1912 Free Public Library, Dunkirk, New York

[LIB8016]

Library, Terryville, Connecticut

[LIB6011] The beginning of the Terryville Library dates back to 1839, during the Presidency of Martin Van Buren, when thirty citizens of the Town of Plymouth organized a private subscription library. The subscribers to the Terryville Lyceum Library were a roster of the leading citizens of the town: The clock maker Eli Terry, the local shop owners, John C. Lewis, Sereno Gaylord and William McKee; the Congregational Church Minister, Nathaniel Richardson and the brothers who owned the village store, Philo and John Lewis. The records of the Terryville Lyceum Library show that it flourished for twenty years. Shortly after the Civil War, interest dwindled. [Website]

1906 Library, Watertown, South Dakota

[LIB7827] - The Carnegie Free Library, designed in neo-classical architecture, first opened to the public on November 29, 1906. Early names on the Board include W. R. Thomas, J. B. Hanten, D. T. Walker, George Case, J. J. Clutton, H. L. Sheldon, Mrs. Sheafe, Mrs. W. D. Morris and Mrs. S. H. Addison. The mezzanine was added in 1941 for additional space. The Children's Department located in the basement was added in 1949. A weekly Story Hour was held on Saturday mornings.

In 1948, the board discussed the possibility of starting a new fund for a new building. In 1967, the library moved to a larger location. The Carnegie Library served the citizens of Watertown for over sixty years. The Carnegie building subsequently was used by the Watertown Youth Group (1970) for a recreation center and in 1974, the Codington County Historical Society was given the use of the building for $1 a year. [Website]

Public Library, Marion, Ohio

[LIB7826] - Website


“Since 1886 Marion has enjoyed the benefits of a public library. Marion’s first library had an annual $1 a year subscription and was known as the Mechanics’ Library Association. In 1907 a Carnegie building was completed, which, with a few additions served the community through 1978. Our current building was occupied in 1979, and added to in 1997. Three branches serve Marion County communities in Caledonia, LaRue, and Prospect.”

Thanks to:
David Hepp
Extension Services Coordinator
Marion Public Library

for updated historical information.

George C. Marshall Research Library, Lexington, Virginia

[LIB7825] Lexington, Virginia's new Marshall Library houses a fascinating museum dealing with World War II and the life of war-time chief of staff and the author of the European recover plan.

The building, which faces the VMI parade ground, will become a leading center for 20th century military and diplomatic history. [from the back of the card]

THE MISSION OF THE George C. Marshall Research Library is to collect, preserve, and make available to scholars a documented record of the life and public service career of George Catlett Marshall. That mission includes a variety of military and diplomatic history issues between the years 1900 and 1960. Many of Marshall's contemporaries have donated their documents in support of the library's mission. [Website]

Public Library, Lorain, Ohio

[LIB7824] - A beautiful handcolored vintage postcard, c1907.

The cornerstone was finally laid on August 18, 1903 and speeches abounded - or to quote a local newspaper, attendees listened to "Eloquent Addresses and Fine Singing." Mayor F. J. King reportedly used this platform to state that there were "always evil influences abroad which had to be counteracted in some way otherwise than the law. Next to the church, the free Public Library is the most powerful institution for uplifting society in the land." Claiming that the only way to conquer evil was to strengthen the good, he implored citizens to "strive to make the Public Library a lasting benefit to every citizen." [website]