Agency Public Library

09/19/2026

09/15/2026

The Agency Public Library will be closed on September 15th at 4 PM for our Director to attend professional training. We will resume normal hours on September 16th.

09/14/2026

Here at the Agency Public Library Banned Book Club, we believe that the books under the heaviest fire are often the ones with the most profound layers of truth.

Malinda Lo’s award-winning novel, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, is a stunning testament to that belief. Despite being frequently challenged for its LGBTQIA+ themes, this book is an essential piece of literature that uses brilliant, nuanced symbolism to explore the clashing worlds of mid-century America. Our book club particularly appreciated how Lo masterfully employs symbols to show how Lily is caught between the American government's demand for conformity and her Chinese American family's cultural conformity including gender. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of 1954 San Francisco, the story follows seventeen-year-old Lily Hu as she navigates these intersecting pressures.

To challenge this book is to try to erase a vital history of marginalized communities who fought to love and exist in mid-century America. Lily’s ultimate courage to step out of the shadows and embrace her true self is an inspiration.

09/14/2026

The Library will close at 6 PM on Tuesday, October 6th for the community awareness event.

Community Meeting – Wapello County Jail Expansion

The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting an informational meeting in Agency to discuss the proposed Wapello County Jail Expansion and answer questions from area residents. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and hear directly from the Sheriff’s Office.

Tuesday, October 6
6:30 PM
Agency Community Center

Everyone is welcome to attend. Please share this post to help spread the word!

09/11/2026

The APL Book Club’s latest selection, Dolly Alderton’s novel "Good Material", unfortunately failed to live up to expectations, earning a decidedly negative review from our members.

While Alderton is known for her sharp observations on modern relationships, this particular narrative left our club feeling entirely disconnected and un-invested. A central critique from the group focused on the supporting cast, particularly the male friends, who felt one-dimensional and severely lacking in character depth.

The only true bright spot in the lineup was Morris; he stood out as the sole interesting figure, leaving the club deeply disappointed that we did not see more of him throughout the novel. Jen also came off as flat; although she was slightly more intriguing than the protagonist, she ultimately offered very little of value to the reader.

Our greatest struggle, however, was with the main character, Andy. He was a stereotypical, self-centered, and emotionally immature protagonist who lacked any redeeming character arc. We found ourselves treading through the pages with no real enjoyment, unable to even "love to hate" him—we simply found him boring and spoiled.

Many members noted that if the novel had alternated between the viewpoints of Andy and Jen, it might have been a much better read. Ultimately, Good Material left the APL Book Club wanting more substance and far better material.

09/08/2026

🔍 Think Like a Detective
Check Eye-Level Spots: The object might be hidden lower to the ground or at your eye level, rather than high up on a shelf.
Scan the Bookstacks: Look carefully at the shelves, but you never have to move anything!
Inspect the Displays: Check out the new book display tables or near the bulletin boards.
Look Near the Seating: Don't forget to look around the cozy reading chairs, study tables, or computer stations.
📜 Follow the Scavenger Hunt Rules
New Week, New Spot: Remember that the object changes locations every week, so you can come back and play again and again!
Use Your Eyes, Not Your Hands: You don't need to pull books off the shelf to find it. Keep the library neat and tidy while you search.
Shhh... It's a Secret: If you find the object, don't tell the other kids where it is so they can have fun searching, too!
Claim Your Reward: Once you spot the hidden object, head straight over to the front desk to tell a librarian and claim your prize.

09/07/2026

Library Closure: September 7th. We will reopen on Tuesday.
Lunch @ the Library will take place on September 14th.

09/06/2026

National Read a Book Day is observed annually on September 6th. On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day. While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.


Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!

09/02/2026

On September 2nd, 1890; the Iowa Library Association was founded in Des Moines, Iowa.