KIRBY BUILDING

KIRBY BUILDING. In 1968 the Dubuque County Library's 40,000 books were moved to the Kirby Building east of the DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE because expanding county departments needed more space in the courthouse. This was the fifth time the library had moved in its thirty-six years. Having started out in a private home, it moved to the south end of the fourth floor of the courthouse, then to the north end of the floor, and then to the east end of the same floor. Successive moves became increasingly difficult because they required the transfer of an ever-increasing number of volumes.

With more space in the Kirby Building, older books that had been placed in boxes were put back on the shelves. Another advantage was that the library could set its own hours instead of complying with the hours of the courthouse. During a five-day week, hours were set at 8-12 and 1-5, in compliance with the state library board's recommendation to be open 40 hours per week.

After the move, the library provided nearly the same services as it had done previously both at its headquarters and the bookmobile. Books could still be requested by a personal visit, mail or telephone.

The library soon outgrew the Kirby Building and moved to 1862 Central Avenue, Dubuque, where three-year leases were signed until the building was sold in 1977. The library was later moved to Farley.

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Source:

History of the Dubuque County Library. www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us/library-information/history2