Library History and Mission Statement

Through the foresight, energy, and dedication of several people in Mercer County, the county has had a public library since 1926!  At first, the library was one room in the courthouse and operated by volunteers.  In 1954, a 9-cent county tax was voted on, and in 1955, a library was opened in the former Buren house on South Broadway.  In 1966, through the generosity of a prominent businessman, the late Frank Lowry and his Wife, Chloe Kauffman Lowry, the 3,360-square-foot library was built.  The addition of the current library was completed in 2011. A good county public library is one of the things that draws people and businesses to a community.  We feel our library has been and will continue to be a very important asset to our county, and we envision the library will adapt with new technology and be an integral part of the growth of Mercer County.  

The Mercer County Library is a welcoming place where neighbors gather, families learn together, and community connections grow. Our mission is to provide free access to resources, technology, and enriching experiences that inspire learning, creativity, and personal growth. We are dedicated to serving the people of Mercer County by fostering a love of reading, supporting educational success, and creating a strong sense of community for all.