Displays, lectures and live events highlight the richness of Iowa's multiple cultures. The Library now serves as a center for the cultural growth of Chickasaw County. In a building where Iowans once learned about the outside world, Iowans now learn about themselves!

Temporary and Permanent exhibits fill this old Carnegie Library building.

On the main floor:

Natvig Brothers Circus. This is an historic record of the life under the big top through carefully researched and meticulously fashioned hand-carved and crafted scale models. A circus parade down the street with a backdrop of Main Street New Hampton, a three-ring circus, animals, clowns, it's all there.

Toy Town has a circus parade comprised of cast iron toys, dollhouses replete with miniature furniture, a general store brimming with miniature paraphernalia and curio full of historic dollhouse furniture.

Doc Tunnell & Associates. Monocles on chains, Eskimo sunglasses, Revolutionary War glassware just a few items in this elaborate showcase of the history of eyewear.

Arle's Folly is one man's fascination with steam engines which led to a unique, mesmerizing exhibit. With a flip of the switch, a miniature machine shop comes to life with a variety of whirling and pounding tools, and little tin men laboring at the same time.

Cart & Carriage. Hand crafted collection of vehicles...carts, wagons, carriages and sleighs.

Billy J's Clown Circus. Circus clowns models in parade. A high wire unicyclist delights visitors with music, motion and lights.

Lower Level Permanent Exhibits.

The Railroad Room. This is an interpretive model of Chickasaw County replete with three operational train lines, towns, farms, rural schools, waterways, highways, bridges, woodland, a pioneer trading post and even a creamery. With the exception of the trains, each element of this impressive display was individually handcrafted to replicate actual buildings and natural forms.

Uncle Joe's Farm. This wonderful handcrafted S-scale model of a 1930s farmstead is an accurate depiction of farming back in the "good old days." This diorama illustrates the art and science of a horse-powered farming operation.

Virgil's Tractors. A love for everything rural...especially farm machinery...is the heart of this extensive collection of toy tractors and implements. If you love country, you'll love "Virgil's Tractors."

Jerry's World. When you look, what do you see? It may take you a while to find all of the inhabitants of this fantasyland village comprised of structures erected from building blocks and construction sets manufactured between the 1950s and 1980s. Populated by everything from wild animals and skate boarders to super heroes and aliens, this special place is a feast for the imagination as well as the eyes.

Temporary Exhibits.

We offer an annual calendar of temporary exhibits of 6-8 weeks duration as well as programs and special events. Contact the Center at 641-394-2354 for details.

Archives. The Carnegie maintains a variety of materials pertinent to the history of Chickasaw county for use by the public in conducting historic or genealogical research.