of the Davenport Public Library. The space boasted 26,000 square feet featuring a cafe space, a fireplace, a drive-up window, a dedicated Friends’ Bookstore, a storytime room, and a teen lounge area.
By 4:30 pm, the newest library branch had an official gate count of 30,332! It included individuals who left and returned, according to LaWanda Roudebush.
Over the years, the Fairmount Branch has been host to many of the Library’s Summer Reading Program’s Kickoff parties and many other phenomenal programs. It was the first location to get our new state-of-the-art book return and sorter machine. It has been a site for many community partnerships and celebrations.
Happy 20th Anniversary, Fairmount Branch!
(posted by Kathryn)
