2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

renovation and addition project which resulted in a state-of-the-art auditorium, a brand new scene shop, new main lobby, a large multi-purpose conference room, rental and performance room.

SPENCER PUBLIC LIBRARY The Spencer Public Library was originally introduced to the community in 1883, when a group of ladies organized the Ladies Library Association of Spencer. The books were cared for and circulated by this association. In 1902, a new library was built with funding from grant money received by Andrew Carnegie. Over the years, there have been modifications and upgrades to the library in Spencer, including a new building being built in 1971. The library is now equipped with up-to-date technology for the needs of the visitors, along with books, resources, and other materials. Spencer Library

Mission Statement “Spencer Public Library's materials, programs, outreach services, and technology serve as a point of access for a wide range of information.”

Dewey Readmore Books

Spencer Public Library

One of the most famous stories about the Spencer Library came about on January 18, 1987 when a kitten was recovered from the book drop box and nursed back to health. This kitten, named Dewey Readmore Books, was from then on part of the library. Dewey made the Spencer Library known on a worldwide level with magazine articles and television appearances. He was a part of the library until his death in 2006 at 19 years old. However, Dewey provided greater publicity for the Spencer Library when in 2008 the former Library Director wrote the book Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World.

SPENCER AREA ACTIVITY CENTER (SAAC)

The Spencer Area Activity Center, formerly known as the Spencer Senior Center, provides social and educational opportunities that involve and enrich people’s lives. The SAAC moved into the lower level of the former Spencer Middle School building when the upper floors were remodeled into residential apartments. The Activity Center is located at 104 East 4 th

Street. The SAAC offers adults an opportunity to enjoy meals, participate in games and social activities and basically just enjoy others company and have fun. Each Friday morning there are free baked goods; and eachWednesday the Spencer Area Action Club meets at the SAAC. The facility has two rooms available for rent to the general public for parties, meetings or other events. The small room is perfect for smaller parties of up to 40 people and the large meeting room can accommodate up to 150 guests.

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NW Iowa Planning & Development