Mason City Public Library to remain fully staffed despite state cuts

MASON CITY — The director of the Mason City Public Library says the library will remain fully staffed despite funds being eliminated by the state legislature.

Director Mary Markwalter in a written statement says because Mason City officials and the public support the Mason City Public Library, the library can be fully staffed and return to 56 hours of operation weekly as soon as people are hired and trained. She says the library will be able to be fully accredited and to offer the collections, service and programs that library patrons look for at the library.

Markwalter thanked City Administrator Aaron Burnett and Finance Director Brent Hinson, as well as Mayor Bill Schickel and the City Council for restoring funds to the library that the Iowa Legislature eliminated in 2024.