On Oct. 27, 1921, the Tidioute Library Association was organized under the supervision of Helen Rockwell from the State Library of Harrisburg.

On Oct. 27, 1921, the Tidioute Library Association was organized under the supervision of Helen Rockwell from the State Library of Harrisburg.

Forty-four members met in the theatre where Rockwell gave a speech on the need and advantages of a free public library. With Eliot Grandin acting as chairman, the association elected its first board of directors: Lyle Briggs (resident), A.V. Clinger (vice president), Laura Smutz (secretary), J.K. Bell (treasurer), F. Tipton, Frank Hanchett and J.B. Taggart. Harriet Gardner was hired as the first librarian of the Tidioute Library Association.

The library was set up in a room behind Emerson’s Barbershop at 158 Main St. Material was donated by the public until funding became available.

Overdue fines were 1 cent a day. In 1930, an oil and lumber baron named Freeman Hertzel agreed to erect and equip a modern fireproof building for $25,000. Gordon Norton, a local businessman, donated property at 197 Main St. where the library now stands.

On Nov. 19, 2004, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the construction of a 2,000-square-foot addition. The newly renovated building was completed and re-dedicated in 2006. The Tidioute Library Association has been serving the community for 100 years.

“We loan books, movies, audio books, eBooks and magazines,” the association said in a news release. “We also have a children’s play area, computers, Wi-Fi for public use, and will soon have hotspots available for loan. Visit our Facebook page or website (www.tidioutelibrary.org) to view episodes of ‘The Reading Road Trip: Full Steam Ahead”‘ presented by Checkers TV. Each episode follows Checkers and his robot sidekick Snoozer as they explore the vast world of STEAM by traveling to a new location each week as they learn about different concepts such as 3d Printing, Fire Safety and Music.

“Bring a completed activity sheet from any of the episodes into the library for a small surprise.”

Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.