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Category Archives: Library
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
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
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged Davenport (Iowa), Davenport Public Library, displays, Local History, Resources
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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
Posted in Library
Tagged Library Closings, Minnie Wiese, Presidents Day, William Henry Wiese
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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
Melodies and Lyrics from the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center
Musical collections within the scope of a special collections department may sometimes seem like an afterthought or materials to round out a collection. In Davenport and the Quad Cities region, music was integral to many communities settling in this area. … Continue reading
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged Davenport (Iowa), Local History, Music, Musicians, Programs, Resources
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Special Collections Closed Until Further Notice – Exciting events at our Eastern and Fairmount branches!
For the safety of our staff and patrons, the Davenport Public Library – Main Street Branch will be closed until further notice as the City of Davenport deals with the unexpected partial collapse of the Davenport Apartments located across the … Continue reading
Closed for Memorial Day, Open for New Hours
The Davenport Public Library will be closed on Memorial Day. Please join us in remembering those who gave their lives so that we could have the opportunity to live ours in freedom. We will open on Tuesday, May 30th—and remind … Continue reading
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged Civil War Monuments, Davenport Public Library, Holidays, Library Hours, Memorial Day, Monuments, New Hours
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Happy Retirement, Ann Hetzler!
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, Information Services Librarian Ann Hetzler is retiring after more than 34 years at the Davenport Public Library. Ann began working at the Davenport Public Library on July 18, 1988. She had previously worked as a … Continue reading
Posted in Library
Tagged Annie Wittenmyer, Davenport Public Library, librarians, Library staff, Retirement
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What Was In The Water In Davenport? – Books about Davenport Writers
We are thrilled to be hosting Marcia Noe on Saturday, February 24, 2023, at 1:30pm at The Library | Main to talk about her latest book: Three Midwestern Playwrights: How Floyd Dell, George Cram Cook, and Susan Glaspell Transformed American … Continue reading
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged biography, Davenport (Iowa), local authors, Local History, Programs, visits
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Preserving Local History
For over 30 years, the Davenport Public Library has dedicated space and staff for the purpose of collecting, preserving, and accessing the history of Davenport, Scott County, and the surrounding areas. In 1999, The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center was made … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Library, Local History
Tagged Davenport (Iowa), Davenport Public Library, Genealogy, Local History, Resources
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