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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.
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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, and Mark 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]
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