CITY OF PERRY, IOWA
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Carnegie Library

Visitors to Perry often start their journey at the Carnegie Library Museum.  Built in 1904 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, the building initially served as the town’s public library.  Now restored to its 1910 appearance, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Still a working library, its collection includes many of the library’s original 1,000 titles, as well as special collections of midwest literature, women’s fiction, children’s books, and books on literacy and libraries.  Visitors can also explore stories through temporary exhibits on view here.  The Court Room on the basement level recreates a brief time in Perry’s history (1907-1917) when this room served as the town’s courthouse.  Also on the basement level, the Women’s Room tells stories of the bonds formed between women who spent time here when they came into town from neighboring farms. 

Touring the Library

The City of Perry, Perry Public Library and Hometown Heritage have partnered together to ensure the Carnegie Library Museum is open and accessible to the public. Hometown Heritage is a collection and archive of stories, photographs, and interviews about life in small town America. Hometown Heritage is located in the historical Carnegie Library Museum in Perry, Iowa -- a building with many stories of its own -- and they seek to share the history of our city, our state, and our nation through the eyes of the people who lived here. Their collection includes a vast photo history of Perry, the surrounding area, and the people who called this place home. Hometown Heritage's goal is to bring our history to life by focusing on the many waves of immigrants who settled here to find a better life and the contributions that they made. This history reveals that the things that brought families here a century ago are not so different from those of today. The Perry Public Library provides oversight, direction, and connection to the Library’s collections, services, and programming.  Hometown Heritage Staff and Volunteers are available to provide tours of the Carnegie Library Museum and share stories of our community.

To learn more about Hometown Heritage and research their collection, please follow the link below:
Hometown Heritage Website
Picture
Picture
1835-1919

Hours of Operation

Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 
10:00 a.m.. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 1:00 p.m.. – 4:00 p.m.
​

Or by Appointment:
515-465-7713
City of Perry, Iowa- 'Make Yourself At Home!' | 1102 Willis Avenue P.O. Box 545, Perry, IA 50220 | (515) 465-2481
  • Government
    • Agendas & Minutes
    • Mayor & Council
    • Administration >
      • City Administrator
      • Finance Officer >
        • Human Resources
      • City Clerk
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Departments >
      • Cemetery
      • Garbage & Recycling
      • Library
      • Parks, Recreation & Culture
      • Perry Water Works
      • Perry Municipal Airport
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Perry Community Camera Program
      • Public Works
      • Waste Water
    • Boards & Commissions >
      • Airport Commission
      • Historic Preservation
      • Library Board
      • Parks & Recreation
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Tree Board
      • Zoning Board of Adjustment
    • Code of Ordinances
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
    • Website Disclaimer
  • Resident Info
    • City Newsletters
    • Public Service Announcements
    • Snow Ordinances
    • Fireworks
    • COVID-19 Coronaviris Information
    • Waste Water Treatment Plant Project
    • Pet Registration
    • Garbage & Recycling
    • Yard Waste
    • Property Maintenance
    • Rental Property Code Enforcement
    • Community Calendar
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
    • Links of Interest
    • Maps
    • Media/ News
  • Chamber of Commerce
    • 2022 Perry Iowa Community Guide + Member Directory
    • About Us >
      • Contact Us
      • Member Benefits
      • New Member Application
      • Member Login
    • Member Directory
    • Map of Businesses
    • Job Postings
    • Events >
      • Calendar
      • BRR
      • Chocolate Walk
      • Big Boom Bracket Battle
      • Farmers Market
      • July 4th Celebration
      • Weather
  • Business & Development
    • Community Development >
      • Tax Abatement
      • Zoning/Building Permit Application
      • Solar Resources
      • Residential Development
      • Sustainability
      • Planning & Zoning
    • Incentives
    • Sites and Buildings
    • Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
    • Perry Economic Development, Inc.
    • Business Resources
    • Plans & Studies >
      • Comprehensive Plan 2030
      • Housing Studies
      • Iowa Living Roadways- Community Visioning
  • Culture & Recreation
    • McCreary Center >
      • Programs
    • Camping
    • Public Parks
    • Dog Park
    • Trails
    • Carnegie Library Museum
    • Hometown Heritage
    • Forest Park Museum
  • I Want To . . .