For many years the only places to check out a book in Dyersville were a small shelf of volumes maintained in the City Hall or the Dubuque County Library Bookmobile on one of its bi-weekly stops at the Commercial Club Park. In recognition of the need for a permanent established library to meet the cultural and  educational needs of the town, Monsignor M. M. Hoffman, pastor of the parish of St. Francis Xavier, organized a group of other concerned citizens and formed a board of trustees. This tireless board brought the Dyersville Public Library into existence.

After months of working with the City Council and other community leaders, the ordinance to begin a library in Dyersville was passed by the City Council in 1956. The coordination of citizens of the community and the generous donations of these same people brought about the library opening at the site of the old gymnasium in City Hall.  Before the formal dedication of the Dyersville Public Library, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name to honor its founder, Matthias M. Hoffman. This grand day of dedication was September 11, 1959.  

Thanks to the total commitment of our City Council members, community leaders, the citizens of the town, the various members of the Library Board of Trustees and the librarians and staff members these past forty-two and a half years, Dyersville has maintained an exceptional library.  The     library has kept abreast of the times, socially and politically. An expansion was made into the old fire station in 1970 to house an extensive children’s collection and to allow for story hours and summer reading programs. This growth was approved by the Council and the Federated Woman’s Club sponsored the expense of furnishing the area.

Over time, with the addition of material and equipment, it became evident that the library was outgrowing its space. Planning with the Council once again brought plans for different sites to give the Library room to grow.  After two attempts, a bond issue was passed to build a new facility at 320 1st Ave. E.—adjacent to its previous location.  That was a red letter day for the whole area community. The dream of the original library board to provide for the cultural and educational needs of the people was moving onto a new level.

Outstanding committees led by outstanding people worked hard to accomplish this dream. And then on March 1, 2001, a naming donation was given by James and Ellen Kennedy.  his unselfish sharing of their capital put the monetary goal within reach. This concern for their community puts the Kennedys in high regard of the citizens of Dyersville. We are grateful for their generosity.

With other magnanimous gifts of money, time and effort, the groundbreaking for the James Kennedy Public Library was held on April 1, 2001. Exactly one year later, the new library opened to the public. What a stupendous sharing of effort, enthusiasm and energy this was!  Many in the community came forward and helped move materials and furniture into the new library building. 

With much pomp and circumstance, the ribbon cutting and dedication of the James Kennedy Public Library was on April 28, 2002.  The efforts of all of those involved in the life and existence of the James Kennedy Public Library allow the turning of the page on the past and the stepping into the future of the Library Life in Dyersville.

Some of the statistics and business numbers of the Kennedy Library are interesting to read. When the Hoffman Library opened, there were 5000 books on the shelves. When the Kennedy Library opened, there were 55,000 items on the shelves. The first week of the Hoffman Library had a circulation of 228 books. In the first nine days in the life of the Kennedy Library, there were 4,817 items checked out.

The collection of the James Kennedy Public Library includes books, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs, and more.  Services at the library include public access computers and Internet access.

The cultural and educational programs provided to the adult and children readers of the area are many and varied. Innumerable activities and events are provided throughout the year. The library community here has been a participant in the Let’s Talk About It and the Iowa Humanities reading / discussion groups since their inceptions.

The new facility offers a place of peace and quiet to its users. From the study rooms, to the children’s area, to the computer rooms, to the loft , to the tranquility of the periodical room… there is space for all.

Taken from The James Kennedy Public Library Historical Overview and Acknowledgement Book, created in celebration of the new library facility, April 28, 2002.