Niobrara County Library History, part 4 by Geraldine Tollman

On June 15, 1976 the name of the Carnegie Library was officially changed to Niobrara County Library. The board of directors at this time was: Dave Hamaker, Kathryn Larson, Kay DeGering and Marjorie Sanders.

Mrs. Fran Torkelson resigned as library June 30, 1976 and Mrs. Geraldine Tollman was appointed Librarian.

In May 1977 Vickie Jordan resigned as Assistant Librarian after serving 10 months and Mrs. Shirley Chavers was then appointed assistant.

The "Friends of the Library" presented a memorial plaque to the library March 21, 1978. A 16mm film projector was given to the library in 1979 as a grant from the state. The projector is for county-wide use.

New hand rails were installed on the steps leading to the front door. Also storm windows and insulation were added. A magazine rack, record holders, 2 folding tables, tape and cassette holders were purchased in 1979 by Revenue Sharing Funds.

New metal doors, with leaded glass-like windows have replaced the original wood doors. "Friends of the Library" donated a new book return, carpeted the outside steps leading to the front doors and put in flower planters along the sidewalks. The Garden Club sees that flowers are planted each year.

Local authors and former librarians were honored at an open house November 15 & 16, 1980 as a state-wide celebration of "Book-for-a-day."

The copy machine that Stockman's Bank gave us finally gave up and a new 3M Copier was bought in February 1982.

The original furnace which had been installed in 1920 by John Fernau and Son was replaced in 1983 by a new natural gas furnace. The old furnace had been coal, coal oil, propane and then natural gas.

With money the "Friends of the Library" had left after they disbanded we were able to purchase 3 ceiling fans which were installed this year.

Staff members are Geraldine Tollman, Librarian, Shirley Chavers, Assistant Librarian, Wanda Brown, Children's Librarian & clerk-typist, Tina Weeks, page, Helen Heminger and Paula Weymouth, extra help and Chuck Smith, Janitor. Our hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Board members are Jo Templeton, Chairman; Joy Kaltenheuser, Secretary; Jerry Walsh, Treasurer; Nellie Kratzer & Ross Diercks; Board Members.

It is our hope that some day the library can be built onto. Room is at a premium and has been for several years.

We've come along way since September 19, 1919 but can still go further yet.

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