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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa Public Library held an open house on July 29, celebrating the completion of $500,000 worth of renovations.

The renovation project took two years to complete. The project included restoring the historic stain glass window in the ceiling of the circulation section, adding five new computers and energy efficient lighting, and replacing the outdoor sign with an automated one. A teen room was added by knocking down a wall in the main section of the library and a genealogy room was created by adding a wall to split the former meeting room into two rooms.

Library Director Sonja Ferrell said she's happy the community was adamant about keeping the historical building well kept. 

 "We're very proud that we're able to renovate it to make it a modern library, but in a historic building, and still maintain that sense of history that we have with this library."

The library is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places and this year marks 110 years since the building was built.

All of the renovations were made possible through donations from the community.

Beginning this fall, the library will offer "Movie Tuesdays" once a month along with a lecture series. The first lecture series will be held Sept. 21 at 6pm, featuring Bob Welch, who will present and perform songs from the Civil War era.

Also this fall, library cardholders will have access to audio and e-books.

For more information, contact the Ottumwa Public Library at 641-682-7563.