Title
Library Dream Comes True for Mrs. Lucy Pou, 1931
Subject
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Pou, Lucy
Public libraries
Description
Article in the Tuscaloosa News on March 10, 1931, about the early days of the Tuscaloosa Public Library
Creator
Mary Fitts Bennett
Source
Tuscaloosa News Archive
Date
March 10, 1931
Contributor
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Type
Newspaper
Identifier
2005
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Text
Clubs and Library Board Are Vital Factors in Growth From Original Unit
The dream of a library for Tuscaloosa county has been realized. This is through the able leadership of the Up-to-Date Club, the library board of directors, our enthusiastic librarian, Mrs. Lucy C. Pou, the Quaker Club, and other clubs of the city. The library board is composed of the following well-known Tuscaloosa women, Mrs. Alston Fitts, chairman, Mrs. Washington Moody, Mrs. Edgar Clarkson, Mrs. George J. Davis, and Miss Clara Verner.
400 Books at Beginning
In 1911 the library board appeared before the County Board of Revenue under Judge Brandon and secured the promise of a maintenance fund of $25 monthly, and the use of a room in the basement of the court house, provided there were 400 books on the shelves at the opening. The women of the Up-to-Date club had the walls decorated, funished the shelves, and the members of this club acted as librarian for the first two years. A collection of books previously housed at the Chamber of Commerce was moved to the library, and later Miss Barnes served as librarian until she was succeeded by Mrs. Pou in 1922.
During 1926 through the influernce and work of Mrs. Richard Prowell, representing all the clubs the county bought the old Searcy home on Greensboro avenue and moved the library there.
Again the Up-to-Date club decorated the walls and refinished the floors, and the maintenance fund was increased to $75. Realizing the need of equipment for the library's more spacious quarters, "Library Week" was inaugurated and has become an annual affair, with the public and all clubs participating.
The Up-to-Date Club has given a real librarian's desk costing $150, a beautiful mahogany table, $50 in cash, the new International encyclopedia and this year a table for the children's room. This table is to have a great number of pepole of all and pictures of historical value, which may be changed from time to time.
Quakers Aid Much
The Quaker Club furnished the first children's room, and later gave several collections of books, including Barrie, Conrad, and southern literature. They also gave two chairs, and only last week sponsored a benefit bridge party in order to increase their contribution.
In 1911 the library board appeared before the County Board of Revenue under Judge Brandon and secured the promise of a maintenance fund of $25 monthly, and the use of a room in the basement of the court house, provided there were 400 books on the shelves at the opening. The women of the Up-to-Date club had the walls decorated, funished the shelves, and the members of this club acted as librarian for the first two years. A collection of books previously housed at the Chamber of Commerce was moved to the library, and later Miss Barnes served as librarian until she was succeeded by Mrs. Pou in 1922.
During 1926 through the influernce and work of Mrs. Richard Prowell, representing all the clubs the county bought the old Searcy home on Greensboro avenue and moved the library there.
Again the Up-to-Date club decorated the walls and refinished the floors, and the maintenance fund was increased to $75. Realizing the need of equipment for the library's more spacious quarters, "Library Week" was inaugurated and has become an annual affair, with the public and all clubs participating.
The Up-to-Date Club has given a real librarian's desk costing $150, a beautiful mahogany table, $50 in cash, the new International encyclopedia and this year a table for the children's room. This table is to have a great number of pepole of all and pictures of historical value, which may be changed from time to time.
Quakers Aid Much
The Quaker Club furnished the first children's room, and later gave several collections of books, including Barrie, Conrad, and southern literature. They also gave two chairs, and only last week sponsored a benefit bridge party in order to increase their contribution.
Original Format
Newspaper