1921 - The Fairmount Public Library was organized May
3, 1921.
1923 - The library was not opened to the public
until May, 1923 after 750 books and $11.50 were donated by the community as a result of a book shower conducted by the
existing board. A room was secured at 105 West Washington Street, in the Citizen's Exchange Bank, 102 S. Washington
St. in Fairmount.
1930 - Having outgrown the one room quarters which the
library had occupied, the residence property (circa 1890) belonging to Dr. L.D. Holliday was purchased for $3000.
Money derived from the will of Mrs. Rebecca Handwick, bequeathing one third of her estate to the library Board, made the purchase
of this property possible. This is the current location of the Fairmount Public Library.
1950 The
Queen Anne porch was removed from the front of the building and replaced with a 3-step cement entrance.
1979 Fairmount Township joined the Fairmount Public Library.
1997 The
Library dedicated a newly revamped Children's room with a Christmas party. This formally offered a special section for children
to go and find reading materials, reference materials and videos for their reading levels.
1998 The Library purchased its first computer workstation with Internet connection.
2000 The Fairmount Round Robins awarded the Library a grant to purchase another
computer workstation. The Library now had a network.
The Bill Gates Foundation awarded the Library
4 computer workstations, a laser printer and a content server, increasing the Library's online services to the public.
2001 With a grant from the Community Foundation and matching funds from
the Fairmount Round Robins, the Library constructed a lighted informational sign to enhance the library's presence in the
community.
2004 The Fairmount Public Library website is created.
The Friends of the Library group was formed
in December. They will be responsible for fundraising efforts to help bring library programs to the community.
2005 With grants from the Fairmount Round Robins and the Community Foundation,
computer and printer upgrades were put into place. This took another step towards the completion of our automation catalog
and circulation system process.
2006 Fairmount Public Library has added an automation program for circulating
materials to its patrons.
May 3, 1921-May 3, 2006: The Friends hosted
an 85th anninversary open house in honor of receiving its library charter from the state. Over 30 people mingled at
the event.
2007 After years of struggling with the two front doors, the Library has installed a
new single door to make entrance easier.
