Population Changes Impact Library

Spencer, like many places in the Midwest, saw a slight decrease in population, according to the most recent census. This is not welcome news, of course. Population decreases and increases have wide ranging implications for public services, including the library and its outreach programs.

While we are looking at ways to encourage more folks to join us here at the edge of the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes area, remember that a library is a major factor in providing a quality of life that most people are looking for when they move their families to a new area. Most people can't imagine living in a community without a library. Libraries bring both tangible and intangible value to our lives. Did you know that a recent survey demonstrated that a public library actually brings up property values?

A library is one of the most essential components of a healthy community. Libraries offer people the opportunity to experience new ideas, gain access to a broad range of materials and services, a chance to explore great minds, while at the same time providing a sense of place for gathering. It is safe to say that the Spencer community has seen many changes throughout the years and as data from the 2010 census is released it has become increasingly important for the library to look at these changes and find ways to meet the demands of its population.

Spencer Public Library reflects the diversity and character of our community, and it strives to meet the subsequent needs and expectations. It works hard to provide services to community members of different age, race, and sex. The library is here to serve the community, and as our community changes the library evolves to reflect those changes.

As an important facet of this community we strive to meet the needs of all members whether that includes offering storytime for young children, gaming events for teenagers, movie nights for adults, large print books for the visually impaired, or downloadable audiobooks and Ebooks for the technologically savvy. As our community continues to change, the library will continue to do its best to meet the needs of whatever population it is serving.For several years the rallying cry of Iowa libraries has been, "Do more, with less!" It's tough, but we do our best as we wait for the economy to right itself, in the hopes that funding for services such as the library will follow suit.