Services

You may request books:

• By Placing Holds Online
• By Calling Us
• By Email to iolaref@sekls.org

Come through the alley behind the library. Call to let us know that you are here.

Do you love to read?

If you live in the city limits of Iola and are physically unable to come to the library, you are eligible for Home Delivery Service.  We will deliver to your home, apartment, nursing home…wherever you live.

When you contact the library to sign up, we will visit with you to find out how many items you would like for a two week period and whether you’ll want large or regular print books.

Remember, we also have magazines, music, DVDs, and audio books.

Home Delivery Service Application

Did you know your SEKnFind library account now grants you free access to over HALF A MILLION digital titles on the hoopla site?

To get started, you’ll need to know:

1. – Which Library Issued Your Card
2. – Your Library Card Number
3. – SEKnFind Account Password (PIN)

There are also several streaming services that show movies free, with commercials:

• Amazon Freevee
• YouTube Movies & TV
• Tubi
• Vudu – Fandango Free movies and TV
• Peacock TV (requires account to access free content)
• Xumo Play Free Movies
• Pluto
• Plex
• Google TV 

Iola Reads supports One Book, One Community reading in our community. Founded in 2005 and currently chaired by Deb Greenwall, the committee includes representatives from the Iola Public Library, all libraries in USD 257, the Allen County Historical Society, and Allen Community College. In the fall, we select a title, or series of titles, appropriate for young readers and in the early spring, we select a title for adults.

Iola Reads is a project of Iola Public Library USD 257, and the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Funding is provided by the Helen Gates Whitehead Trust.

View event flyers from recent years. |  Posts from past Iola Reads Events

Roger Carswell, Library Director (retired), compiled this history:

2005
Iola Reads Committee organized by Gale Dunbar, USD 257 Curriculum Director. Includes Susan Raines, Bowlus Fine Arts Center Director; Roger Carswell, IPL Director; Leah Oswald, IPL Children’s Librarian; Deb Greenwall, Tammy Prather, Cindy Carr, Marilyn Kipp, USD 257 School Librarians.

2006
Spring Touching Spirit Bear – Ben Michaelsen (YA Selection – March-April)
April: Author visit in schools. Community presentation at Bowlus main hall
Book signing & refreshments In conjunction with Ben’s Young Author’s visit.
Fall The Greatest Generation – Tom Brokaw (Community Read)
Sept 12: An Evening with the Greatest Generation – IHS Lecture Hall, 7:00 pm featuring Scottie Lingelbach, from the book Our Local Heroes, soldiers of WW II | IHS students in military uniforms of that time | Military posters from that time displayed | Book available/signing & refreshments.
Sept. 28: Farm Front of World War II – IPL, 7:00 pm
Oct. 23: Book Discussion Group – IPL, 7:00 pm
Nov. 1: Art of the Holocaust – Bowlus Fine Arts Center, 7:00 pm

2007
Spring Steal Away Home – Lois Ruby (YA Selection)
Jan. 18: Underground Railroad Performance, Bowlus, 3rd – 6th grades
Feb 1: Author visit at IMS for 4th – 5th grades | Community presentation in the Funston Meeting Room, 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments
Feb. 22: Book Discussion Group, IPL at 7:00 pm
Fall The Man Who Loved Clowns – June Rae Wood (YA Selection)
Oct. 16: When Pigs Fly (by June Rae Wood) Play performance at Bowlus 3rd-5th grades
Nov. 7: Author visit in schools & IHS Lecture Hall, 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments | Book discussion groups at IPL

2008
Spring The Learning Tree – Gordon Parks (Community Read)
Mar. 9: Gordon Parks Exhibit & David Parks Remembers at Bowlus Fine Arts, 2:00 pm – Photography Exhibit by Mike Roach – Mary Martin Gallery | 3:00 pm – David Parks Remembers his Father, Gordon Parks
Mar. 31: Gordon Parks’ Learning Tree Experience | ACC Theater Humanities Council Presentation by J. Edgar Tidwell and ACC Drama Department presents scenes from The Learning Tree. | Book discussion groups – ask at IPL
Fall Peak – Roland Smith
Sept. 29: Peak Packs available | Book, Peak Passes, lanyards, pedometers (provided by AC Hospital) | “Read the Book, Make the Climb, Meet the Author, Reach the Peak” participants given a Peak Pin from Roland Smith
Oct. 6: Climbing Presentation by Skip Kreibach, IPL, 7:00 pm
Oct. 18: Climbing Wall at Farm City Days in Riverside Park
Nov. 7: Author visits in schools | Community presentation at IHS Lecture Hall, 7:00 pm | Book signing, awarding Peak Pins & refreshments

2009
Spring To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee (BIG READ Grant)
Play – Bowlus Fine Arts Center
Presentation by Charles Shields, author of I Am Scout, biography of Harper Lee | Book discussion groups at IPL
Fall Atherton: House of Power – Patrick Carman
Oct. 15: Author visits in schools. Community presentation at IHS, 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments

2010
Spring Two Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson | Two Cups of Tea (YA Edition) by Greg Mortenson | Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson
“Pennies for Peace” in schools – Collected over $7,000
Fall Airball: My Life in Briefs – Lisa Harkrader (WAW Medal)
Sept. 17: Author Visits in schools, 3rd-5th & IMS Wear favorite team shirts!
Sept. 18: Author presentation at Iola Family Reading Festival | $500/ day + $100 for IFRF
Sept. 20 – Oct. 1: Brochures to 3rd-5th to encourage “Read for Your Team” for most AR points by grade level. Banners for classes with class picture with Lisa Harkrader. | Popcorn Parties for top class point earners + basketball ring.

2011
Spring The Wonderful Wizard of OZ – L. Frank Baum Kansas’ 150th Birthday Year
‘Wild Weather’ presentations in elementary schools – Bob Hawk
Movie at the old theater with free popcorn. Dress in costume
Fall Out of the Dust – Karen Hesse
Oct. 10-13: “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl” – Great Depression movie at elementaries.
Oct. 15: WPA Molly Trolley Tours at Farm City Days after parade
Oct. 27: Oral History Depression & Dust Bowl – Iola Historical Society/ Funston Hall
Oct. 27: Soup Line Dinner and History Alive Symposium – North Community Bldg. | Donations to Iola Reads & Allen Co. Historical Society 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Oct. 29: Euphoria String Band – Creitz Recital Hall, 7:00 pm

2012
Spring Our Boys: A Perfect Season – Joe Drape
Joe Drape and Coach Barta presented at Creitz Recital Hall to a large audience | Lunch with area coaches
Fall Moon Over Manifest – Clare Vanderpool (Newbery Winner 2011)
Oct. 9: “March of the Amazon Army” presentation at IPL – KS Humanities program
Oct. 20: Molly Trolley rides at Farm City Days to Ken & Gladys Grove’s home to see the trains | Gave away hats, books and signed up to win a free train set | Partnered with Allen Co. Historical Society
Nov. 1: Hobo Dinner & Program – North Community Building with Donna Houser’s presentation on Hobos 5:30 pm – Dinner/ 6:30 pm – Program | Free will donation and bring a canned good for Iola Food Pantry
Nov. 16: Author Visits – schools, IMS, 3rd – 5th grades
Nov. 17: Author Presentation – Iola Family Reading Festival, 1:00 pm

2013
Spring Night of the Twisters – Ivy Ruckman
Feb. 5: “Tornado Preparedness’ by Pam Beasley – IPL Give-aways & refreshments
Feb. 28: “Survivors: Greensburg” by Gene & Judy McIntosh and their experience in the Greensburg Tornado – Creitz Recital Hall, 7:00 pm
Mar. 12: “Extreme Storm Chasing” by Reid Timmer, Bowlus Auditorium, 7:00 pm
Feb. 1 – Mar. 12: “Storms” Window Displays – Allen Co. Historical Society
Fall Out of My Mind – Sharon Draper
Sept. 16: Kick Off
Sept. 24: “Our Lives with Special Needs Children” by Georgia Masterson & Moms of Miracles IPL 7:00 pm, refreshments
Nov. 5: “What Can She Say? What Can We Say?” by Rhonda Etter & David Wilson, Augmentative Communication Etiquette & Devices – IPL, 7:00 pm, refreshments
PE Classes in USD 257 Elementary Schools & IMS – Obstacle courses with disability equipment

2014
Spring The Miracle Worker – William Gibson (play) Jan. 13 – Feb. 22, 2014
Jan. 30: Ellen Foshag, Pittsburg – Her life as a blind woman and losing her hearing.
Feb. 7-12: Kansas Talking Books traveling art exhibit of art created by blind or handicapped patrons – IPL Meeting Room
Feb. 22: “The Miracle Worker” performance by Montana Repertory Theatre Co. | Bowlus Fine Arts Center
Feb. 27: Biography Discussion Night – IPL, 7:00 pm
Fall The Things They Carried – Tim O’Brien (Vietnam novel)
Sept. 29: Kick-Off Event – Recreated Draft and USO – Bass North Community Bldg. | Pick up your book and a draft number | USO Hospitality: Ted Clous at the piano, USO refreshments, Come listen and/or dance and get a great book! 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Oct. 21: “Letters Home” – Production at Bowlus Fine Arts Center 7:00-8:30 pm
Nov. 11: Vietnam Veteran’s Panel – Bass North Community Bldg. 7:00-8:30 pm

2015
Spring The Running Dream – Wendelin Van Draanen
Jan. 19: Books & Running Dream Passes available for $2.00 | Read book, attend a “Walk Night”, hear the author = Receive a Winner’s Ribbon from the author.
Jan. 19-Feb. 26: “Jessica’s Challenge” | Sign up at library (first 75 receive a pedometer), walk 18 miles/ 47,520 steps, receive a “18 Mile Certificate” and name in drawing for summer pool pass.
Jan. 26, Feb. 9 & Feb. 23: “Walk Nights” – Iola Recreation Center 7:30-8:30 pm | Come walk to music, win prizes & get healthy. Sponsored by Iola Reads & THRIVE
Feb. 2: Kyle Seufert Presentations – Live with a Prosthesis | School presentations – IMS, 5th grades | Community presentation – IPL, 7:00 pm
Feb. 26: Author Visit presentations – IMS, 4th -5th | Community presentation – Riverside Park Community Building
Fall Fearless – Elvira Woodruff
Oct. 6: Movie Night at the Library with “Isaac’s Storm” | Bring the whole family, free popcorn – IPL @ 7:00 pm
Oct. 22: Dinner by the “C”- Side – Bass North Community Bldg, 6:00 pm | Free dinner provided – Corn Chowder, Cornbread, Crackers & Cookies | Roger Beason shares magical tales of the sea. | School children invited to make “gadgets” and bring to display that evening | The whole family invited!
Nov. 6: Author Skype Visits – 3rd & 4th grades/ 5th & 6th grades

2016
Spring A Lantern in Her Hand – Bess Streeter Aldrich
Feb. 1- 26: “Family is History” | Iola students grades 1-12 invited to interview their oldest living relative and write about their live. Winners announced March 4.
Feb. 29: Lanterns in Their Hands: Allen County Pioneer Families | Four Allen County residents share stories of their pioneer ancestors – Bass North Community Bldg., 7:00 pm
Mar. 8: “A Lantern in Her Hand” Book Discussion – Flewharty-Powell Library Annex, 7:00 pm
Fall Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam – Cynthia Kadohata
Oct. 13 – Military Dog and Trainer from McConnell Air Force Base | School presentations: 3rd & 4th, 5th & 6th | Community presentation: Bass North Community Bldg., 7:00 pm

2017
Spring
Getting Life – Michael Morton
Feb. 27: Jean Phillips, lawyer & Floyd Bledsoe, former innocent prisoner | Presentations: ACC, IHS; Community at IHS Lecture Hall, 7:00 pm
Mar. 2: “Getting Life” Book Discussion – IPL @ 2:00 pm
Fall I Survived…series – Lauren Tarshis | The Shark Attack of 1916; The Joplin Tornado, 2011; The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
Mar.: Author Skype Visit at Lincoln, Jefferson’s I Survived readers invited – free
Oct. 2: Joplin Tornado Presentations by Dr. Renee White | Schools: 3rd-4th, 5th-6th | Community at IPL, 7:00 pm with refreshments
Sept. – Dec. 20: I Survived Historian’s Club & Survival Bracelet | Read 10 I Survived books = receive a “I Survived Historian’s Club Journal” | Read all 15 I Survived books = receive a Survival Bracelet

2018
Spring The Wright Brothers – David McCullough
Mar. 13: Aeronautics Fair – Exploration Place Sponsored by Iola Reads & Safebase | Riverside Park Gym – 3:00 – 7:00 pm | 12 activity stations – Wright Brothers replicas – Powered Parachutes – 1929 “Iola Fly Over” film – Air Force Veterans David & Walt Regehr – Concessions – and More!
Fall The Strange Case of Origami Yoda – Tom Angleberger
Oct. 18: LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles & Origami Night – IPL 6:30-7:45 | Watch an episode of the movie – Make Origami Yodas – Refreshments – Prizes
Oct. 1 – Mar. 20: Read 5 Origami Yoda books to become a member of the “Origami Yoda Club” and receive a prize!

2019
Spring Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Feb. 19: Tea & Book Discussion with Susan Carlson: 2:30 pm at Flewharty House
Feb. 19: “Exploring Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” – Presentation by Susan Carlson | 7:00 pm – Iola Public Library Meeting Room Refreshments served
March 1: Drawing for 20 free tickets to Frankenstein at Bowlus Fines Arts Center – tickets at IPL
March 9: Frankenstein at Bowlus Fine Arts Center, 7:30 pm
Fall A Night Divided – Jennifer A. Nielsen
Nov. 5: Author Visit – Schools: 3rd & 4th, IMS | Community presentation: Creitz Recital Hall, Bowlus, 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments served
Nov. 12: “Eyewitness to the Fall” – Carl Slaugh IPL Meeting Room, 7:00 pm | An eyewitness to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

2020
Spring To Leave a Shadow – Michael Graves
Feb. 1: “Murder in the Library” Night – IPL, 6:00 pm | Soups, Desserts and Crack the Case! | Tickets: $3.00 or 2 for $5.00
Mar. 12: Author visit – Creitz Recital Hall, Bowlus, 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments
Fall Defiance – Valerie Hobbs (COVID, no gatherings)
Oct. 1 – 31: Purple Ribbons for Cancer Awareness | Purple ribbons on lamp post on Iola Square
Oct. 29: Wear Lavender for Cancer Awareness Day | “I Read This Book For…” Someone with cancer – post on Facebook or at the Library | Author Skype visits for classes that read the book. Contact your librarians.

2021
Spring The Day the World Came to Town 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland – Jim Defede
Feb. 1 – Sept.: “I Walk for…” a 9/11 Fallen First Responder | Sign up at your library and receive a lanyard of a 9/11 Fallen First Responder. | Walk for that person through Sept. 11.
Feb. 1 – Sept.: 9/11 Memorial Wall displayed at IPL and in community
Sept. 11 – 9/11 Memorial Walk for Fallen First Responders – 9:00 am Iola Square | A walk in silent remembrance as the names of the fallen first responders are read | Partnered with Iola Police, Iola Fire Depart., City of Iola
Fall SQUINT – Chad Morris & Shelly Brown
Nov. 4: Authors Visit – Schools: Lincoln, IMS | Community: Creitz Recital Hall, Bowlus @ 7:00 pm | Book signing & refreshments
Oct. 4 – Nov. 1: Comic Strip Contest – Entries accepted IPL
Nov. 4: Comic Strip Awards Reception – IPL 6:00 – 6:45 pm
Oct. 1 – Nov. 15: Danny’s Challenges Bingo | As a class, fill in all of Danny’s challenges and receive a class popcorn party.

2022
Spring Take Me With You – Catherine Ryan Hyde
Feb. 7-17: Letters to Iola Register to “Thank a Teacher who inspired you”
Feb. 28: Celebrating Our Teachers banners in schools
March 1: National Parks Ranger Presentation, Fort Scott | IMS 8th gd, Lincoln 3-4 & Community presentation at IPL
March 8: “Celebrating Our Teachers” supplement with letters to teachers, Iola Register
Match 9: Iola Reads Teacher Treat boxes delivered to Iola teachers, Register art staff and committee
Fall The Girl in the Locked Room – Mary Downing Hahn
Oct. 20: Priscilla Howe, Storyteller Presentations – Spooky Stories | Schools: Iola Elementary School, K-2, 3-5, IMS | Community: Creitz Recital Hall, Bowlus – 7:00 pm Refreshments
Oct. 29: “Haunted Library” – IPL 7:00 – 8:30 | Popcorn & candy handed out and fiction stacks decorated

2023
Spring The Grand Escape: WWI: The Greatest Prison Breakout of the 20th Century – Neal Bascomb
Feb. 6 – Mar. 10: WWI Display& Love Letters Home, IPL
March 7: “The First Great Escape” Movie Night & Tunnel Experience, IPL, 6:30 – 8:00 pm | WWI Museum Passes given away | Refreshments
Fall Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library – Chris Grabenstein
Oct. 27: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Maze, IPL, 6:30-8:00 pm, Ages 0-12
Nov. 4: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library movie, IPL, 2:00 pm | Refreshments and prizes (board games)
Nov. 1 and 9: Author visits, IMS 9:55 am | IES 2:30 pm

2024
Spring True Grit – Charles Portis
March 1: Chuck Wagon dinner and line dancing, Bass North Community Bldg, 6:00 pm, served chili and cornbread
March 5: “True Grit” Movie Night, John Wayne edition, 6:00 pm, IPL, refreshments
March 7: True Grit book discussion with Kaite Stover, KCPL, 7:00 pm, IPL
Fall Ranger in Time series – Kate Messner
Oct. 11: Read to a Dog from Prairieland Visiting Animals, IPL, 2:00 pm (10-minute appointments), prizes
Nov. 2: General Funston & San Francisco Earthquake, Allen County Historical Society Museum, 2:00 pm, prizes, therapy dog, “Moose”
Nov. 4-8: Kate Messner virtual author visits at IES and IMS

The library has two meeting spaces for rent: the meeting room in the library, and the Flewharty-Powell Annex to the north of the library.  Visit our Library Policies Page to view our 6J. Meeting Spaces Policy.

Library Meeting Room

The meeting room has a capacity of 64 people seated theater style, and about 36 at tables.  There is a ceiling mounted projector as well as a TV and DVD player in the room.  The coffee pot and microwave may also be used.  There can be no cooking in the room, but users can bring in food, including in slow cookers or roasters.  The rental cost is $30 for up to 4 hours, and $10 per hour after that.  There is a $50 security deposit which will be refunded if the room is left in satisfactory condition.

Meeting Room Reservation Form    Meeting Room Photos

Flewharty-Powell Annex

The capacity of the Annex depends on which rooms you want to use, and how you want to use them.  If you want a gathering with people seated on couches and chairs around the living room, it could hold at least 12. For a meal, about 18 people could sit around tables. The Annex has a kitchen, fully stocked with pans and utensils, which may be used.  Food may be either cooked on site or brought in.  There is a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot.  Arrangements may be made for a projector or other equipment. Due to utility costs, the rental is $12 per hour.  There is a $50 security deposit which will be refunded if the Annex is left in satisfactory condition.  Please be aware, at this time the Annex is still configured as a family home, with stairs at all entrances and an unmodified bathroom.

Flewharty Reservation Form     Flewharty Photos