1923 - The library was not open 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. The new address for the Library is 205 S. Main St.
1950 - The Queen Anne porch was removed from the front of the building and replaced with a 3-step entrance.
1979 - Fairmount Township joined the Fairmount Public Library.
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.
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.
2008 Purchase of the Winslow Building is completed on April 14. Construction begain on April 18 and completed around October.
November 3: New Library is open for business.
November 11: A Heroes' Tree was set up where community members could honor past and present soldiers.
December: An Angel's tree (gift tags for needy children at Christmas) was set up to assist Helping Hands.
2009 February and March saw AARP set up in the Library Annex to offer Seniors and low-income families tax assistance.
February also saw the beginning of a knitting class. They continue to meet weekly every Wednesday at 7pm for beginners and advanced knitters.
The Friends Book Discussion meeting re-start in the new Library building. Held monthly on Tuesdays at 6pm, various topics and authors are discussed. The discussions are open to the public.
The Jr. Friends group has officially disbanded. Funding that was raised during their year of operation will be spent on teen materials.
July, 2009: The Minnestrista Theatre troop came and performed a "Captain Hook" play as part of the Summer Reading program activities.
NOVEMBER 3, 2009: Celebrating 1 year in our new building. Over 200 new library cards have been given out. Over 20,000 visitors were counted in the Library's first year of operation in the new building.
April 28, 2010: The Library and the Friends of the Library hosted Hoosier photographer, John Bower as he showcased various photgraphic scenes of Indiana. The program was titled "Capturing the Soul of Indiana -A Celebration of Our Overlooked Cultural Heritage." Around 30 people attended.
August 4, 2010: Local resident Cathy Shouse, in collaboration with the Fairmount Historical Museum and other local contributors published IMAGES OF AMERICA: FAIRMOUNT; A PICTORIAL HISTORY book. The Library and the Friends of the Library hosted a book signing where 75 people attended. Old cars owned by Marcus Winslow and John Selby were on display in the Library's parking lot. Viewing was limited as a rain storm began.
APRIL 2011: Computer classes were offered on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am. Classes covered basics and tried to customize skills to what the patron needed.
May 3, 1921-May 3, 2011: Fairmount Public Library celebrated its 90th birthday with cake, scrap books of past milestones and library events during an evening open house. ( Pictures from the event may be located under the EVENTS button on the top left of the page.)
October, 2011: INDIANA WILD presented a Halloween safety tips and animal program. The following animals visited the Library: a chinchilla; a skunk; an alligator (10 months old); a opossum; a python; and a fruit bat. Treats were given out to all children.