Mason City Public Library

10/19/2026

It's Cryptid Week at MCPL, and we have a special challenge for our adult patrons!

There's been a Bigfoot sighting at the library, and we are offering a candy prize for anyone who can bring us a photo of themselves with the real deal 📸🫈‼️ We have it on good authority that Bigfoot will not be hiding in any Youth areas, west of the Commons, or outside of the library. Bigfoot doesn't stay in one location for long and changes hiding spots overnight 💫🌙🌟 - so you could run into our cryptid friend in a different place everyday this week! 🗓️👀

Happy Hunting Cryptozoologists! 🍂🍂🫈🔎🍂🍂

10/15/2026

Every year, roughly 60 million eligible Americans miss out on free tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. On top of that, about 20% of individuals eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) never claim it due to not filing taxes, experiencing an income change, or using software or paid preparers that miss the credit. The loss of the EITC credit averages approximately $2,900 per return. The VITA program saves low- to moderate-income families millions in unnecessary filing fees and ensures filers receive all tax credits allowed.

By keeping refunds in residents' pockets, VITA directly strengthens local economies and helps families afford everyday essentials like rent and groceries. Furthermore, partnerships with local financial institutions help expand community access to secure banking and financial education.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are hosting a webinar to support the expansion of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. The webinar will focus on how banks can partner with nonprofit organizations to grow VITA programs across the FDIC.....

10/14/2026

Cryptid week begins on October 19th! Something is coming to the library, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse... if you're up to the challenge 🔎

The Mason City Public Library is a proud partner of the NIACC Innovation Workspace!
[DESCRIPTIVE TEXT: Video opens to a dark screen, then changes to a view of a laser cutter from above, viewed through a light fog between shaking branches of a conifer tree in the wind. The laser cutter moves across the cutting surface outlining a mysterious silhouette. Video cuts to black. END DESCRIPTION. ]

10/14/2026

Whether you’re a jump-scare devotee or a psychological horror purist, there’s something here to unsettle you. Kanopy’s Crypt Collection horror film and TV collection is now available…free to borrow and impossible to forget. Start watching: https://masoncitylib.kanopy.com/
(As a reminder, Kanopy is available to people who live in Mason City or in rural Cerro Gordo County. If you don't fall within these groups, check with your home library to see if they offer Kanopy!)

10/13/2026

Join us this Wednesday at 10am for an Outstanding Owls Storytime! We'll share owl-themed stories, songs, movement, early literacy tips, bubbles, and tons of fun! This event will be held in the MCPL Storytime Room and is appropriate for ages 5 and under and their families. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Questions? Call 641.421.3671.

10/12/2026

We're closed for staff training today, but we'll be open tomorrow at 9 a.m.!

The MCPL will be closed for staff training and development on Monday, October 12th.

We will be open our regular hours for the rest of the week.

10/09/2026

Don't forget to let us know what kinds of materials and programs you're interested in! We've already had some wonderful feedback, but we'd love to hear from as many of our patrons as possible.

📣📣📣CALLING ALL ADULT LIBRARY PATRONS 📣📣📣

What sort of things would you like to see from Adult Services at the Mason City Public Library? We want to hear from YOU 🫵 If you are between the ages of 18 - 101, please take a moment fill out our survey at this link - https://forms.gle/LNCwEoxKqT8rxAnT8 , or drop by our Main Desk to submit a paper copy!

10/06/2026

The midterm elections are only four weeks away! Come to the Mason City Public Library for information on your polling place, sample ballots, and more!

10/06/2026

📣📣📣CALLING ALL ADULT LIBRARY PATRONS 📣📣📣

What sort of things would you like to see from Adult Services at the Mason City Public Library? We want to hear from YOU 🫵 If you are between the ages of 18 - 101, please take a moment fill out our survey at this link - https://forms.gle/LNCwEoxKqT8rxAnT8 , or drop by our Main Desk to submit a paper copy!