by Bertha Ashby, Librarian
July 16, 1951
The Public Library at Bloomington, Indiana, was one hundred years old when the present library building was dedicated in 1918. By the act of January 18, 1818, a library was created in Monroe County, Indiana. The act provided that 10 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of town lots at the seat of justice in Bloomington should be devoted to founding and maintaining a county library.
At the end of 1818 about thirty families lived in Bloomington, giving the town a population of 140. The sale of lots mentioned above amounted to a total sum of $3,860, thereby providing a library fund of $386. The first purchase of books was in 1821 when $60 was spent. A combined clerk's office and library was build adjoining the courthouse in 1825. By July, in 1830, the sum of $2,428.14 had been paid int the library fund, and 800 volumes had been bought.
In 1835 the library board consisted of Millie McPhetridge, W. C. Tarkington, and Robert Acuff. In June, 1856, there were added to the library 113 volumes at the cost of $142.
This early library gradually disappeared. Part of it was absorbed by the library of the University of Indiana, part by the library of the Bloomington High School and the remainder was taken into the Public Library.
In 1897 the Sorosis Club of Bloomington inaugurated a movement toward establishing a Public Library. A promise of $15,000 was secured from Andrew Carnegie, but when the plan was submitted to the City Council it failed of official approval. Later Mr. Carnegie increased his promised contribution to $20,000, but definite action was deferred.
In 1910 the Nineteenth Century Club took up the matter of a Public Library and succeeded tin getting a maintenance fund created. In 1912 the library had a small beginning in the courthouse, under the sponsorship of the Nineteenth Century Club. Books were purchased by the library, except some donated by Dr. R. J. Aley. In order to establish a library adequate to the needs of the rapidly growing city, Mr. Carnegie was agin asked to increase his appropriation.
The lot on which the present library stand was the site of the old colored school until purchased in April 1915, at a cost of $12,000. In October, 1915, the library board obtained a promise from Mr. Carnegie of $31,000, and later the city council voted a sufficient maintenance fund.
The present library building was dedicated February 1, 1918. At that time there were 6,300 books and 5,000 borrowers. Over the period of years from 1918 to 1951 the library has grown steadily. The book collection has increased from 6,300 volumes to 32,605 in the city collection. The early circulation of books, etc., has increased from 42,700 to 133,779 in the city.
For a number of year the library board has had a plan for county-wide service. Different townships had made small tax levies for library service. During 1927-28 every effort was made to efficient service to Bloomington Township which, at that time was the only township having a library tax levy.
This service increased the growing demand for county service, and in 1928 the library board decided to launch a campaign for county service. Meetings were held with the State Librarian and various county leaders, and publicity was started. Local newspapers gave the movement their cooperation. After a lively campaign the library board submitted a proposal to the county commissioners to render service to the county if a tax were levied of four cents on each $100 of property outside the city limits of Bloomington.
This was done, further details of the plan were perfected and the county service begun in July, 1929. In view of the natural conditions in Monroe County, a library truck was deemed the best means of reaching residents of the county. Efforts were concentrated on service to the 64 schools. At present the truck serves the towns and 30 schools in winter, and during the summer visits towns, community centers and homes.
After 22 years the county department of the library has a collection of 20,258 books to serve the 7,218, registered borrowers. 103,060 books were borrowed fro the truck in 1950.
The Library Board consists of seven city members:—Mrs. George Bridwell, president; Mrs. Robert Fee, secretary,; Mrs. A. E. Deupree, vice-president; H. E. Binford, Mrs. Edgar O'Harrow, Sylvan Tackett, and Mrs. E. K. Applegate, and four rural members:—Mrs. John Kennedy, Mrs. Dewey Hudson, Mrs. Lester Musgrave and R. G. Mikesell.
The present library staff consists of Bertha Ashby, librarian, Ruth Hinkle, assistant librarian, Lois Henze, head of the county department, Mrs. Joan Murphy, Mrs. Selly Brant together with three part time people. Mrs. Sherman Waddell is the custodian. The first four librarians are all local residents and trained in library science.
Due to increased service the library building, build in 1918 to serve a population of less than 13,000, and now serving a population of more than 37,000, has become inadequate in size. Several years ago the auditorium, build to serve the clubs and other organizations of the community, had to be taken over to house books.
The Library Board with a vision to the future, hopes to expand the present building to provide adequate space for work, storage of books, peridicals and other properties., and to provide again an auditorium for meeting of clubs and other organizations.
"City Library Got Start From Sale of Town Lots," Daily Herald-Telephone, July 16, 1951