Webb Shadle Public Library is located just a block off the main square in Pleasantville, Iowa. The library has a community room for individuals, organizations, and nonprofit groups to use. The library holds events frequently to encourage a love of reading and learning in children and adults. The Webb Shadle Public Library of Pleasantville, Iowa was established in 1955 and made possible by the monetary donation of long time resident, Cora Shadle with the stipulation in her will that the library be named in memory of her son, Harold “Webb” Shadle. The library had its beginning in a remodeled room on the top floor of the Pleasantville Memorial Building and Marian Batten was the first librarian. Pleasantville had its own “Marian the Librarian.” Marian was the local librarian for 28 years. As the library grew and more room was needed, a beautiful new building was built in 1974 on its current site with the “Webb Shadle Memorial Library” name etched in stone. This building was made possible by the Shadle Trust, which was set up to fund the upkeep of the library. Following Marian’s retirement, Larry Conn became the librarian in 1974 and served in this position for over 30 years before his retirement. JoEllen Glick is the current library director. Over the years the library has been a great asset to the community hosting many activities. There is a community room has been used as a meeting place for the local Garden Club, Book Club, weekly game day, graduation parties, programs and events for the local children and adults, too. An annual holiday time “Tasting Party” for the community has been held for over 20 years. The library has seen many changes in the past couple of years as it is now online. The entire library catalog is available to browse online, and patrons also have access to our ebook collection. There are computers available for adults and children. The children’s area is redesigned and updated with new shelves and books, new paint. An inviting coffee/reading area for adults was added. Much of this work has been and is actively done by the volunteer organization, Friends of the Webb Shadle Public Library.
