Accessibility & Pre-Visit Information
Centennial Building
Updated 11/6/2023
Click here to view Pre-Visit Information for the State Historical Building
Table of Contents
Click a link below to jump to the section
Other Accommodations & Feedback
Accessible Parking
Parking is available at the Tower Place and Parking ramp adjacent to our building on the corner of Iowa Avenue and South Gilbert Street. The first hour is free and it is $1 per hour for each additional hour. There are several other nearby parking ramps with similar rates.
Parking ramp at 415 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Parking ramp at 220 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240
Metered parking is also available in front of the building, across the street, and throughout the downtown area. The meters take cards, smartphone apps, and change ($1-$1.25 per hour depending on the location). There are 2-hour limits at most metered parking spots but you can pay again when you reach your time limit.
General
First Aid
A first aid kit is available near the main reference desk. Please ask staff for assistance.
Mobility
Walkways & Entrances
Visitors may enter the building on Iowa Avenue. The entrance has a stairway and a ramp on the left side.
Buttons for front door access are also available for the immediate entryways into the building.
Wheelchairs
The building is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, some library and archival materials may be difficult to reach or access. Please work with the Library and Archives Research Center staff to accommodate your needs.
Lockers
There are lockers available for public use Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during Research Center open hours. The lockers are located to the left before entering the reading room and they use two quarters. The quarters will be ejected at the end of use.
Elevators
An elevator is available to access the second level for Special Collections upon request and dependent upon staffing levels. The elevator is in the main reading room on the first floor.
Restrooms
There are two single-stall restrooms and one men’s restroom on the first floor. They are located to the right before the reading room doors.
There are two single-stall restrooms on the second floor. Please note that our restrooms do not have automatic door openers.
Water Fountains
Wheelchair accessible water fountains are located on the first floor of the reading room and in the hallway on the second floor.
Other Accommodations & Feedback
The State Historical Society of Iowa is dedicated to providing inclusive and welcoming experiences for all audiences. We are continuing to make improvements to the Centennial and staff receive ongoing training and information about interacting with people with disabilities.
For accessibility questions and to request reasonable accommodations at the Centennial Building, please email shsi.accessibility@iowa.gov or call 319-335-3926. Please note that at times, certain accommodations may not be possible.
We also welcome feedback about the accessibility of SHSI spaces and the accommodations available. Please fill out this short survey online to provide feedback about your visit or ask staff how you can take the survey during your visit.