In 1992 a Mounds Public Schools special education teacher named Julia Crowder-McClellan decided together with a small group of Mounds citizens that Mounds needed a library to encourage literacy and education among the children during the hours they had off from school and in the summer.   In 1993 they acquired a site -(the old Bank of Mounds building at the corner of Commercial and 13th). 

 The people of Mounds donated more than 8,000 books for the new library. Shelves were installed, money was budgeted by the town, and Kami Creason was hired as the first librarian.  

 In July 1996, a fire at the cafe' left the building smoke and water damaged. Many books were lost and the library was closed for almost a year until repairs were completed in May 1997.  

The Friends of the Library, especially Cleo Foresman, worked long hours to restock the library and catalog new books and the library was renamed the Julia Crowder-McClellan Memorial Library to honor its founder. 

We appreciate all the work that went into building a library for Mounds, and we hope going forward to honor and expand upon the vision they had. 

 At the heart of every vibrant community is a place where people come not just to consume, but to connect, learn, and grow. We believe the library is more than a building with books — it is a third space, a vital in-between where ideas flourish and belonging is felt. Neither home nor work, the library serves as a shared living room for our town: a quiet retreat, a creative lab, a meeting ground for curious minds of all ages.

As keepers of knowledge and stewards of access, we embrace our role in preserving both the written word and the unwritten spirit of our community. We hold stories that span centuries and voices that span continents, offering our visitors a gateway to the world’s wisdom — and a mirror in which to see themselves. From dusty archives to digital frontiers, we are committed to safeguarding information and making it open and accessible to all.

But a library is more than what it holds — it is what it inspires. We envision a space where imagination is sparked by a picture book, a new skill is gained through a workshop, or a sense of purpose is found in conversation. Whether you're here to study, to browse, to ask, or simply to be, our doors are open to everyone, always.

We look forward to a future where our library continues to evolve — not just keeping up with the times, but shaping them. Rooted in tradition and reaching for innovation, we stand by the belief that information empowers, community sustains, and shared spaces like ours are essential to the health of a democratic and compassionate society.

 Our library is proud to offer a diverse array of services and programs designed to meet the needs of our entire community — from curious toddlers to lifelong learners. Whether you’re here to get lost in a story, learn something new, or simply find a welcoming place to spend time, we’ve got something for you.

We provide access to a wide collection of print books and audiobooks for all ages and interests, alongside public computers, high-speed internet, and affordable printing and copying services. Whether you're researching, job hunting, or catching up on emails, our tech resources are here to support you.

But the library is more than its shelves — it’s a hub of connection and creativity. Join our regular book club for lively discussion, stop by our story time to spark young imaginations, or drop in on a crafting day to get hands-on with something fun. We host sewing and crafting circles, classes, and workshops where new skills are shared and friendships are formed. Movie nights and game nights bring us together to laugh, compete, and unwind.

Our calendar is always evolving, with programs that reflect the passions and needs of our community. From educational opportunities to joyful gatherings, we aim to be a place where everyone feels encouraged to explore, create, and connect. There’s always something happening at the library — and always a place for you.