The Council Bluffs Public Library Special Collections consist of unique historical documents which are not available in the general, circulating collection. Wich 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, Iowa.

To contact us, call 712-323-7553 ext. 127

Please consider donating your old photographs to the Public Library. By donating your photographs of Council Bluffs, you can rest assured that the works will be preserved and accessible for generations to come. Donated items added to the collection will become the property of the library archives. Images added to the collection will be documented, preserved in archival sleeves, and housed in the Library’s Special Collections. Of particular interest are images of recent Council Bluffs history (i.e. new public sculptures, parks, buildings, shopping centers, etc.). Also of interest are photographs of historic buildings (i.e. buildings and structures no longer standing such as the Strand Theater or Drive-in Theater) and photographs of historic events in and around Council Bluffs. Photographs must be well documented and of significant quality, size, and historical value to be considered for the Special Collections – upon consideration, items which do not meet these criteria will be returned to the owner.