This year marks the 65th Annual National Library Week in the United States. This yearly celebration is a time to celebrate the important role that libraries play in strengthening our communities. Today is Library History Day. Do you know the history of the Ottawa Library? The first Ottawa Library was formed in March of 1872. Mrs. M.l. Ward and Mrs. Ruth Griffin proposed the sharing of books to a group of 15 women who paid one dollar in dues to start the library. It grew quickly and by October had 57 members. In 1902, American Industrialist and Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie pledged $15,000 towards the erection of a free public library.
The City of Ottawa pledged $1,500 annually for the maintenance of the library, the stockholders and owners transferred all property to the Ottawa Free Library and it became tax-supported. Ottawa architect, George Washburn, designed the Carnegie Library building which sits at 5th and Main. The library remained there until 1996. That summer, it moved to its current location in City Hall at 1st and Hickory
