St. Marys Public Library History:
The City of St. Marys had no library service at the
turn of the 20th Century. A group of women interested in cultural improvement
named The Literary Circle was formed in St. Marys in 1909, and one of its
projects was the foundation of a public library. The first public library in
St. Marys was opened on July 2, 1912, and was housed in the Town Hall along
with the City Council chambers, the police department, and the jail. In
February of 1921 Dr. Eben Russ and his wife, nee Clare Hindl, presented their
former house on Center Street to be used as a library, upon completion of
construction of their new house across the street.
With the impetus of the Library Service and Construction Act of 1964, plans for a new library were developed. The new library was built on the old Center Street site and was constructed from Federal government funds, as well as money from the Stackpole Foundation and generous local support. Library service continued from a temporary location on Lafayette Street in St. Marys during the construction. The present library building was dedicated on April 17, 1966.
The St. Marys Public Library has had a number of Librarians since its dedication in 1966. Their efforts, as well as those of its staff and library boards both past and present, have made it the community resource that it is today. In the 1990s the library underwent a major renovation. New lighting, carpeting, and shelving have been added to the existing library. In addition, a new Children's room was designed and constructed in the lower level of the library. As the library moved into the 21st Century, we have seen many technological advances, and continued improvements in library service. We received full computer system upgrades in 2004 and again in 2011. 2012 was a year of technological growth for the St. Marys Public Library, as we welcome Ebooks and Audio Book Downloads as part of our collection.
With the impetus of the Library Service and Construction Act of 1964, plans for a new library were developed. The new library was built on the old Center Street site and was constructed from Federal government funds, as well as money from the Stackpole Foundation and generous local support. Library service continued from a temporary location on Lafayette Street in St. Marys during the construction. The present library building was dedicated on April 17, 1966.
The St. Marys Public Library has had a number of Librarians since its dedication in 1966. Their efforts, as well as those of its staff and library boards both past and present, have made it the community resource that it is today. In the 1990s the library underwent a major renovation. New lighting, carpeting, and shelving have been added to the existing library. In addition, a new Children's room was designed and constructed in the lower level of the library. As the library moved into the 21st Century, we have seen many technological advances, and continued improvements in library service. We received full computer system upgrades in 2004 and again in 2011. 2012 was a year of technological growth for the St. Marys Public Library, as we welcome Ebooks and Audio Book Downloads as part of our collection.