|
The Corning Library was established in 1901 when each member of the Corning Culture Club set up a private library by donating
a book each. A total of 30 books was donated. A new selection of books was donated in succeeding years, and in 1908, Mrs.
Angie Barnhill became custodian of the collection and set up a public library in an upstairs room over the First National
Bank. The Barnhill's moved away and with no one in charge, the service was suspended and the books given to the high school.
The Depression arrived in 1930 and library prospects for the town were at an ebb when F.E.R.A. showed up with local
library support. If the citizens would donate 100 books and furnish quarters for them, Uncle Sam would pay the services of
the librarian. Mrs. W.O. Beard, a member of the Corning Culture Club and its successor, The Wednesday Club, returned to Corning
to spearhead the movement. The books were assembled, the vacant Knights of Pythias lodge room over a mercantile establishment
on West Second, Polk Block, was had for free, and Corning had a library. Mrs. Beard was one of Corning's most beloved Grande
Dames, and the Library prospered under her leadership. Although ill health forced her to resign a few years later, the board
found a talented young lady, Miss Glenna Esmon, to carry on with the library. The circulation continued to grow, more books
were added, and then Uncle Sam ran out of money!
Mrs. Laura Polk, a fellow member, with Mrs. Beard, of the Corning Culture Club, donated free service for some months
and the library was housed in the G.B. Oliver law office on West Second. The Clay County Cotton Co. had planned to take over
the building for their offices and Lanie Black offered the library the rooms over the State Theatre, plus the services of
Mrs. Irene Hardesty. The generous offer was accepted by the Library Board, and the library continued to grow in the new location.
The building of a new library facility was made possible in 1948 on Fourth Street. This was made possible when Gordon
Lamb, a former superintendent of Corning High School, offered the library the foundation as well as the building materials
from an abandoned project at the school to build a cafeteria. Fortunately, the Community Chest had established a surplus
during the '40s and a library building was on its way. The plans were drawn by Isabel and Robert Wynn.
Mrs. Irene Hardesty retired in June of 1972 and was replaced by Mrs. A.D. (Tommie) Jones who served as librarian until
June of 1985.
In 1980 a drive was begun to build a new library in Corning. The drive was led by Donald Braverman and many innovative
ideas were used to raise money. Through many generous donations the library was finally completed and the open house was held
March 1, 1981.
After Mrs. Jones retired in 1985, Kathy Buchanan was hired as the librarian, and she still serves the library in that
capacity today.
|
