Marion Public Library - Marion, OH

It may seem odd to visit a library in another city, another state that isn't historically or architecturally significant, but . . . we like libraries

And wow!  What a fantastic library.  We took a family roadtrip down to Cedar No Rapids, and the Marion Public Library was recommended to us as great for kids.  Turns out it was great for adults as well.  It's an oasis.  They're doing sooooooo much more than typical.  As much community center as library

One of the first area's we found was probably the most extensive, and certainly the most prominent, Cookbook displays I've seen at a library

And somebody surely loves cooking, because further along in the youth area are two full shelves of CAKE MOLDS you can check out.  GTFO.  Are you kidding me?  I love it

Our daughter could have spent hours here, and we couldn't even check out books.  Never mind the huge selection of well displayed kids books that covers about a basketball court . . . there's play/climbing area with a 4ft high Lite Brite . . . 

An touchscreen learning and game table . . . 

A videogame room . . . 

Then there's the thoughtfulness of the family bathroom with the extra low throne . . . 

Need to borrow a bike?  How about these expensive as hell looking trikes?

The laundry list of amenities at the Marion Public Library is staggering (go spend ten minutes perusing), and none may be more special than their Encore Cafe.  A true gem and lifeline/lifeblood for their elderly community . . . 

I popped my head in as lunch was starting, and it was such a lively space, with birthday and event announcements, super friendly staff . . . it looks like something my Grandma Z would have looked forward to back in the day

Yeah, so if you're in the area, especially if you have a kiddo, go check the place out, especially when certain powers that be are out to defund and destroy special places like this 

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https://marionpubliclibrary.org

Marion Public Library - 1101 6th Avenue, Marion, IA 52302 

319-377-3412