Gadsden Public Library - Gadsden Public Library: 100 years of service

Since its founding in 1906, hundreds of people have contributed to the preservation of Gadsden Public Librarys history. It is impossible to recognize all of these people, but without their hard work and love of history, this book would not have been possible. The librarys reference and local history departments house a treasure of information meticulously maintained through the years by diligent staff members. They paved the way for this book through their research, writing, and enthusiasm for local history, and fostered this interest in those who followed.

In addition to those named in this book, we gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all the many employees, board members, citizens, and community organizations that have played important roles in the librarys development. We regret that lack of space and photographs prevented us from recognizing each of them.

We wish to thank local photographer Robert Scarboro for his devotion to preserving history for the enrichment of future generations. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many citizens who contributed photographs to his collection. The library was privileged to purchase the Scarboro collection with funds appropriated by Bobby Junkins. In addition, we are grateful to the reporters and photographers at the Gadsden Times for their excellent news coverage through the years and to the publisher for generously allowing the library to reproduce their images. Unless otherwise specified, all images are from the librarys collection.

We would also like to thank Backstage Library Works for its timely assistance in developing many of the photographs from antiquated negatives. Without the companys efforts, many of the photographs could not have been included in this volume.

Although he was not an official member of the Library History Committee, Joshua Carlson played an integral part in the production of this book. Without his computer knowledge and willingness to help, this book would still be a work in progress.

Thank you does not seem adequate to express our appreciation to our editor at Arcadia Publishing, Brooksi Hudson, for her guidance, support, and patience.

The Library History Committee members enthusiastically contributed their time, research, and writing skills to this project. Committee members Anita Brooks, Glenda Byars, Danny Crownover, Julie Dobbins, and Bobby Junkins are pleased to commemorate Gadsden Public Librarys centennial with this tribute to its past and present.

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One

LENA MARTIN 19061955

In 1897, eight young women formed a club called the Bachelor Girls to socialize and play cards. Soon, due to parental persuasion, weekly meetings became devoted to improving minds instead of playing cards. They changed the mission of their meetings, gave the programs structure, and adopted local causes. In 1899, the intellectual gathering evolved into the Thursday Study Club, which is still active today. One of the clubs early goals was to establish a reading room for Gadsden. Members raised $256 for books and opened a public reading room in 1900. When Gadsden Public Library opened in 1906, some 456 volumes from the reading room formed the nucleus of the librarys collection. Lena Martin, a charter member of the Thursday Study Club, was the first librarian and served for almost 50 years. During her years as librarian, Martin proved to be innovative and progressive. Thanksgiving 1908 marked the first story hourwith almost 500 in attendance. To help fund new materials, she offered a collection of books available to rent for a penny per day. The big news of 1913 was the addition of a telephone. Gas heat was installed in 1933, eliminating the need for coal. Martin became a synonym for library in the town as a second generation formed their reading tastes. Parents called to inquire whether it was fitting for a high school student to read novels by radical writers like John Steinbeck. Martin was often heard to say, If I had a hundred lives to live, I should want to be a librarian in every one. In 1955, Martin was 82 with failing health. Newly elected mayor Hugh Patterson appointed a library board without consulting Martin. The chairman of the library board sent Martin a letter requesting her retirement. Understanding Martins need to maintain ties to the library, he offered her a permanent place in the library and a special job of selecting the books to be received. However, this did not work out, and she resigned. After diligently serving almost half a century as library director, Martin accepted semi-retirement as graciously as possible. Mable Mosteller, an employee of the library, acted as head of the library until a new director was hired.

Because of her enthusiasm, love for books, and literary knowledge, at age 33, Lena Martin was chosen as Gadsden Public Librarys first librarian. After her appointment on September 7, 1906, Martin attended a library school in Atlanta. From the beginning, Martin cherished and guarded her books. Everyone whispered in the library, and children tiptoed up the creaking stairs as carefully as they could, afraid to make any noise that would bring a frown from Martin. Despite her strictness, she cared for the library like it was her own child. The high quality of library service enjoyed in Gadsden today is a direct result of Martins dedication. Martin, known to everyone simply as Miss Lena, opened the door of learning for many Gadsden youngsters and contributed greatly to the entire communitys love of good books. On October 25, 1945, the Womans Club surprised Martin with a program in her honor at the Hotel Reich. Mayor Herbert Meighan presented her with a silver tray and candlesticks. The tray was inscribed Presented to Lena Martin by the citizens of Gadsden, Alabama in appreciation of 45 years of devoted service to the Gadsden Public Library.

The first meeting of the Thursday Study Club took place in the spring of 1897. Charter members were Bianca Randall, Mathilde Bilbro, Etna Camp, Florrie Kyle, Annie Pentecost, Ada Pope, Minnie Turrentine, and Lena Martin. In December 1900, the Thursday Study Club opened a reading room, the first of its kind in Gadsden. The members paid $5 a month, six months in advance, to lease a little upstairs room in the new Moragne Building at 425 Broad Street, pictured second from right. Members of the club kept the reading room open four times weekly.

The Thursday Study Clubs first printed yearbook, dated 1899, bears this motto: He Who Does Not Advance, Goes Backward, which reflected the members determination to improve their minds. The themes of programs throughout the clubs history expressed a keen awareness of current events, as well as a true appreciation of literature and the arts in all forms.