J. H. Robbins
  Memorial
  Library

1913 - The new library was erected and opened in October. The first board meeting in the new building was held on October 13, 1913. The first librarian was Mrs. Chas. Evans. To start the library the Ladies Library Association formally gave the new library 1398 books, $15.00 for new books and $155.91 to apply on the salary of the librarian. The new library consisted of one small room with a librarian’s office, stock room and reading room and a basement with furnace and one small toilet facility.

1956 - The Library Board approached an architect to draw up plans for an addition as the current building was too small. Mr. John Seitz, local architect was asked to draw up the plans.

1957 - The architect came back with drawings and a price estimate of $28,260 for the addition and renovation. The library had $12,000 available for the project and asked the city council to have a bond issue to raise the additional $15,000 needed. The bond issue passed and construction began.

1958 - On March 18, 1958, the Library Board met for the first time in the new addition. Items purchased and paid for at this time included steel stacks for $1608. Two tables and 12 chairs for $613 and the librarian’s desk for $225.

1988 - The Library looked into making the library handicapped accessible for the public and decided that we would have to use a lot of the current library to make this possible. The current library was already overcrowded. It was decided by the board to add on to the present library. Fundraising began in 1988 and continued for the next several years.

1993 - Construction began in 1993. The architect for the project was Fred Abercrombie and Schipper’s Construction did the work.

1994 - The New Addition and renovation of the old library was completed on June 1, 1994 and the building was turned over to the Library Board. Cost of the project was approximately $600,000.

1996 - The Library Board established an Endowment Fund for the library in 1996.

1997 - The Library has started a fund raising project to put an elevator in for the lower level of the library.

2005 - The basement project is completed. We now have available to the public a large community room and Kitchen accessible by elevator or stairway.