Musser Public Library will change its hours and services starting July 1, 2026, due to a $104,000 reduction in government funding. This cut combines a $54,000 decrease from Muscatine County and $50,000 less in City Capital Outlay. These changes affect everyone who uses the library, including over 18,500 active cardholders.
The Library will close on Sundays and shorten weeknight hours, closing at 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Three digital resources—Freegal, Heritage Quest, and Morningstar—will no longer be available. The budget for new books and media will shrink, which means fewer new items on the shelves. Some programs, such as Adult Trivia Night and the children’s program Pages for All Ages, will not continue for now.
Robert Fiedler, Library Director, says staff focused on protecting what matters most to you. The Library will keep core services, essential collections, and most children’s and teen programming. Staff remain dedicated to serving you, even as the budget tightens.
Musser Public Library serves people from Muscatine City, Muscatine County, and nearby townships. The staff continue to speak with City and County leaders about restoring funding in future budgets. If you care about these services, you can share your views with local officials. Your input may help shape the future of library services in Muscatine.
You can also support the Library by joining the Friends of Muscatine Library. This nonprofit group raises money and builds awareness for library programs and events. Visit the Friends of Muscatine Library website for more information on how to get involved.
The Library remains open and fully staffed. Staff are ready to help you find the programs and resources you need, even as they work through these changes.
