Information on Library Service in Lenoir, N.C.

C+ldujell C*>. Uhr*.r Information on Library Service in Lenoir, N. C, (from North Carolina Library Bulletin. Vole. I -VII, 1909-1931) FILE Г In the first "Statistics of Libraries in North Carolina" published by the North Carolina Libraxy Commie sion in 1910, The Pioneer Library, in Lenoir, is listed but marked "no report received." In 1911 The Pioneer Library was reported aai a subscription libraxy but "free for reference," indicating that the public oould use books in the library, but only subscribers oould borrow books. The establishment date was given as 1875. The library had 3,035 volumes and had added 100 of these in 1910. There was "no regular librarian." In 1913, there was again no report from Lenoir. In 1918 the statistical report stated that the Pioneer Libraxy was "closed temporarily." The September, 1921, issue of the North Carolina Libraxy Bulletin (p. 172) carried the following statement» "The Pioneer Library at Lenoir has been opened after remaining closed for over two years." There is no evidenoe that the library did reopen. No library in Lenoir was reported through 1930. But late in 192 9 the Woman's Club became interested in getting a public libraxy. The following paragraph is from the December, 1929, North Carolina Libraxy Bulletin» Lenoir - The literature department of the Woman's club observed Book week by launching a movement for a public library for Lenoir. Mrs. McVey, librarian of the Morganton Public Library was the principal speaker. The March, 1930, issue reported» Lenoir - The plans of Mrs. II. Б. Merritt, ahsixman of the litera¬ ture committee of the Roman's dub and Mrs. A. S. Nelson of the library committee to establish a libraxy in Lenoir are progressing favorably. Quarters have been secured in the basement of the Berhhardt-6eagle Company and as soon as the libraxy can be organized it will be opened to the public. Prom the June, .1930, issue* At Lenoir the Woman's Club under the capable direction of Mrs. H. И. Б. Merritt has secured the cooperation of all the groups in the county and a library will be opened sometime in June which will offer free service to everybody in the county. This Ubrtryvri.ll be housed in the county court house - the quarters here having bean given by the county comnissioners who have shewn much interest in the opening of a library in Lenoir. In March a meeting was called to which representatives of every organization in the county were invited. Miss Frieda M. Heller of the Commission was present at this meeting and explained the organizations and workings of a county-wide library. Committees were appointed to work out details and the result of all this work will be seen in the library which will open in June.