The Past is Never Dead

It’s Not Even the Past.

William Faulkner

History is hopping at the Clear Lake Public Library. Our History Room maintains an extensive collection of the rich and fascinating Clear Lake past. We welcome you to make an appointment to explore the wealth. We have tales to tell about events, places, and people who shaped our present day culture. Some are famous, some infamous. They’re all here waiting for you to come take a peek at them.

Several times in the past few months an inquiry by a patron has turned into an exciting episode of History Detectives. We have researched and found fun facts to add to our collections. So come with your questions. You too might be putting on your Indiana Jones garb and delving deep into history.

We collect and preserve photos we don’t already have. Stories that are primary sources, the facts are known to the person relaying them, are perhaps something we’d be interested in acquiring. But as for Aunt Bertha’s tea set, there are other history partners who are better equipped to care for those memorabilia. We are happy to put you in touch with our fellow organizations.

We are fortunate to have newspapers from Clear Lake’s early days (1860) to more modern times (2016). Issues from 1860 to 1950 are available on-line which you can search from the comfort of your couch. Use our microfilm reader to search later issues.

Curious about your family heritage?  The Clear Lake Public Library offers Ancestry.com FREE to our patrons within our building. The Library edition of Ancestry allows our patrons to use overseas records free of charge too. You can come dig around your past anytime the library is open. Use our computers or bring your own to research your unique history. If you’d like a bit of help getting started or tips on staying organized while you grow the branches of you family tree, you can make an appointment with the History Room.

Every document, photograph, and obituary housed in the History Room contributes to a larger story about Clear Lake’s growth and character. By visiting and using these resources, researchers help keep local history alive—uncovering forgotten narratives and ensuring they’re remembered. This work not only connects individuals to their heritage but also strengthens the community’s shared sense of identity and pride.

Do you have a group, club, or organization you need a History Presentation for? We’d love to work with you to provide a fun, interesting and tailor made program designed for your interests.

Past presentation subjects include:

• The History of the Library
• The History of Flight with fun Iowa Connections
• Clear Lake the Early Days with an accompanying video
• Stories from the History Room with an accompanying video
• History that Makes You Say Huh? Lots of fun and unexpected history

Give the History Room a call and coordinate with Cindy to whip up a little something to your group’s tastes.
Cindy can come to your group or arrangements can be made for you to come here in our meeting rooms.
Call or stop by and find a date that works for you.

Donations to Support the History Room

The programs and collections of the History Room are in part supported by funding from the Friends of the Library and the Clear Lake Public Library Foundation.  Follow this link to learn about these organizations.  Please consider becoming a member of the Friends of the Library and/or donate to the Friends or the Foundation.  To become a member of the Friends of the Library, download this form by clicking on the 3dots (…) and select download.  Then mail to the address on the form.  Thank you.