I've always loved this library. Being the only library in Ames, where I grew up, it was always fun…read morebecause you would always run into a friend. A few years ago they remodeled and while it looks completely different, it's still lovely in every way. We've brought our toddler here many times since he was born and the play area is perfect and so kid friendly. We also did an escape room with our 6 yo niece last week during the holidays and that was also fun. I found a ton of music here, too, growing up and just have the best memories at this library.

I fly through books fast. This library has a huge variety of titles. The online system is very easy…read moreto use, I love being able to reserve books and quickly pick up. You can extend your check out also(not if the book is already reserved) Popular titles they did a great job of having multiples. When I have more time I love looking through their new section and some of their curated tables on the second floor. Lots and lots of seating area, and a great areas for kiddos.

Love our library It is a great place to go and immerse…read moreyourself in peace and quiet . Books, coffee place to sit and relax with your book. Dee is great, very helpful and willing to get you what you want if they dont already have the book you are searching for.

Such a beautiful Library. I'm not sure the locals realize how great this library really is. I've…read morebeen to MANY libraries all over the country and this is one of the better ones I've seen. It's HUGE. Updated. Clean. Well organized and has friendly staff. You could spend the whole day here literally. They even have a small cafe inside. Free Wi-Fi for those who need it.

I love this library. I docked it one star because I don't especially care for the new section…read more But my favorite rooms are in the back, like the periodical room. So many large windows and gorgeous trees. The old part is classic middle century modern style. Gorgeous.

This is a very nice library. We travel around the country in our RV and do school and work on the…read moreroad, so we visit a lot of libraries. We found a very convenient room for the kids to meet with their tutors over zoom. They have a great children's area and my son found a couple used books to buy there. The building is great and there a lot of nice areas to sit down and read.

Very well planned out and run small town library! Lots of activities for children during the…read moresummer. Together with weekly and annual gatherings, it is a great place to visit.

Hidden gem in downtown Fort Dodge! Great space, great resources, and not very crowded. Be sure to…read morekeep tabs on the calendar events like book club and story hour.

In addition to their collection, they always offer to find your searched book/material through…read moreInter Library Loan (ILL).

A great public library! 2 floors full of books, computers and activities. They have an amazing…read morechildren's area with books, videos for checkout, games, and play area. Upstairs they have non-fiction and quiet adult spaces perfect for reading or studying. They have ample library staff who are also very friendly and helpful. The library is clean and well kept.

History When Kendall Young passed away in 1896 the citizens…read moreof Webster City were surprised to learn that Mr. Young had left his estate valued at $150,000 to the City of Webster City, in trust, "for the establishment and maintenance of a free public library." The construction of the Beaux Arts style library was completed in 1905 at a cost of $50,000. Special features included gold marble columns from Africa, terrazo and mosaic floors, stained glass windows and a stained glass dome. In 1984 a fundraising campaign was started to raise money for an addition to the library. After receiving two donations, each in excess of one million dollars and many smaller gifts, the architectural firm of Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle was hired to design a seamless addition. Construction began in March 1997 and was completed in November of 1998. The original library was 9600 sq. ft. and the expansion increased the size to 22,300 sq. ft. The beauty of the original building was maintained and stained glass windows and terrazo floors were included in the expansion to enhance the appearance of the seamless addition. Library Collections Abastenia St. Leger Eberle Sculpture Collection - Abastenia Eberle was born in Webster City in 1878 but only lived in Webster City for four years. As an adult she studied sculpture at the Art Students League in New York City. The sculpture 'Puetro Rican Mother and Child' c. 1901, displayed at Kendall Young Library, was Abastenia's earliest attempt to model life that she saw around her. Immigrants and street children were models for most of the 21 sculptures on display at the library. The Foster Doll Collection - This collection of 170 dolls was donated to the library in 1944 by Arch Foster and his son James after the death of Mr. Foster's wife Evelyn. Mrs. Foster had collected the dolls during the last 15 years of her life. The collection includes many types of dolls including Frozen Charlottes, dolls from the Kate Greenaway series, Waxed head dolls, Papier-mache dolls and Parian dolls. The oldest doll is a waxed head doll from 1800. The Van Ness Native American Collection - Mr. Van Ness lived in Hamilton County from 1882-1895. When his wife died he moved to El Reno, Oklahoma and began to collect Native American artifacts. In 1898 Mr. Van Ness offered "curios of Indian work" to Kendall Young Library and asked that the library "provide for their preservation." Forty-two items collected by Mr. Van Ness are on display in the Juvenile Department of the library. An Arapaho dance bustle ca. 1875 is the oldest item in the collection. Jane Young Stained Glass Window - The windows were presented to St. Paul's Universalist Church by Mrs. Jane Young in 1898. Charles R. and Joan M. Stauduhar donated the Jane Young Widow to Kendall Young Library in 1992 when the church was scheduled for demolition. The original window was located at the front of the church facing Bank Street and measured 6' by 14'6". In 1998 a stained glass firm was hired to remove the arch and divide the window into two sections so they could be installed in the library addition. Two lower horizontal panels were moved to the top of each window to complete the redesign. http://www2.youseemore.com/KendallYoung/about.asp?loc=18

From the owner: Kendall Young Library gives its patrons access to literacy programs, books, computer services,…read moreprinting services, digital literacy classes, and a variety of special collections including the Abastenia St. Leger Eberle Sculpture Collection, the Jane Young Stained-Glass Window, The Foster Doll Collection, the Van Ness Native American Collection and more. Kendall Young Library is a welcoming community center that empowers lifelong learning for all.

I absolutely love this library…read more Everyone that works here is so helpful. They really want to make sure that you have a great experience and they do a good job encouraging young readers. The selection here is top notch. I'm always surprised that a book I've really been wanting to read is already there and probably available soon. They don't waste a lot of space on weird art installations or exhibits; this place is chock full of books that they keep in great condition. And it's always organized; there was only one time I was unable to find a book and had to request help. In addition to everything else, their app is so useful. You can reserve books or use the catalog from anywhere in the library or at home. Their hours are absolutely phenomenal; I love that they're open late most nights. All in all, if you're not utilizing your local library, you are really missing out. I would spend hundreds of dollars on books if not for this place; it's such a great community resource.

My friend and I came here the Friday morning of my Iowa trip to print out my flight infornation for…read moremy flight back to NYC that afternoon. I went to the information desk to get a guest pass to use the computers. I was given one. I was surprised it was free. I went to one of the available computers and entered in my access code. Ths time allotted was generous and definitely more than I needed. I went to my e-mail and sent the e-mail to print. The printing fee was cheaper than NYC libraries. Once I was done I just used the internet until my friend was ready to leave.