Decorah Public Library

Decorah Public Library The library capitalizes on opportunities to develop and provide innovative services to the public. Post Office located at 202 Winnebago. Used with permission.)

From touching stingrays to your second office; the Decorah Public Library has an extensive community offering which includes events, work spaces, office resources, and space to relax. The Decorah Public Library is an all-encompassing resource center providing materials and programs for the leisure, entertainment and the life-long learning of the citizens of Decorah and the Winneshiek County area.

The Decorah Public Library serves over 11,000 patrons in Decorah and the surrounding communities. With over 65,000 materials, nearly 200 new items each month, and an annual circulation over 135,000, it is one of Iowa’s most active mid-size libraries.
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The history of Decorah Public Library dates back to 1892 and the Columbian club (study club) at the Unitarian Church. The Columbian Club was responsible for the collection until October 28, 1893 when the Public Library Association was formed. The first library housed 69 books, rent free, in the Marsh Music Store located on Water Street. Over the years the Decorah Public Library was housed in a number of locations including the Winneshiek County Courthouse basement. The Library held fundraisers and lobbied for tax-based support with the help of the Monday Club (a local women's study club). After 2 defeats, the city voted in favor of a tax levy of $500,000 to support the library and at that time it became a city-directed institution. For a number of years the Decorah Public Library was located on the northeast corner of Main Street and Winnebago Street. In 1964, the library moved across the street to the renovated former U.S. In 1997, an addition was added to the east side of the building with ribbon cutting held on November 2, 1997. (Information courtesy of the Winneshiek County Historical Society.

More fun from our Ultimate Frisbee "Bootcamp" program. If you missed out on registering for this event, keep an eye on o...
06/26/2026

More fun from our Ultimate Frisbee "Bootcamp" program. If you missed out on registering for this event, keep an eye on our schedule for more fun programsl

06/25/2026
Join us on Friday, June 26th at 10am for a free movement session geared toward little ones and their families, led by La...
06/25/2026

Join us on Friday, June 26th at 10am for a free movement session geared toward little ones and their families, led by Laree of Drift: Strength + Yoga Center! Come prepared to move freely and joyfully, and get some of those wiggles out in a playful and open environment!

Bring a mat if you have one, and get ready for some physical family fun! Open to all abilities and attention-spans. Location is DRiFT: Strength + Yoga Center (above Impact Coffee).

06/24/2026

Decorah Public Library and Pulpit Rock Brewing Company invite adults 21 and over to step away from their screens and step into the world of tabletop games with “Boards and Brews,” a community-building event on June 24 from 7 to 9 PM.

This exciting program is part of a series of game nights in partnership with Pulpit Rock Brewing Company at their cozy event space, offering the perfect setting for connection, conversation, and friendly competition.

06/23/2026

Switch It Up Presents: Super Smash Bros Tournament was a great success! Our players showed great respect for one another.

Keep an eye out for our next Switch It Up tournament featuring Mario Kart, happening on July 10th.

06/19/2026

Public libraries - a truly free third space, where you can simply BE - available to EVERYONE. ❤️
Explore your local library.

Join Decorah Public Library at Impact Coffee for a Family Bingo night!We’ll have plenty of prizes to go around across 10...
06/18/2026

Join Decorah Public Library at Impact Coffee for a Family Bingo night!

We’ll have plenty of prizes to go around across 10 rounds of bingo, plus grand prizes. Fun for the whole family!

No registration required, all ages welcome!

Here's a few moments from our Stories on Stage program, where we explore a new picture book each week using voice and mo...
06/18/2026

Here's a few moments from our Stories on Stage program, where we explore a new picture book each week using voice and movement to experience stories on a whole new level.

In the photos the students are seen practicing improv techniques and having a whole lot of fun while doing it.

Our Dungeons and Dragons Club is some serious fun! If you missed out on your chance to join this session, keep an eye ou...
06/17/2026

Our Dungeons and Dragons Club is some serious fun!

If you missed out on your chance to join this session, keep an eye out on future calendars for more opportunities and more programs!

06/16/2026

Waiting on your next library hold...

Address

202 Winnebago Street
Decorah, IA
52101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+15633823717

Website

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