![]() ![]() It was in 1976 that the library collection, along with some original furnishings, was moved to a new building, right next-door at 218 South State Street. The Library Board of Geneseo finally made the decision to build new. Several years followed with respective Boards vying alternative solutions to their dilemma. The year 1965 found the library bursting at its seams. Through the ensuing years many interested citizens donated books and equipment. More funds were raised by citizens through subscription for a site for the building. Joseph Hammond gave $10,000 for the purpose of building a proper library with furnishings for residents. Miller, who was president of the Board of Trustees for hinting of need for “a generous lover of Geneseo’s people to make the offer to build a library building…” It was moved again, still downtown above another established business. In May 1888 the library was changed from a city to a township library increasing funding and its “power of usefulness.” Geneseo then had its first Geneseo Township Public Library (also known as the George B.Dedrick Public Library of Geneseo Township). In 1881, after the city agreed to the plan, it procured a charter, appropriated $800 for expenses, rented space above another downtown business, and hired a librarian for its first city library. However, “in 1880 it was felt the library was not doing the good it might and the members proposed to donate all books and property to the City of Geneseo if the city in turn would establish a library under the Illinois Statute.” Between the years of 18, the YMCA and the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) additionally sponsored the library, respectively. ![]() These membership funds bought the first books and periodicals made available to its membership. Those living in Geneseo and vicinity were eligible for this membership. Membership to this Association was at a price of $1.00 initiation fee and quarterly dues of $.50. These meetings were actually lectures from out of town guests or discussions based upon predetermined questions. The library moved several more times into various locations in the business district.The public was cordially invited to meetings, which were held, every two weeks. Later, fire damaged not only these rooms but destroyed some of the collection. The second story of the Merriman & Crawford Bank was the first real-not makeshift-home of the library. This organized library was then called the Young Men’s Literary Association of Geneseo. About 13 years later, a group of citizens met on Septemto plan the formation of an organized library with reading rooms and lectures geared to the mental development of its citizens. The library was first set up in a church school on the site of the present Congregational Church about 1842. Preserving Geneso's Past Accounts Volume 05-06-07.Preserving Geneso's Past Geneseo Historical Society.History and Report of Geneseo Council of Patriotic Service.Preserving Geneso's Past Early Settlers Meetings Volume 05-07.Preserving Geneso's Past Geneseo People and Government.Preserving Geneso's Past Advertisments and Business Volume 03.Preserving Geneso's Past Early Settlers Meetings Volume 01-04. ![]()
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