Mission:
The primary objective of the Oelwein Public Library is to serve the needs of the community. Because the library serves a wide variety of people with a wide range of experience and education, our objectives must be diversified enough to encompass a variety of needs, tastes, and opinions.
The Oelwein Public Library attempts to be a meeting place for the whole community. A place where all citizens are welcome.
The Oelwein Public Library attempts to supply a significant amount of recreational materials for all ages. It is aware of the needs of students, but it is not the primary responsibility of the Oelwein Public Library to provide curriculum centered materials for them. Every effort will be made to supplement the school library collection to meet the needs of the young.

History:
During 2005, the Board of Trustees purchased property for a new building. Board members were president Steve Peik, Linda Ridihalgh, Dennis Pixler, Dianne Frazer, Lori Leo, and Mike Kerns, City Council Liaison. Vivian Petrik-Koloc was director. The new building would have double the space and geothermal heating and cooling and would be completely handicap accessible. Novak Design Group of Cedar Rapids was chosen as architect. Larson Construction of Independence was chosen General Contractor. Ground was broken on August 3, 2005.