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More than just books!

Stuart, Iowa Public Library

Events and Programs

What’s going on at Stuart Public Library?

Students in School Library

Toddler Time

Toddler time is a great option for your 2-4 year old. Join us every Thursday from 10am-noon for stories, songs, and fun!

A man shuffles a deck of cards for a game of cribbage at the table

Cards & Coffee

Every Tuesday and Friday from 10am-noon grab a coffee and a cribbage board, and play a few hands with your friends.

Kids reading books in park

Summer Reading Program

“Read Beyond the Beaten Path”

Horizontal portrait of multi-ethnic encouraged students surrounded with books having talk working to

Book Club

Join us on the last Monday of each month from 5-6pm.

Weekly Book Feature

COMING SOON

Looking for a new book?

Find one of our new selections or search our collection of available titles for an old favorite.

Browse our online catalog and find your next great read!

Other Services

Check out some of the other services available through Stuart Public Library.

Teenager girl picking a book on a library shelf

Online Library Catalog

Login with your library card number and phone number as a password.

newspaper and a magnifying glass

Newspaper Archives

The Stuart Herald, Stuart Locomotive, Stuart News, Stuart Locomotive And Ledger

cropped view of woman reading ebook at home

Bridges/Overdrive/Libby

Access ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos for your Kindle, Nook, or reading app.

Close up student hand writing on paper with a pencil taking a test.

Brainfuse

Educational platform designed for practicing exams, job preparation, career achievement, and academic success.

Busy colleagues analyzing computer code

Code Academy

Learn a wide range of programming skills such as JavaScript, CSS, Python, Ruby, etc. in addition to HTML, PHP, website design, and more. NOTE: there is a Pro subscription option for a fee, but the library does NOT provide access to the Pro version.

Students using computer

Code

This all-ages website focuses on coding and app writing. There are many kid friendly (k-12 grade) courses as well as free online education classes on a wide variety of technology topics. These classes include app writing, games, and Javascript.​

Iowa Reading Research Center

Assistive Technology Consultation

As part of our mission to help all students improve their reading and writing skills, we offer free assistive technology consultation for families of children with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

Request a one-on-one assistive technology consultation appointment with our assistive technology coordinator in Iowa City on the University of Iowa campus.

Laptop computer with legal court gavel on keyboard.

People's Law Library of Iowa

This website includes information on legal topics such as consumer law, family law, and landlord/tenant law, as well as guidance on researching legal issues, a glossary of more than 100 legal terms, and more.

About Stuart Public Library

Founded in 1901, the Stuart Public Library has been a staple in the community.

The very first librarian, Mrs. Catherine H. Leighton, created a place that was positive, supportive, and dedicated to serving the community. Until 1907, the library did not have a permanent home in the community and was a house in a rented room. It wasn’t until the efforts of librarian Mrs. J.R. McMullen and other citizens that the community successfully secured a grant from Andrew Carnegie for the construction of a building dedicated solely to the library. It was felt that the new Carnegie building would ensure the prosperity of the library and the community more than ever.

On April 3, 1908, the new Carnegie Library was opened and dedicated to the community of Stuart!

The librarians that followed these two continued their work to ensure the Stuart Public Library was and still is, an influence in the health and intellectual uplifting of the community. In addition to offering books and other literary materials, the library continues to evolve and progress to provide services and products that enable community members to become successful learners and explorers in 21st-century society.

Previous Carnegie Library in Stuart, Iowa
View of the current Stuart Public Library, 2022

Stuart Library Staff

lisa sherman

Lisa Sherman

Library Director

Library Director. (n.) keeper of books; giver of answers; original search engine; guardian of knowledge.  see also: magical book recommender.

A fun fact that about me? In the last three towns our family has lived in, new libraries were built. 

“Since becoming the director in January 2017, I’ve discovered how important it is to surround myself with great people; delegate authority; then get out of their way!”

librarian Mary with student at Stuart Library

Mary McColloch

Librarian

Mary joined the circulation staff February 2022 at the Stuart Public Library. She is a Literary Rockstar who enjoys working with children and families and sharing her love of learning and books.

“In my free time, I spend time with my family, especially my grandson and grand puppies, cooking for family and friends and quilting. I have worked in libraries in a variety of capacities for over 20 years, most recently as the Library Director in Dexter.”

Rachel Majerus, librarian Stuart Library

Rachel Majerus

Librarian

“I’ve worked as a library clerk and shenanigans director since November 2021. Before that, I spent most of the last 2 decades as a counselor trying to save the world one troubled teen at a time.  Some librarians specialize in research and locating information…I specialize in chit chat and wearing cardigans.  I’d tell you more about my job but it is really hush, hush around here.”

Board of Trustees
Lynne Caltrider, President
Christy O’Brien, Vice President
Kim Bigsby, Secretary
Don Cave
Kristina Hutton

Stuart Library Foundation Board (People Advocating for Library Success)
Joy Smull, President
Marvin Lancaster, Vice President
Deanna Broman, Secretary/Treasurer
Debbie Wilson
Russ Wagner

PALS (People Active for Library Services)
Roni Wilson, President
Donna Olson, Vice President
Joy Smull, Secretary
Anita Hilgers, Treasurer

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