The Ericson Public Library was built in 1901, and is named for Senator C.J.A. Ericson, who paid for its construction. In 1993, the library was extensively remodeled and a new addition was constructed. The 33,000 square foot building covers three floors, and houses a collection of over 90,000 items.
Users enjoy a variety of services and materials, including a meeting room, computer lab, AV equipment and materials (including videos, audiobooks, compact discs, puppets, toys, etc.), information & reference, interlibrary loan, photocopier, telephone directories, fax machine, tax forms and voter registration, genealogy research, and much more.
The Library is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday.
The Library participates in the State of Iowa Open Access Plus Program, and the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Network.
A varied schedule of storytimes, craft activities and special programs for children and youth are available. A calendar of events is published monthly in the Children's Department, and an extensive Summer Library Program takes place for eight weeks during each summer.
Regular Storytimes Include:
-Preschool Storytime - Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
-Toddler - Parent Storytime - Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
-Day Care Storytime - Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
-First and Second Grade - Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.
-All Ages Storytime - Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
A monthly book discussion group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.. Paperback copies are provided to participants.
The Friends of the Ericson Pubic Library is a non-profit group that works to improve the Library and its services. Membership information (with a varied dues schedule) is available at the Library. The Friends of EPL conduct book sales in the spring, fall, and winter.
