- Share - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/161970) - []() - []() - []() # Empowering a Community of Readers With thoughtful collection development, one Iowa library brings book joy and belonging to an entire community. ![Exterior of the Kendall Young Library, a stone facade with columns, a staircase, and black double doors.](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/e086acd9-17d8-468b-9821-e0666f136a70/Kendall-Young-exterior.png) 31 July 2025 When a fifth grader walked up to the checkout desk at [Kendall Young Library](https://www.kylib.org/) in Webster City, Iowa, he wasn’t sure if he still had a library card. When the staff confirmed he did, his reaction was pure joy — arms raised in celebration, like a cheerleader. It was a small moment, but one that perfectly captured the spirit of this historic library. For over a century, the Kendall Young Library has been a cornerstone of its community. From its gold marble columns to its stained-glass dome, the building is a testament to its founder’s vision. But it’s the people inside, like longtime director Ketta Lubberstedt-Arjes and her dedicated staff, who bring that vision to life every day. Serving a diverse population in a small town means making thoughtful, informed decisions about every book on the shelf. That’s no small task, especially for a team with limited time and resources. But with the right tools, they’ve built a collection that reflects their community’s needs and inspires moments of joy like that fifth grader’s. Want to know how they do it? Read the full story on our Real Results page. [ Read the story ](/resources/success-story/core-collections-build-community-joy) Category: [Articles ](/blogs/novelist/category/articles) Tags: [Core Collections](/blogs/novelist/tag/core-collections) [Collection development](/blogs/novelist/tag/collection-development) [Customer service](/blogs/novelist/tag/customer-service) - Share - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://about.ebsco.com/markdownify/node/161970) - []() - []() - []() ## Related Posts [ ![](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/54a11ab8-8ffb-4eb6-9757-40cd88cbffcd/CC-Tips.jpg) ](/blogs/novelist/find-must-have-books-two-tips-your-library) [Find Must-Have Books: Two Tips for Your Library](/blogs/novelist/find-must-have-books-two-tips-your-library) 20 May 2025 [ ![a student reaching for a book in a library](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/db71df33-cc8d-4830-ae57-42ff8de31cfa/us-book-show-novelist-blog-780.jpg) ](/blogs/novelist/3-publishing-trends-libraries-need-know) [3 Publishing Trends Libraries Need to Know](/blogs/novelist/3-publishing-trends-libraries-need-know) 1 July 2025 [ ![exterior of helen hall library](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/4d240c4f-a612-4ccd-854d-f12d538a1640/helen-hall-library-success-story-image-780.png) ](/blogs/novelist/librarys-secret-magical-reader-connections) [Library's Secret to Magical Reader Connections ](/blogs/novelist/librarys-secret-magical-reader-connections) 31 March 2025