Sec. B Pg 35 Missoulian Centennial Circle Saw Start Of Our Library
Circle Saw Start Of Our Library
The earliest attempt in Missoula to establish a library began with a reading circle in the winter of 1882-83.
The books accumulated by this ladies’ circle were kept for a public library.
In 1885 a local circle of the Chautauqua league was founded. This organization gave programs to raise funds and also earmarked its books for future presentation to a public library. The circle met for four years.
Ordinance Passes
Shortly after the discontinuance of the circle, the Missoula Library and Gymnasium Association organized to lay the foundation for a public library through a temporary membership library. After discussions and debates in the city council the enabling ordinance was passed.
The first public library was housed in two rooms in the Higgins Block, and began with a collection of 519 books. J. M. Hamilton* served as volunteer librarian, without pay, for several months.
The first paid librarian was Mrs. Sue K. Reinhard, who began in September 1894.
88 Have Cards
Librarian Reinhard at the monthly meeting of the Missoula Public Library Board of Directors at the library rooms in the Higgins Block reported that for January of 1895 applicant cards were issued to 88 persons, making a total of 433 issued by the library. A total of 1,070 books were issued during the month.
The report for the year 1896 stated that about one in every eight inhabitants of the city was a patron of the library. In November 1897 the board leased three rooms in the Allen Block as the library had outgrown the Higgins Block. A year later the Missoulians voted to raise the library tax to one mill, increasing the income about $900 yearly.
*Dr. Hamilton was at one time the principal of Missoula High School and later President of MSU in Bozeman. See a link to him below: