Elkhart Public Library celebrates 130 years

 

[April 04, 2023] 

The weekend of March 18 and 19, Elkhart Public Library celebrated 130 years with an open house.

On one table, photo albums and historical information about the library was laid out.



Another table held refreshments of cupcakes, coffee and punch were available to those attending the open house.

Those who came to the open house could also take home an Elkhart Public Library bag filled with pens and other items.

It is a generous lady, Mrs. Lemira Gillett, who the library has to thank for having the welfare of the town at heart. In 1888 Mrs. Gillett promised to build a library for the citizens of Elkhart if the town was voted "dry" (alcohol free) for three years.

Once that had been done, the townspeople met in 1891 to form a Library Association. John L. Brady was elected as President, Mrs. F.W. Cottle as Vice-President and W.L. Newton as Secretary. Directors were Mrs. Lemira Gillett, Miss Celia M. Stratton, Dr. J. B. Chittum and Mrs. N.L. Martin. The first Librarian was H. L. Newton.

The Library was initially established in a room in the Gillett Building with Mrs. Gillett paying the rent and for shelves and furnishings. She also gave $1,000 with the interest to be used for purchasing books. Mrs. Charlotte Barnes also gave $1,000 with the interest to be used for upkeep.

In 1893 the Library opened to the public with 214 volumes. By 1904, they had acquired 829 books.

In the meantime, Mrs. Gillett had died and her daughter, Miss Jessie Gillett took over her mother's plan. She asked certain conditions: that a tax be levied for the support of the Library, that six directors be elected, at least three to be women, and that the Library be open to the public a minimum of three hours on two days a week. This schedule was later changed to two hours, three days a week.



These conditions were met and in 1902 the Elkhart Public Library legally became the property of the town. Miss Jessie Gillett then built the present Library as a memorial to her mother. In 1904 the building was completed and formally in May of that year was dedicated. A commemorative plaque outside the library shares some of the history.

In the years since, many devoted and conscientious citizens have served on the Library Board. As overseers of the library, they have kept to this trust and cared for this generous gift as Mrs. Gillett and her family planned and wished.

In 1920 when the High School was planned, the High School Board held their meetings in the Library. The first members of the Board were: Mr. Hiram Keays, President; Mr. Patrick Bohan, Durwood Lanterman, C.M. Van Meter, and Michael Danaber. Each served on the High School Board until their death. Classes were first held in 1920 with the Library being used as a classroom until the High School was completed.

Under Mrs. Bair, former President and member of the Library Board for many years, the building received significant care and improvement with additions to the inside facilities inside. The furnace was replaced in 1955.I n 1978 and 1979 the Library underwent a thorough cleaning, the windows were replaced and the outside tuckpointed. The books were cataloged by Mrs. Cleda Stall, and Mrs. Mary Pankey, Librarian. Chairs, tables and shelves were purchased for the Children's Corner, and a new magazine rack installed.

Graduates’ pictures from the High School were given to the Library and were placed in free standing panels in a frame purchased by the Board. They were assisted in this by generous help from the Town Board, the Homecoming Committee and the Elkhart and Hurlbut Revenue Sharing. The picture and plaque honoring the first High School Board were also given to the Library and are mounted on the wall. The Historical marker and the cannon which stood in front of the High School were also moved to the Library.

In one corner of the building, a flag that flew from 1896 to 1908 is displayed in a window.



Another area has an electric fireplace with chairs in front of it to provide a warm and cozy reading spot.

Though the fireplace has been in the building for years, Elkhart Public Library Director Sarah Wilson said it had been bricked in until recently. Once some of the bricks were removed, the chimney cleaned and a new insert put in, the fireplace is once again in working order.
 

The library has acquired many more books since its beginning. Wilson said the latest report shows the library now holds 11,017 which includes books and DVDS.

Currently, new plans and innovations are being formulated by the new President of the Board, Phil Shelton, to increase interest and assistance to the people of and near Elkhart. The other members of the Board are Dana Hudson, Vice President, Ann Olson, Secretary, Sarah McCutcheon, Trustee, Sue Roush, Trustee,
Jeanine Kolb, Trustee, andMark Moughan, Trustee.

As spring nears, Wilson is gearing up for the summer program, which will begin the third Wednesday in June and be held once a week for four weeks.

Elkhart Public Library is open Mondays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Noon to 4 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Noon to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

[Angela Reiners]