|
January 18, 1871
|
First meeting of The Progressive Society and Library Association
|
|
February 23, 1880
|
Monday Club was formed
|
|
1881
|
City of Estherville was Incorporated
|
|
April 17, 1882
|
Monday Club voted to start a library with a collection of their own books
|
|
1882-1902
|
First Library: Warren Barber Home (where Middle School now stands). Mrs. Barber served as Librarian.
Second Library: Bemis Store (where the Post Office now stands).
Third Library: Dr. McMillan's Office (where the City Offices are now located).
Fourth Library: Second floor of Coon Block (above what is now Don Jose's Restaurant).
The question of a suitable building for housing the library was expressed in 1897 (and had been brewing for several years prior).
Ordinance No. 120 of the City of Estherville, approved on February 6, 1897, and signed by E.E. Hartung, Mayor, and N.B. Egbert, Citiy Clerk, authorized the submission of the question of levying an eight cent tax for the support of the library to the voters at the next general municipal election. This was done and the voters, by a small majority, decided in favor of the tax. This election was held in March, 1897. However, on Tuesday evening, June 8, 1897, the trustees decided to close the library because of lack of funds. All books were called in by June 15, 1897. The special tax became available April 1, 1899, and the library resumed business.
W.P. Ward, City Supervisor, corresponded with Andrew Carnegie in regard to a gift for a Library building in Estherville. Mayor Hartung received a letter from Carnegie stating he would give $10,000 to the city with the understanding that the city furnish a site and pledge $1,000 annually for its support.
|
|
1903
|
Carnegie building was completed and occupied by Fall. First official Librarian: Sade Davidson.
|
|
1904
|
Volumes: 2,941
Budget: $2,091
Circulation: 14,702
Registered Borrowers: 1,095
|
|
1905
|
Volumes: 3,364
Budget: $2,458
Circulation: 13,770
Registered Borrowers: 430
|
|
1915
|
Volumes: 7,276
Budget: $2,045
Circulation: 16,600
Registered Borrowers: 410
|
|
1917
|
Taxes approved for addition to balcony.
|
|
1921
|
Lucile Peterson became Librarian. The first redecorating took place.
|
|
1925
|
Volumes: 11,500
Budget: $4,200
Circulation: 40,600
Registered Borrowers: 2,400
|
|
1935
|
Volumes: 13,965
Budget: $1,956
Circulation: 52,377
Registered Borrowers: 3,150
|
|
1940
|
Complete redecoration, new lighting system, and rewiring of building.
Volumes: 14,252
Budget: $2,250
Circulation: 34,529
Registered Borrowers: 3,465
|
|
1950
|
Volumes: 17,320
Budget: $6,500
Circulation: 28,074
Registered Borrowers: 3,073
|
|
1957
|
First Children's Librarian: Maye Case.
|
|
1960
|
Estherville Public Library became affiliated with the State Library of Iowa.
Volumes: 24,290
Budget: $22,800
Circulation: 53,304
Registered Borrowers: 3,943
|
|
1961
|
Carolyn (Knutson) Walz began employment.
|
|
1963
|
June 1st, Lucile Peterson retired after 42 years. Ethel Lyman was appointed Librarian.
|
|
1969
|
County approved Library support.
|
|
1970
|
Estherville Public Library joined Siouxland Co-operative. Later Siouxland changed to War Eagle Co-operative.
A Large Print collection was introduced.
Rural town support was received.
Volumes: 31,253
Budget: $39,087
Circulation: 78,527
Registered Borrowers: 4,798
|
|
1971
|
Bond referendum for a new building defeated by 81% .
Ethel Lyman retired. Christine Anderson was Director.
|
|
1972
|
Christine Anderson resigned and Carolyn Walz was named Acting Director.
|
|
1975
|
Carolyn Walz appointed Director of Library Services.
|
|
1976
|
Air conditioning installed.
Purchase of first microfilm machine (made possible with donations from local service clubs).
|
|
1979
|
Redecorated Library: paint, paper and carpet.
|
|
1980
|
Water blasted, sand blasted, tuck-pointed, mortar and caulked the outside of the Library.
Volumes: 54,279
Budget: $80,595
Circulation: 105,578
Registered Borrowers: 9,280
|
|
1990
|
Volumes: 63,523
Budget: $152,025
Circulation: 93,942
Registered Borrowers: 10,522
|
|
1991
|
Feasibility Study of the library.
|
|
1992
|
Bond Referendum passed by 81%
|
|
1993
|
Capital Campaign for Fundraising
October 30, 1993 Closed Carnegie building.
November 8, 1993 Opened temporary location.
|
|
1994
|
April 4, 1994 Groundbreaking Ceremony for new addition.
|
|
September 1995
|
Volumes to date: 55,430
Budget: $188,110
Circulation to date: 41,105
Registered Borrowers to date: 10,798
|
|
November 5, 1995
|
Grand Opening of newly expanded facility.
|
|
November 28, 2011
|
Tena (Sunde) Hanson hired as Director of Library Services. Carolyn Walz retired January 7, 2012 after 50 years of dedicated service.
|