Santa Barbara County CA Archives History - Books .....The Public Library 1891
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Book Title: A Memorial And Biographical History Of The Counties Of Santa Barbara, Ventura, And San Luis Obispo

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

  The first movement toward the establishment of a public library originated
with the order of Odd Fellows, which organization had procured a collection of
books, and maintained for a time a library under their own auspices.
Circumstances arose which caused the discontinuance of this library, and the
books were removed from circulation and stored away for a considerable time.

  Under the regulations of "An Act to Establish Free Public Libraries and
Reading Rooms, approved by the Legislature of California, April 26, 1880, the
city council, in session of February 16, 1882, adopted a resolution to establish
such an institution, and five trustees were accordingly voted for at the next
election of city officers, T. B. Dibblee, James M. Short, O. N. Dimmick, W. E.
Noble, and S. B. P. Knox being elected.

  After a number of preliminary meetings a permanent organization was effected,
Dr. S. B. P. Knox being elected permanent president, and James M. Short
permanent secretary.

  The custodians of the former Odd Fellows' Library donated all the books, etc.,
which had belonged to that institution, and which were formally accepted by the
trustees of the Santa Barbara Free Public Library.

  The books so delivered comprised 2,921 volumes; to these, during the first
year, were added by purchase 300, and by donation 252 volumes.

  A set of very liberal rules and regulations were adopted, and Mrs. Mary Page
was elected librarian.

  The library at present contains 5,740 well-selected volumes, and it issues
3,974 cards, each representing a drawer of books. Fiction represents the
greatest demand from readers, and next come travels, history, and miscellaneous
works. The rooms are comfortably fitted, and every care is taken to provide for
their profitable use by readers and students. Mrs. M. C. Rust, the present
librarian, has been the incumbent for the past few years, and Mrs. F. C. Lord
her assistant. Both ladies are attentive, courteous and capable in the discharge
of their duties.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

A MEMORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 
OF THE COUNTIES OF
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California

Illustrated

Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast from the
Earliest Period of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with Glimpses of
its Prospective Future; with Profuse illustrations of its Beautiful Scenery,
Full-Page Steel Portraits of its most Eminent Men, and
Biographical Mention of  many of its Pioneers and also of Prominent Citizens of
to-day,

BY MRS. YDA ADDIS STORKE.

"A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors -will
never achieve anything worthy to he remembered with pride by remote
descendants."—Macaulay.

THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1891.

Barlow-Sinclair Printing Co., Chicago.


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