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About Us |
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History of Albertville Public Library The first public library in Albertville
was started in a room where the Masonic Lodge stored coal in 1939. A handful
of books and a part-time librarian were provided by the National Youth
Administration. Local citizens and a bookmobile supplemented the venture,
but the little library closed in 1943, due in part to World War II. Judge Mack
Kilcrease stored the books, and in 1953 Albertville citizens, the Jaycees, and
the Junior Chamber of Commerce became interested in opening a library.
The city granted permission for the use of a small room on the second floor of
the old City Hall and gave $15 per month to apply toward the salary of the
librarian, Mrs. Gladys Brannon. In 1957 the library took over almost the
entire second floor above the City Hall. Still growing in the following years, a new
library was constructed at 200 Jackson Street in 1963 and opened
for the public in 1964. Mrs. Brannon resigned as librarian in March of 1963 and
Mrs. Mona Fricks was named as her successor. The library experienced
expansion with the construction of a new Conference Room, the Winston Walker,
Jr. Civil War Collection and Rare Book Room and the Emily G. Rudolph
Addition, dedicated on July 21, 1980. In 1994, Mrs. Fricks retired and Mrs.
Lisa Rowell was named librarian. Later that year, the library automated its
holdings, approximately 80,000, and received a gift from the estate of O.H.
and Bob Finney. These funds were used as the impetus to construct a
Children's Section on the second floor and install an elevator. The second floor
is approximately 3,000 square feet and features three window seat
reading areas for the children. Mayor Larry Hillsman, the Council Members, and
the Library Board and Staff held an Open House on April 19, 1998.
Today, thanks to the vision of the community, the Library Board, and especially the City
Officials, Albertville has a beautiful, modern facility, equipped with
an eleven computer network for library cataloging, searching, and circulation,
and a four computer network for the public that is Internet accessible
and has various software programs for the entire family. There is a vast collection
of videos and audiotapes in addition to the traditional books for
loan. Six staff members are available to assist the more than 18,000 patrons
that utilize the library and it's collection. |
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Copyright © 2000 Albertville Public Library All
Rights Reserved |
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