HISTORIES:  "The Barron Public Library" of Barron, Barron County, WI

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                       Barron Public Library

The men's club established the first public library in Barron in 1909. It 
was located on the second floor of the post office building near the corner 
of Third Street and La Salle Ave.. Soon there was a collection of second 
hand books and magazines. Some periodicals were subscribed for as soon as 
funds would permit. In 1912 the library was moved over Radermacher's store.

In this year Andrew Carnegie agreed to donate $6500 for a library building. 
In February 1913 the fine brick building was completed at the corner of 
Third Street and Division Avenue.

In July 1909 the City assumed maintenance and began appropriating money 
annually for the operation of the library. Mrs. T.J. Powell was the first 
librarian and served until 1913. Mrs. Isabelle Young was the second 
librarian and served from May 1913 to August 1920. On September 1, 1920 
Mrs. Josephine Anderson became librarian and held the position for 23 years. 
She was succeeded by Doris Pitzer in 1943. She served until July 1958 when 
the present librarian, Laura Edson, took charge.

On January 1, 1960 there were 9,937 books in the library. For 1960 the 
City Government appropriated $7,635 for operation of the library. A total 
of 38,492 books were borrowed from the library in 1959. During 1960, $800 
will be spent for new books and $136 for magazines.

On October 25, 1929 the 20th anniversary was observed. Open house for 
visitors was from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.. At that time there were 5680 bound 
volumes in the library.

C.C. Coe was the first president. John W. Soderberg was president in 1925 
and George Borum was secretary and treasurer. Some of the directors of past 
years were; John E. Brown, Mrs. Laura Stebbins, Mrs. K.E. Thompson and 
Henry Radermacher.

At present Mrs. Ralph Uehlin is president and Mrs. Elsie Adams is secretary.


--From the Souvenir Historical Album of the Barron Centennial-1960
(used by permission)