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SALEM, IOWA -- Press Release from Salem Crew Library

The public is invited to attend the Dedication Day program of the newly constructed Salem Crew Public Library. 

Festivities begin on the library lawn at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12th with a brief program and formal opening of the library.  An open house will be held until 4:00 p.m.

A complimentary community picnic on the square provided by the Henry County Cattlemen's Association and Friends of the Crew Library will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for those attending the open house.

Addressing the guests will be Mary Helen Curtis, Salem High School graduate of 1938 and long-time supporter of the Salem library.  Honorees will include citizens who attended the dedication of the original Crew library on January 5, 1940.  Several were in the school band at the time.

Through the afternoon area historians will present programs of local historical interest.

Construction of the 4,280 square foot structure on the north side of Salem's public square began in September 2009 and was completed on May 10, 2010.  Now open to the public, expanded hours of operation will begin on Monday June 14th.

The design of the building recalls the many brick structures that once graced the Salem square.  The building facade follows the design of Salem's first bank, 1883, once located on the site.  The interior design models the decorative and historical theme of early schoolhouses of Southeast Iowa.

In addition to traditional programs, the library includes an Early Childhood Information Services center, Public Health Information center and Tourism Information area. 

The library has been fully funded at a cost of $850,000.00 through individual donation from nearly four-hundred individuals, community fundraisers and foundation and government grants.  An award of $250,000.00 from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, "Vision Iowa" Community Attraction and Tourism Program was key to final funding.

There has been no bonding or tax increase involved in the project.

David Metzger, of Metzger-Johnson Architects of Burlington provided design services and FNG Companies, LLC, of Urbandale served as the general contractor.

In 1934, Mary J. (Mamie) Crew, a former teacher, bequeathed her family farm to the town of Salem to establish a free public library.  The Crew family had migrated to the Salem area in the 1840's from Hanover County, Virginia.  Throughout Salem's history the family served as community leaders in education.  The library is named in their honor.

Salem was settled by Quakers in 1835. The library serves Salem (pop. 464) and the rural areas of southwestern Henry County.