OTTUMWA, IOWA -- After a few years of renovations the Ottumwa Public Library is starting to come together again. In some parts of the library, patrons will notice a fresh new look and a fresh new face.
Sonja Ferrell took over the position of director just this past week. Ferrell, who moved here from Washington, D.C., is very excited to be in the city of bridges.
KTVO spoke with Ferrell Wednesday about the library’s history, renovations, and its importance to the community.
“I think the mission of any library is you adapt to the needs of your community. It is a resource for the community unlike any other. You see all segments of the community come in here; rich, poor, old and young,” said Ferrell.
The main library in downtown Ottumwa is over 100 years old. The project was funded by Andrew Carnegie and construction started in 1901.
Over 100 years ago, officials had no idea what a computer or the internet were. Today, Ferrell told KTVO that the library has adjusted to the times, but sometimes you will find more information in the library and not on the internet.
“It provides things you wouldn’t be able to Google. The expertise of a librarian and finding information that both is factual, which you aren’t guaranteed on the internet is helpful. If you are doing a genealogical search or researching the history of Ottumwa or Iowa, you know we have resources like that here that are not on the internet,” said Farrell.
There are also many programs and book clubs at the Ottumwa Public Library. If you would like information on them, click here.
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