Local History

The Council Bluffs Public Library is home to an extensive collection of materials about the unique history of Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa. The library is your one-stop source for genealogy, history, census records, cemetery records, newspapers, and obituaries. Come in to discover your past and unlock your family story.

The Iowa Room is dedicated to materials about Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa. Located on the second floor, the room offers a quiet place for historic research. The Iowa Room houses microfilm readers, local history books and genealogy records.

The Council Bluffs Public Library Special Collections consist of unique historical documents which are not available in the general, circulating collection. With special emphasis on local histories, these collections include, but are not limited to: Local maps, church histories, historic photographs, diaries, and books about the early history of Council Bluffs. Special Collections houses: 

• Council Bluffs City Directories dating back to 1866
• Local Yearbooks dating back to 1897
• Extensive photograph and Nonpareil negatives archive
• Hundreds of subject-specific clippings files and folders

Viewing materials from Special Collections is by appointment only. Inquiries can be made at the Reference Desk on the second floor, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m or by calling 712-890-5431.