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Page 187
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
CHAPTER XL
IN THE few pages that have been devoted to the history
of DuBois, nothing has been mentioned after the organization of the
government of the City under the City Charter in 1916. However,
there is one outstanding incident that seems to deserve mention and
that is the Free, Non-Sectarian Public Library.
The securing of a library was not a spontaneous
movement. It had been in contemplation for years.
The first library, (a cooperative affair) was started
in 1885. A representative of a publishing house in the City of New
York (the name of the house is now forgotten,) came to DuBois with
the expectation of starting a library. The plan proposed, was the
purchase of fifty volumes of standard literature, made up of
history, fiction and some scientific books, for which he charged
$50.00, and it was supposed that a like number would be purchased
every year thereafter. Fifty interested people each paid $1.00 and
secured this collection of books, which was kept in the office of
one of the subscribers. It was not an exclusive affair. Any person
who would contribute a dollar a year could become a member. However,
at the end of the first year there was no renewal and the second
purchase was not made.
The next move to establish a public library was made by
the "Village Improvement Association of DuBois." This Association
was organized by a number of patriotic women of the City and on the
6th day of May, 1901, a charter was obtained from the Court of
Common Pleas of Clearfield County, which stated the purpose of the
organization to be: "Maintenance of a society for the improvements
of streets and public places in the Borough of DuBois and to promote
neatness and order and whatever may tend to beautify and improve the
town as a place of residence and keep it in a beautiful condition."
The names of the parties applying for this charter were: Mrs. Eva K.
Truxall, Ollie E. Hibner, Alice H. VanTassel, Ellen Holland and
Caroline M. Smith. The directors' names for the first year were:
Caroline M. Smith, Emma B. Spackman, Carrie Cochran, Eva K. Truxall,
Phebe J. Ruslander, Mary R. Schrecongost, Katherine S. Kuntz and
Frances S. Watkins.
This organization was active for a number of years and
did a great deal toward the improvement of the City. Among other
things this association started a library. About five thousand
volumes of standard literature were accumulated during its
activities. At the time the Borough owned the old school building
and the Council gave them a vacant room for their meetings, and in
which they kept their library. A librarian was appointed who waited
upon the patrons several days a week. However, this organization
became apathetic and Council
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