Bio. of Albia Public Library

BATES, CANNING, DUNCAN, EVANS, GANTZ, HOLLINGHEAD, HUMESTON, KENDALL, REDDISH, TOBY, WOOD

Posted By: Deborah Brownfield - Stanley (email)
Date: 5/4/2005 at 08:59:58

A Narrative History of The People of Iowa Volume IV 1931

ALBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY is an institution that has long been a source of pride
to that community. The library was established in 1905, the man chiefly
honored by his work in bringing about the results being former Governor N. E.
Kendall, who was the first president of the library board and has continuously
and generously served as a member through all the years.

The original collection of books was kept in the courthouse until the
erection of the present building. The building is the result of a Carnegie
donation, and the building site was donated to the library association by Mr. John
Z. Evans of Albia. The library was completed in 1908, and for twenty years
the library as an institution has continued to serve the Albia public. It
contains eighty-seven hundred volumes, a well balanced collection of books,
together with magazines, and there is a reference room and also a children's
department.

Mrs. Laura M. Duncan, the first librarian, has served through all the years,
and all friends of the library appreciate her loyal and efficient service.
The present assistant is Miss Edna Gantz. The board of directors consist of
the following: W. G. Wood, president; Mrs. Ruth Fall Hollinghead, vice
president; R. R. Toby, treasurer; Mrs. Lillian Reddish, secretary; and other
trustees are Mrs. Mary Humeston, Mrs. Henrietta D. Canning, Edwin S. Gantz, D. W. Bates and N. E. Kendall. In the year 1930, through the generosity of N. E. Kendall, the first president of the Albia Library Board, a $75,000 addition was made to the library building, adding greatly to its usefulness and beauty.

http://www.iagenweb.org/history
posted at this site with Debbie's permission