MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Art Center along with the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center closed this afternoon due to the weather conditions.
The Muscatine Art Center closed at 2 p.m. today with the Mini Masters and the Alexander Clark program both cancelled. A new date for the Clark program will be announced later.
Both facilities will open at their regular times on Friday (Feb. 17).
It was announced earlier today that Republic Services had suspended recycling collection for Thursday due to the weather. Republic will resume recycling collection on Friday with a one-day delay (Thursday recycling to be picked up on Friday and Friday’s recycling on Saturday).
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Library fines have become a thing of the past at Musser Public Library effective today (Jan. 3, 2023), as the library stops charging fines for overdue materials and institutes the forgiveness of past fines. These policy changes will have an impact on more than 2,500 Musser Public Library (MPL) patrons.
The RiverShare Library Consortium – Musser Public Library and six other library systems in eastern Iowa – has elected to discontinue applying overdue fines to items returned late. Some of the consortium’s libraries, including Musser, have also decided to waive existing overdue fines. The changes are based on the findings of the American Library Association (ALA), who in January 2019 passed a resolution encouraging libraries to eliminate overdue fines because they are a barrier to equitable access.
“Our vision at Musser Public Library is to be the gateway to learning and information for all ages. By becoming a fine-free library, we go a step further towards attaining this goal,” Musser Public Library Director Bobby Fiedler said.
Studies cited by the ALA indicate that some community members can feel discouraged from checking out library items or even obtaining a library card if there is the potential of racking up fines for overdue materials. The studies also show that overdue fines on library materials have no impact on ensuring materials are returned on time.
In eliminating fines, our local library aims to bring back library users whose accounts are blocked due to unpaid overdue fines and encourage more people to sign up for a library card and use library materials without the fear of incurring overdue fines.
“We are dedicated to making our library as accessible as possible to those who need it most,” Fiedler said.
Two types of fees Musser Public Library will retain are for lost and damaged items and for equipment usage and rentals, such as copying, printing and renting equipment including hotspots and tablets.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will be operating reduced hours on Friday (Dec. 23). Musser Library will open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. due to the weather conditions.
The library will be closed on Saturday (Dec. 24), Sunday (Dec. 25), and Monday (Dec. 26) for the Christmas holiday. The library will resume normal hours on Tuesday (Dec. 27). Normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.).
For more information visit the LIBRARY website or call 563-263-3065
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center, Muscatine Art Center, and Muscatine City Hall each announced early closings due to the current weather conditions.
In consideration of the safety of staff and patrons, the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center closed at 1 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22). Musser Library will reopen at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, weather permitting.
The library will be closed on Saturday (Dec. 24), Sunday (Dec. 25), and Monday (Dec. 26) for the Christmas holiday. The library will resume normal hours on Tuesday (Dec. 27). Normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.).
For more information visit the LIBRARY website or call 563-263-3065
The Muscatine Art Center closed at 2 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) due to the extreme cold and snowy conditions. The Art Center will be closed for the Christmas holiday Friday (Dec. 23) through Monday (Dec. 26).
The Art Center will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday (Dec. 27). Normal hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.). The Art Center is normally closed to the public on Mondays.
For more information, visit the ART CENTER website or call 563-263-8282.
The City of Muscatine closed City Hall at 2 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) due to the extreme weather conditions, City of Muscatine offices will be closed on Friday (Dec. 23) and Monday (Dec. 26) for the Christmas holiday. All offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday (Dec. 27).
Residents and visitors are advised to keep up to date on weather conditions before travelling during the holiday weekend. Dangerous cold temperatures, wind, and blowing snow will make travel difficult. Be safe on the road and at home this holiday season.
Download HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (PDF) for more information on the holiday schedule for the City of Muscatine.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – A familiar face for those who have watched “Libraries Alive!” on Musser Public Library’s TV station (Cable Channel 5) has been named Musser Public Library (MPL) assistant director. Molly Garrett was selected following an extensive search and began her new duties on October 3.
“I’m looking forward to this next step, the next chapter,” Garrett said, adding that she wants to bring innovative ideas to the library, including more programming for adults and teens.
MPL Director Robert Fiedler said he is happy to have Garrett on the library staff.
“We are delighted to welcome Molly aboard and look forward to working with her in creating new, dynamic programming,” Fiedler said. “Molly will be a great addition to the Musser team and brings a wealth of experience that will complement the library’s mission and goals.”
Garrett’s involvement in libraries began early. At age 16, she worked as a page at the Wilton Public Library where she also became involved in the teen board.
She earned her associate’s degree from Muscatine Community College before going to the University of Iowa to earn both her bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s degree in library science. She worked in the university libraries while completing her Master’s, focusing on government documents.
Garrett briefly worked part-time for the Coralville Public Library after earning her Master’s before starting full-time work at the Cedar Rapids Public Library in 2013 where she worked as a programming librarian for eight years. Some of her “passion projects” at Cedar Rapids included the creation of the annual Renaissance Fair, the Be Heard program, and the diversity audit.
The Renaissance Fair – complete with sword fights, jugglers and dancers – drew about 2,000 people each year. The Be Heard program brought books to incarcerated youths for them to share their thoughts on.
Garrett coordinated efforts with Sarah Voels, Cedar Rapids Library Community Engagement Librarian, on the diversity audit, with Garrett’s focus being on programming and Voels’ on collections. They have presented for many groups about the processes they followed, including the 2020 Public Library Association Conference.
Garrett served as library director in her hometown of Wilton for a year before coming to Musser Public Library. At the Wilton Public Library, she created a maker space and held the Wines & Spines fundraiser. While the director in Wilton, Garrett reached out to Musser to collaborate and to learn more about MPL’s inner workings and partnerships. As a result, she was drawn into the creation of the MPL-TV/MPW Cable Channel 5 show, “Libraries Alive!” which she also co-hosted by remote connection at the Wilton Public Library. Garrett is working with MPL-TV Director Chad Yocom to restart the show soon.
“In thinking about what comes next, I’m excited, because there are so many people and organizations to partner with in Muscatine,” Garrett said.
Garrett lives in Wilton. She and her husband, Brad, like to go ghost hunting. They tend goats and chickens and also have pet cats.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Friends of the Musser Public Library invite you to meet and feed butterflies at the “Butterfly Experience” on Sunday (Sept. 25) from 2-4 p.m. at the City of Muscatine Pollinator Park, 600 S. Houser Street.
At this event, small numbers of participants will go into tents filled with butterflies and receive a cup of nectar to hold. Participants then need to wait for the butterflies to approach them for a drink, giving each a unique experience of nature.
Rick Brammer of Absolute Science (the “bubble guy” at MPL’s children’s events) is providing the butterflies, nectar cups and tents. This event is hosted by the City of Muscatine Pollinator Project and sponsored by the Friends of MPL.
Participants in this event should come to the Dog Park parking area, past the barricades, and park in the overflow parking along the fence line. Please stay clear of the walking trail when parking.
For more information, visit the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center website, visit the Musser Public Library Facebook site, or call 563-263-3065.
DES MOINES—The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Musser Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation.
Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Musser Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations: governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access and facilities. The accreditation status began July 1 and is valid through June 30, 2025.
“We commend the director and board of trustees of the Musser Public Library and the city of Muscatine for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community,” said State Librarian Michael Scott.
Musser Public Library Director Robert Fiedler credited many people for contributing to the library’s success.
“Thanks to the library staff and board of trustees for all their hard work and time. And most of all, thank you to our patrons, who make us one of the most amazing libraries in Iowa. We’ll continue to do our best to serve our community,” Fiedler said.
Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 403 are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in library services.
More than two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards. Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research medical conditions, access government information, and more.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Musser Skate Park has been closed to the public until further notice following the discovery of vandalism inside the park by Muscatine Parks and Recreation staff Friday morning.
Cinder blocks were concreted to the interior of the Skate Park, and a parking block from the Skate Park parking lot was placed on top.
Due to liability concerns, the Skate Park was closed and the gates locked until the site can be cleaned and determined to be safe to reopen.
A police report and a vandalism report have been completed. Please contact the Muscatine Police Department at 563-263-9922 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library Board of Trustees have removed the interim tag and named Robert A. Fiedler III as Library Director during its July 27 board meeting. Fiedler has served as the interim director since Pam Collins stepped down from that position on June 30.
Fiedler, a native of Muscatine, has served as Assistant Library Director since returning to his hometown. Fiedler graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in English and Journalism with a minor in Photography. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.
Fiedler’s decision to pursue a career in Library Science had its beginnings as an undergraduate when he worked in the Biology Library at the University of Iowa. After spending some time abroad, Fielder worked in Special Collections at Augustana College and then served as a research assistant at the Musser Public Library.
Fiedler also returned to school and completed his Master in Library and Information Science through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With diploma in hand, Fiedler continued his association with the Musser Public Library but was promoted to Assistant Library Director.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Park playground reopened for public use today (July 13) following the completion of a trail extension from the levee to Oregon Street as part of the Southend Improvement Project. The playground area was closed June 9 as construction began on the trail extension.
A sidewalk between the trail and the playground area was also added during the trail construction. Additional Musser Park improvements include erecting a new shelter located close to the right field fence of the ball diamond. The new shelter should be completed by July 22, weather permitting.
New playground equipment is planned for Musser Park, but the equipment may not arrive until next spring due to supply chain issues.
Public use of Musser Park and the playground area are at the user’s own risk. Children should be supervised at all times. Please be aware of surroundings when walking in or around construction areas, and avoid these areas if at all possible.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Park playground will continue to be closed to the public through June 20 due to construction work as part of the Southend Improvement Project.
Current activity includes the construction of a trail extension from the levee to Oregon Street.
The contractor and City of Muscatine staff determined that, for the safety of the public and the workers, the playground area would need to be closed due to its proximity to the work area and the potential hazards in the work area for children and adults.
Work on the trail extension and ancillary sidewalks is tentatively scheduled to be completed late next week. However, the current schedule is weather dependent and the temporary reopening of the playground area may be delayed until later in June.
Additional work at Musser Park includes the removal of the old shelter Tuesday (June 7) with the area cleared for a new concrete pad and the installation of a new shelter structure later this summer. Also part of the Southend Improvement Project is the removal and replacement of the playground equipment at Musser Park. The new playground is anticipated to be installed this fall. However, that timeline depends on the delivery of the new playground equipment that is currently delayed due to supply chain issues.
While the playground area at Musser Park and at Taylor Park are currently closed for public use, the playground area at Franklin School is available. Parents and children are reminded that use of these facilities is at your own risk as the areas are unsupervised. The other playground area currently available in the southend is at Sunset Park.
The renovations at Taylor Park, which will include a pickleball court, a splash pad, and a restroom facility, are on schedule with paving of the parking area slated for next week, weather permitting. Once the parking area is completed, work will begin on the splash pad area, pickleball courts, pad for the restroom building, and pad for the new shelter structure. New playground equipment will also be installed as part of the project.
New playground equipment is also expected to be installed at Sunset Park later this year or early next year.
Please be aware of surroundings when walking in or around construction areas, and avoid these areas if at all possible.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library (MPL) is offering another cohort of LENA (Learning Environmental Analysis) to guide parents and adult caregivers in helping children ages 0-3 develop their minds, particularly in the area of language skills.
The no-cost program still has openings. It will begin around the middle of June and lasts 10 weeks.
During the program – at home and everywhere – participating children wear a small recording device. A shirt with a pocket for the device is provided. The device tracks how many words the people in their lives speak to them and their number of interactions. It does not record what words are being said.
Parents and caregivers meet weekly with the children’s librarians to learn more about how to talk to children up through age three (3) in an engaging and understandable manner. They also receive books for the children. Children are welcome at these sessions, but their attendance is not required.
The local LENA program is funded by a combination of an Early Childhood Iowa – Muscatine County grant and MPL funding.
Children’s Librarian Betty Collins encourages anyone interested to sign up for the next cohort by sending an email to her at bcollins@muscatineiowa.gov or calling her at (563) 263-3065.
For more information, visit the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center website, visit the Musser Public Library Facebook site, or call 563-263-3065.
MUSCATINE, Iowa –The Musser Park Skate Park will be closed for two days next week as the Parks and Recreation Department completes maintenance repairs. The Skate Park will be closed Wednesday (June 8) and Thursday (June (9), and will reopen for use on Friday (June 10), weather permitting.
For more information, please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241.
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