A Bit of Library History

Plans are being made to celebrate the 75^th Birthday of the Safety Harbor Public Library during National Library Week in April 2013.  Although our age designates us as a senior citizen, we think we look really good. We keep in shape, adapt with the times, and are flexible, but how times have changed!   Over the next few months we’ll tell you about our history, how the library evolved, and at the same time point out some things that stayed the same. 

Here is our beginning…

The library was first mentioned in the minutes of the Safety Harbor Women’s Civic
Club during their meeting on October 19^th, 1938.  The club met at the Community House located on 2^nd Street North, which also became the location of the first Library.  The president of the club, Mrs.Zinser, appointed Mrs. Kindred committee head to investigate the feasibility of opening a library funded by the Works Progress Administration, also known as the WPA. 

Although the official opening date of the library is not known, on November 25, 1938, Mrs. Daisy Cahow was appointed the first librarian by the WPA.  There is no record of library hours, but a Children’s Hour was scheduled Saturday mornings, 10:00 to 11:00 am.  In meeting minutes, Mrs. Cahow stated that to keep the library going, there must be good circulation and library supplies were needed.  This was bought to the attention of the Women’s Civic Club.  Soon needed supplies were authorized and the women of Safety Harbor went to work to obtain books for their new library. 

By January 1939, there were 100  books on the shelves and Mrs. Cahow asked the community for gifts and loans of books.  Mrs. Zinser organized a  Book Tea benefit with a book donation as admission.  A total of 50 books and $2.35 was collected.  At the time, the library collection consisted of 100 books, not including state books borrowed from Jacksonville.  (The Women’s Club was responsible for their transportation costs.)  The success of the first tea benefit initiated a second and third event in February and March 1939, which also included a speaker and foreign doll display for additional entertainment.  Things have not changed that much.  Last month we held a wine and cheese Friends of the Library fundraiser with a solo performer for entertainment and we still hold Story Times, a highly attended library staple.