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.
Dec. 2007: After applying a second time, the Libray
was awarded a Community Focus Fund Grant from the state. Totalling $380,000 with a matching fund of $45,000 from us,
this will purchase the neighboring Winslow building and laundromat and renovate the space for the library. This
move will give the Library over 6,000 square feet of space.
2008 Purchase of the Winslow Building is completed on April 14. Construction begain on April
18 and completed around October.
October saw the close of the old Library building to the public and the move into the
new Library.
November 3: New Library is open for business.
November 23: Dedication of the new Library Building at 217 S. Main
St.
The old building is now being referred to as the Library Annex, 205 S. Main.
A record for the most new library cards given out is set: 60 for the month
of November.
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.
NOVEMBER 3, 2009: Celebrating 1 year in our new building. Over 200 new library cards have been
given out.
