When a fifth grader walked up to the checkout desk at Kendall Young Library in Webster City, Iowa, he wasn’t sure if he still had a library card. When the staff confirmed he did, his reaction was pure joy — arms raised in celebration, like a cheerleader. It was a small moment, but one that perfectly captured the spirit of this historic library.
For over a century, the Kendall Young Library has been a cornerstone of its community. From its gold marble columns to its stained-glass dome, the building is a testament to its founder’s vision. But it’s the people inside, like longtime director Ketta Lubberstedt-Arjes and her dedicated staff, who bring that vision to life every day.
Serving a diverse population in a small town means making thoughtful, informed decisions about every book on the shelf. That’s no small task, especially for a team with limited time and resources. But with the right tools, they’ve built a collection that reflects their community’s needs and inspires moments of joy like that fifth grader’s.
