About
The current facility of West Bend Public Library was built in 1966. An addition in 1977 brought the building up to its current 3,024 square feet. The building is in adequate condition with a recent roof replacement, exterior upgrades & signage updates. The library sits on the main street of the business district so the location is excellent. Parking is good and there is adequate meeting room space.
Five employees keep the doors of the library open 41 hours each week with evening and Saturday hours. The library provides books, magazines, audio and visual materials, puzzles, puppets and more to its 898 card holders. The library also provides online resources such as; LIBBY app for eBook and audiobook downloads, Transparent Languages access to Palo Alto County Newspaper archives and more. The library has copy and fax services, 8 community access computers, 24/7 WIFI access, as well as programs for Summer Reading, Story Hour and outreach services to the school and homebound residents.
The library staff is pleased to provide a nontraditional library environment that offers a place to gather and share ideas, yet sets aside time for quiet reading and reflection. The children’s summer reading program is a point of pride for the library staff. The fact that the library is accredited at Tier 3, the highest level possible by the State Library of Iowa, has created confidence in our staff to provide excellent service to our community. The staff appreciates the support received from the city and county governments, community, and Friends of the Library organization.