Tempe Public Library

History

The first available written record of the Tempe Free Reading Room and Library Association is contained in the minutes of a regular session held on July 11, 1908; the president, Mrs. Windes, in the chair. In the absence of the secretary, Mrs. Flora Finch was appointed secretary pro tem. Mrs. Franklin was the librarian, at a salary of $5 per month.

The library was moved into the east wing of City Hall in May, 1941, when new additions were made to the City Hall. The following year, the Board and Miss Barbre sponsored a series of book reviews by well known and capable people of the Valley. These were continued through 1947. Miss Barbre became local chairman of the Victory Book Campaign which began on January 12, 1942.

The library made progress; by January, 1951, it was found practical to extend the hours to Monday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., and at the regular Board meeting on May 9, 1951, the discussion of increased library service was reopened and it was agreed that the library should be open from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday, and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for five days weekly, Monday through Friday. It was also agreed that a part-time assistant to the Librarian be provided. The Council provided funds and on June 1st, Mrs. Bertha Cornell was appointed assistant to the Librarian.

Tempe Public Library is one of the larger community libraries receiving books from the County Library. The books are used, not only by the people in the corporate limits of Tempe, but by people from the surrounding area, including Scottsdale, Guadalupe, and some from Phoenix and Mesa. The patrons from the outlying areas are permitted to use Tempe Public Library books on the same basis as county books are used.