| 1891 |
First Library at 428 Roane Street on the second floor at the YMCA. |
| 1897 |
Miss Mary Logan Weatherford founded the Harriman Public Library Association after submitting an
article in the local newspaper. |
| 1898 |
On January 8, 1898 the Association received a charter from the State of Tennessee. |
| 1908 |
Mrs. Robert F. Armstrong, president of the Harriman Library Association heard of the Carnegie
Foundation. Mrs. Armstrong, Mayor Claude E. Hendrick and the city government wrote to and
received from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation $10,000 to build a public library. The City of
Harriman was to maintain the building and employ a librarian. The Tennessee General Assembly
by a private act created the library board. |
| 1909 |
September 7, 1909 Miss Inez Ayres, the first librarian was required to have professional training
before starting work. The library board would pay $50.00 for a three-month course or $100.00
for a six-month course if needed. The starting salary was $30.00 a month. Library hours were
Sunday - Friday 2-6 and Saturday 2-9. Harriman had over 5,000 books. |
| 1909 |
October 1, 1909 the corner stone was laid. 2000 people attended. 600 children lead by a marching
band walked from school to participate in the special program. Speakers were Mr. Cassell,
president of the library's board, a minister Robinson, Mayor Hendrick, Mr. Vearzey from
Virginia and Harvey Hannah. Rev. Wells gave benediction. Story has it - the true corner stone
did not arrive until the following day. |
| 1910 |
On October 31, 1910 the library opened "For the Good of All." The Library Aid Society held teas,
concerts, and recitals to enhance the library. An assistant librarian was hired with salary
being $15.00 per month. At this time the library received books from the American University
of Harriman. |
| 1922 |
The library received Indian and Japanese artifacts which were the basis of the museum. The museum
was located in the basement of the building and existed entirely upon gifts and contributions.
It was a great asset to the library and offered a wealth of knowledge. The museum was closed
in the 1950s. |
| 1930- |
During the Depression and WWII interest in the library lowered, but Mr. S. Worthington Williams,
a board member worked in the library, cataloged books, and maintained the building. |
| 1955 |
The library became part of the Fort Loudon Regional Library system. Books and materials were
supplied by the regional library and also by a book mobile. |
| 1959 |
The coal-fired boiler was replaced with gas and air. Carpet was installed. Fluorescent lights
were installed. The regional library added audio-visual and microfilm equipment. |
| To the Present |
The staff and the library board feel that the future of the library depends upon the children and
youth of our town. The library has pre-school programs, after-school programs, and a wonderful
summer reading program. Through generous grants and contributions the library has 10 internet
access computers for public use, a microfilm reader-printer, 20,000 books, magazines
subscriptions and daily newspapers for patrons. |