Founded February 3, 1930
The Ashley Public Library was established on February 3, 1930, when a joint committee from the Ashley Women’s Club and the Ashley Men’s Community Club met at the Methodist Church parsonage and voted to form a public library. The governance structure included three members from each club, along with three additional members selected by the six appointed representatives.
On March 3, 1930, the nine members of the newly formed Ashley Library Board held their first meeting at the Ashley Methodist parsonage.
The Foster sisters, Verlinda and Sadie (Sarah), offered a room in their home at the corner of North Second Street and Jackson Street for use as the library. This space became known as the “Library Room.” The home still stands today, although it has since been remodeled.
The Library Board accepted this arrangement and agreed to pay the sisters $6 per month to serve as librarians two days per week. Library rules were established at this time, many of which remain in effect today, with adjustments and additions made over the years. Sadie Foster served as librarian until March 4, 1950, after which her sister Verlinda was appointed. Verlinda served in this role until sometime in 1955.
The first Library Board meeting held in the new “Library Room” took place on May 13, 1930.
The library officially opened on June 3, 1930, with a budget of $400 and a collection of 458 books available to the citizens of Ashley.
On September 30, 1930, Mrs. Price, a representative from the Illinois State Library in Springfield, met with the Library Board to review proposed bylaws. Recommendations included a $1 membership fee for residents outside the city limits, cooperation with the high school library, and the consistent keeping of library statistics. These recommendations were approved by the Library Board on December 9, 1930.
In 1931, Mrs. Price again met with the Library Board regarding tax appropriations. The first tax levy receipt from Washington County was deposited in the fall of 1932. By April 12, 1932, the Ashley Public Library had 108 registered patrons.
On May 5, 1947, the Library Board met to discuss the need for additional floor space, as the library had outgrown the original “Library Room.” On May 13, 1947, a committee toured a building owned by Gerald Spear Sr., located at Lot 3, Block 6—now known as 68 N. East Railroad Street—as a potential new location. On June 3, 1947, the Library Board approved the purchase of the building, including $350 in repairs. A $1,000 loan was secured through the Ashley State Bank, as documented in the Library Board meeting records. The purchase was finalized on August 12, 1947, for a total price of $1,000.
After nearly a year of repairs, the Ashley Public Library opened at its second location on August 4, 1948.
In 2000, discussions began regarding the construction of a new library building. On May 29, 2000, an intergovernmental agreement was signed between Ashley Township and the City of Ashley Library Board. The new library site was selected approximately 30 feet south of the original library location. A $35,000 grant from Illinois FIRST was awarded on July 20, 2000. The new library opened in the summer of 2002, with Beverly Hagopian serving as Librarian (1996–2004).
On November 5, 2002, residents of the City of Ashley and Ashley Township voted to approve library district status, with 250 votes in favor and 46 opposed. Following this referendum, the library officially became the Ashley Public Library District.
In 2003, the library established a Local History Room, with Bucky McCoy serving as historian. The room has been widely used by patrons and contains valuable historical information for the Ashley community and surrounding areas. Paul and Wanda Setzekorn contributed many hours to the project, along with Irma Kramm, who provided computer and data support. The collection includes senior photographs from all Ashley High School graduating classes, as well as numerous historic photographs. Beverly Schindelar, representing the Friends of the Library, also provided assistance during this time. This effort stands as a true community project.
Richview Merger
On May 25, 2004, a merger between the Richview Township Public Library and the Ashley Public Library District was approved by the Ashley Public Library District. This merger was subsequently approved by the Washington County Circuit Court on June 6, 2004.
Library Growth and Expansion
By October 6, 2005, the library held 10,555 volumes and served 1,907 registered members, who had borrowed approximately 4,800 items during the previous year.
On November 2, 2010, voters approved the annexation of Dubois and Dubois Township, including the Village of Radom, by a vote of 567 in favor and 185 opposed. This annexation was also approved by the Washington County Circuit Court. At that time, the Library Director was Marjorie Holze (2009–2019).
Library Leadership
Over the years, the Ashley Public Library District has benefited from the service of many librarians and directors in addition to those previously mentioned. These include Mrs. C. J. Dahncke, Bertha Stephens, Charles Stephens, Chris Newcomb, Dorothy Land, Karen Walker, Carol Tomazewski, and the current Director, Nicole Mischke. There remains an approximately 25-year gap in available records, from 1956 to around 1980, during which librarian names could not be verified. We apologize for any unintentional omissions.
The Library Today
Today, the Ashley Public Library District continues to serve as a vibrant community hub. The library offers a public computer room, physical and digital collections including books, videos, e-books through CloudLibrary, and streaming movies and television programs via Biblio+. Patrons may also request books and other materials from neighboring libraries for delivery through interlibrary loan.
The library hosts a wide range of programs and events, including summer reading programs, children’s activities, holiday programs, school field trips, Veterans Day remembrances, and many other community gatherings. Visitors are always welcome to stop by and explore all that the Ashley Public Library District has to offer.
Acknowledgments
This history incorporates research conducted by Bucky McCoy, whose work was invaluable to this project. Sincere thanks are extended to everyone who contributed assistance and information.
Research compiled by Chris Newcomb (Ashley Public Librarian, 1992–1996). This project has been both enjoyable and educational, providing meaningful insight into the rich history of the Ashley Public Library District.
