Category Archives: Library

Special News from the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center!

Moving in Progress: Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center will be closed beginning June 16th for the process of moving to the 2nd floor of the Main Library. Our anticipated opening date is July 12th – date subject to change. We will not be posting … Continue reading

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2024: An Overview!

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center had a wonderful 2024! From our in person events to our virtual offerings, we have encouraged our community and beyond to learn about Davenport, Scott County and Quad Cities history. Programming We visited the Palmer … Continue reading

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Happy New Year!

Wishing all our readers a wonderful 2025!

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Happy Holidays from the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center!

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! Please enjoy this wintery wonderland photo of Duck Creek Park from our photograph collection! (posted by Kathryn)

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QC Architecture: The Chicago Connection

Join the Scott County Historic Preservation Society (https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/history/historic-preservation-society) for their November meeting featuring Ellen Shapley, an Iowa native, architectural historian, and a former guide for the Chicago Architecture Center and the Architectural Heritage Center in Portland, OR. She will be … Continue reading

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Davenport in the Digital Public Library of America

Would you like to explore the history of Davenport and Scott County but are unable to travel to our Special Collections Center to peruse our shelves and archives? With the dedicated work of the Digital Public Library of America and … Continue reading

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In Memoriam: Mike Weir

Charles Michael “Mike” Weir was born December 8, 1947 in Ottumwa to Gerald and Catherine Roberts Weir. He was a 1966 graduate of Ottumwa High School. He married Janice Downing on December 31, 1970. Mike Weir was hired on January … Continue reading

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Come Tarry A While: Special Collections on Display at All Three Locations!

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections staff members designed four displays highlighting materials from its collection. Displays are scheduled to be at each library location throughout the year on a quarterly rotation. Each of the displays discussed below will be at that … Continue reading

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Closed on Presidents Day

Sadly, no one we know has planned a “Martha Washington Party” as was held in February 1900 by Mrs. William Henry (Minnie) Wiese. We do hope your Presidents Day is a wonderful day. We look forward to seeing everyone when … Continue reading

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Happy Retirement, Karen!

Another happy and sad moment for the Davenport Public Library and especially the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. Karen O’Connor is retiring today, February 2nd, 2024 after 24 years and eight months of dedicated service. Karen started in Special Collections on … Continue reading

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