Of all the problems Waterloo has faced, nothing created more division among its citizens than the problem of locating the Carnegie Library. At one point, plans were made to build it near the river. Finally, a request to the Carnegie Foundation for enough money to build two buildings was granted. The west library was built at West Fourth and South and is now occupied by a law firm.

See the Waterloo Public Library Home Page for further information about the present Waterloo Public Library as well as information on its history.