Copies & Copying
The library has a copy machine available to the general public on the first floor of the library. Copies of letter sized and legal sized pages are $.15 per single-sided page.
Fax Services
The library offers free faxing services to the general public. The public can both send and receive faxes at the library.
Fax number: 641-682-4970
Genealogy Records Retrieval
We are happy to help patrons in their search for genealogical information. Patrons who are unable to come to the library in person may request that library staff retrieve an article or obituary for them. The library has newspapers from Ottumwa on microfilm from 1871 to the present date (there are some gaps in our collection prior to 1900). Individuals who would like to request a lookup can email our staff at ref@ottumwapubliclibrary.org. Please provide us with as much information about the search as you can. Donations for this service are welcomed.
Genealogy Staff Hours are Thursdays and Saturdays from 3pm- 5pm. Patrons can now search our digitized microfilm up to 2009 on our Ottumwa Newspaper Archives.
Meeting Room
Located on the first floor of the library, the library’s meeting room is available to use for events that are free and open to the public. The meeting room can accommodate a maximum of 35 people (depending upon seating arrangements required). Advanced booking is required. Please call the library at 641-682-7563 for further questions and to reserve the room.
Microfilm Readers
We currently offer three microfilm readers to the public. While the library primarily uses microfilm, the machines are also capable of reading microfiche cards up to 105 mm x 190 mm. The readers have printers attached to them to allow for the printing of microfilm materials. Our microfilm is digitized and searchable online here.
Public Use Computers
The library has computers available for use by the public. Access to public computers is managed by reservation software on a first come first serve basis. Patrons should bring their library card to gain access to an available computer. Guests may request a guest pass in order to use a computer.
Wireless Internet
The library is your toll-free on-ramp to the information super highway. We offer wireless internet connectivity free of charge to the public. The wireless connection is available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The SSID of the connection is “Library Guest”. Wireless internet hotspots are also available for check out.