Ashland City Library

In 1908 a group of ladies met to organize a Mother’s Club. This group helped farmers and wives in Clay County by keeping their children while they came to do their winter shopping and pay their taxes. The name of this group was the Civic League, then Progressive Club, and later Women’s Study Club.

Mrs. Dora Dean sold the Club a small parcel of land on which to construct a building, which was called the "The Community Hut'. At one time this was the only housing in Clay County for a public library. Funding for the library came from many sources, a book drive brought in more that a hundred books, the City of Ashland gave and many other funds drives. Over the years, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, other clubs, singings, senior citizens and numerous organizations used "the Hut". The Community Hut was opened every weekday and had a member of the club there at all times. Mrs. Harwell was an active member of the Study Club and as a member of the club she served as librarian.