History

In the fall of 1941, the Long Street Grade School PTA president appointed a committee to look into the possibility of that group sponsoring a city library. It was decided that it would be advisable for the group of interested persons to form a Library Association, and the PTA and other organizations could help financially. Long Street School PTA gave the first sum of money.

It was wartime, and the committee believed that the need for a library would be felt more keenly than ever because of curtailment of vacation trips and rationing of gasoline.

The Board of this association met for the first time on March 16, 1942, at the New Era office. An inspection to the city hall was made to see the two rooms the City donated for the Library’s use, a kitchen and storage room in city hall, a former dwelling.

It was decided to keep the Library open 2-1/2 hour on three afternoons a week, with the board members and other interested persons acting as librarians.

A library association was planned and had membership cards printed for patrons wishing to join at $1.00 per member. By August of 1942, there were 66 memberships. The community donated money, books, materials, and time that created a presentable library.

The formal opening was September 19, 1942, with a silver tea and everyone invited. Board members took turns as volunteer librarians.

In 1945, the Board asked that the Library be included in the city budget. The City granted this request. With the money from the Library Expansion Fund and other gifts, a librarian was hired.

Another big step in the progress of the Library was the filing of incorporation papers. The Sweet Home Public Library Inc. was formed on January 17, 1949.

In May 1954, the City of Sweet Home took over the operation of the Library.

When the city hall located at 1940 Long Street was built that year, the Library shared the basement with the Sweet Home Police Department. These quarters served as the Library until 1969.

The Library’s bookkeeping procedures were transferred to the city office at the beginning of 1963- 1964 to comply with State law.

In less than a dozen years, the circulation size grew. The library and police department were crowding each other in their basement quarters. By 1966 discussion began for the new library building. The Library was in dire need of more book space and a ground floor street entrance for individuals’ easier use.

The decision was made to build at 13th Avenue and Kalmia Street. The new building was dedicated November 23, 1969, and planned to service the community for 20 years.