Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
National Library Week
The week of April 13th-17th is National Library Week.We will be having a different event here at the Library everyday.
Monday April 13th 7-8 is a social night.Just come and socialize with everyone,meet the staff,have cookies and punch,and explain the events planned for the rest of the week.
Tuesday April 14th 7-8 we will be playing B-I-N-G-O!!We will also have neat little prizes for the winners.
Wednesday April 15th 7-8 will be a Trivia night.Ever wonder about the history of the library?We will try to have answers to your questions and maybe a few questions for you to answer.
Thursday April 16th 7-8 we will be having a scavenger hunt.We will have you looking for various book titles,and even looking up some items on the computer.
Friday April 17th 10 am-11am we will be having a book reading.Just bring your favorite book and share with us a brief summary and why it is your favorite.Also,we will have refreshments.
Monday April 13th 7-8 is a social night.Just come and socialize with everyone,meet the staff,have cookies and punch,and explain the events planned for the rest of the week.
Tuesday April 14th 7-8 we will be playing B-I-N-G-O!!We will also have neat little prizes for the winners.
Wednesday April 15th 7-8 will be a Trivia night.Ever wonder about the history of the library?We will try to have answers to your questions and maybe a few questions for you to answer.
Thursday April 16th 7-8 we will be having a scavenger hunt.We will have you looking for various book titles,and even looking up some items on the computer.
Friday April 17th 10 am-11am we will be having a book reading.Just bring your favorite book and share with us a brief summary and why it is your favorite.Also,we will have refreshments.
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Library Web-Site
Our old Library web site has been replaced.
We can now be seen at :
www.pampalovettmemorial.org
We also have a new Children's Librarian as our former librarian retired after getting married.
Marsha Rollins is the new Children's Librarian.
We can now be seen at :
www.pampalovettmemorial.org
We also have a new Children's Librarian as our former librarian retired after getting married.
Marsha Rollins is the new Children's Librarian.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Volunteers
Do You Like Gardening?
Do you like to volunteer?
Lovett Memorial Library
is looking for volunteers to work on the garden areas of the lawn, in the front of the library and in the reading area.
If you are interested , please call
669-5780 and ask for Misty Guy.
Do you like to volunteer?
Lovett Memorial Library
is looking for volunteers to work on the garden areas of the lawn, in the front of the library and in the reading area.
If you are interested , please call
669-5780 and ask for Misty Guy.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
History of the Library
1. Early Pampa and the Ladies' Library Club
The origin of Pampa was as a station on the Santa Fe Railroad, which was constructed in the northwestern corner of the county in 1887. The station was called Glasgow and Sutton, before the name Pampa was chosen. Pampa had a post office in 1892, and the White Deer Land Company established its headquarters there. The town was officially platted in 1902.
In January 1907 some ladies of the town organized a "Ladies' Library Club". The ladies organized a library on the second floor of the First National Bank downtown. This was open two days a week, and the ladies took turns acting as librarians. Various social events and entertainments were held to raise money to buy books. This library lasted until schools and churches were organized in the growing town, and at some point the books that had been accumulated were divided among the schools and churches.
2. The Oil Boom and the Pampa Library Association
Beginning in 1925 and 1926 oil and gas were found in the Pampa Area, and people flocked to the region to drill wells and build and operate refineries and carbon black plants. Pampa had a population of about 1, 000 at the beginning of 1925, and within a year this grew to over 10, 000.
In this atmosphere of civic prosperity and expansion some people in the town felt that Pampa should have a library. In 1928 women from various clubs and social groups met and formed a Pampa Library Association, with Mrs. B. E. Finley as president. A library was established in the room of the First Methodist Church, and a membership fee was charged for those wishing to check out books. A Mrs. James Todd was hired as part-time librarian. Clubs and individuals donated books and raised money for the small library, but within a short time it became apparent that private efforts would not suffice to support the library on a solid basis.
3. The Pampa Public Library, 1932-1955
In 1931 Mrs. James Todd, part-time librarian of the private library, contacted the Pampa Lions Club and suggested that they circulate a petition that an election be held to transfer the assets of the private library to the ownership of the City of Pampa. In May 1931 the city called a special election to see whether a city-owned library would be formed and supported by a tax of three cents on every one hundred dollars valuation on taxable property. The election passed, and in January 1932 the last meeting of the Pampa Library Association was held, the members voting to transfer all assets of the Association to the city. A few days later the first meeting of the Pampa Public Library Board was held, and Mrs. C. P. Buckler was elected president. She served in this position for many years.
The new city library was established in City Hall, first on the second floor, and then in a portion of the southern end of the basement or first floor of the building. Eventually the library expanded to take up the entire southern half of the basement. Mrs. James Todd was retained as the full-time librarian of the new library, and in 1948 she was replaced by her assistant, Mrs. Lillian Snow.
4. The Lovett Memorial Library, 1955 to The Present
I am assuming that the space available to the Pampa Public Library became increasingly more cramped and inadequate as the collection increased. Fortunately, a private bequest from the Lovett Family made possible the opening of a new building in 1955.
Now comes the involvement of a prominent Pampa couple, Henry B. and Fannie Lovett. This couple was among the earliest residents of Gray County, arriving on Grapevine Creek near Lefors in 1887. Later around 1900 or so they bought a larger ranch in the county. They moved into Pampa in 1906, living in the west side of the 100 block of North Houston Street. When the oil boom came in 1926 they leased their ranch to oil developers, and much oil was found. Mr. Lovett eventually gave up active ranching, and he died in 1940. Mrs. Lovett died in 1949. The Lovetts had had one child, a daughter, who died as a teenager in about 1902. Mrs. Lovett's will, after first leaving a number of small bequests to friends and relatives, left the bulk of her about one-million dollar estate to three trustees prominent in the history of Pampa: M. K. Brown, C. P. Buckler, and Dr. Overton. She expressed a wish that the trustees would use the money for charitable or educational purposes primarily in Gray County, where she and her husband had made their money. In due course the trustees announced that they were going to erect libraries in Pampa and McLean.
The new Lovett Memorial Library was built on the entire east half of the 100 block of North Houston Street, where the Lovetts had had their home and a number of rental houses. The cost of the building plus furnishings was about $330, 000. The building was dedicated on 18 January 1955. It was marvelous facility for the town. Before the library was dedicated it was announced that Godfrey L. Cabot, founder and first president of the Cabot Corporation, so important in the history of the areas, was giving $60, 000 to be invested for use in buying books. This was the start of the present library funds in the Gray-Pampa Foundation, the income from which still buys books for the library.
Space does not suffice to mention the many activities of Lovett Library between its opening in 1955 and 1998. A historical scrapbook of articles pertaining to the library shows many services and programs for children and adults, including story hours for kids, art exhibits, lectures by authors, and other . In 1985 the Harrington Foundation of Amarillo paid for the computerization of library records, joining the library for the first time into a consortium with most of the public libraries in the Panhandle. In 1993, following an extensive survey of library patrons and the formulation of a long-range plan, the hours of the library went to 70 hours a week. In 1995 the Friends of the Library and the "Pampa News" decided to start computerization of local newspapers, a project that was eventually extended to the newspapers of McLean and of other nearby towns. A microfilm reader-printer was bought at this time. In 1997 the first Internet computers were installed, and an internet policy was established by the city commission.
A number of people served as head librarians from 1955 to 1998. Mrs. Lillian Snow continued to be head librarian for several years in the new building, and she was followed by a Mrs. Speed and by a Mrs. Barbara Crinklaw. In 1977 Dan Snider became the first head librarian with a professional degree, and he served until 1997. In December 1995 the Library Foundation announced that they would be paying the salary of a children's librarian, who became the second staffer to have an Master of Library Science degree. The efforts of the librarians and the staffers were supported by an advisory Library Board appointed by the city; for many years the head of this was Mrs. Virginia Green. In March 1973 a Friends of the Pampa Library was formed, and this group has held annual membership drives and book sales that have bought in money for a wide variety of library projects. At some point around 1994 a Library foundation was formed to solicit and manage funds donated to the Library.By the mid-1990s Lovett Library was showing its age, and it was furthermore not compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. In October 1995 it was announced that Mrs. Ruth Ann Holland has left $500, 000 to the Library Foundation in her will. In 1996 the Lovett Library Foundation' which managed the Holland bequest and several other substantial bequests, announced that a plan was being made to extensive renovate the old building. In January 1998 the library staff along with all books and much equipment moved from the Houston Street facility to the old B. M. Baker school on the South Side, where the library was set up in the cafeteria and classroom annex in the south part of the school complex. This freed the old building on Houston Street to be renovated. The children's area was moved to the second floor; a bridge was built between the second floor facility and other children's rooms in the south part of the building; an elevator was installed; new shelves, lighting, and ceiling tiles were installed; and the building was made completely ADA compliant. While the library was at the temporary location at Baker, Anne Stobbe from Amarillo was hired as the library director, the second director with a professional degree.
In February 1998 the arduous task of moving back to the 111 N. Houston Street location was done. On 10 April 1999 the library was rededicated in a ceremony that had as main guest the author Larry McMurtry. The library looked brand-new and good for another 50 years. During the directorship of Miss Stobbe, a notable event was a grant from the Gates Foundation of about 15 computers and a number of printers for the use of the public. Twelve of these computers went into a room that was made into a computer lab. This is open to the public when computer classes are not being held in it. The library received a second grant for computers from the Gates Foundation in 2006, and the computers are heavily used by the public.
In June 2003 it was announced that R. L. Franklin, prominent rancher of Pampa, would donate two statues to the library to honor the 50th anniversary of the opening of the building in January 1955. One statue, by Don Ray of Channing, represents a seated woman reading to a child; this is erected in front of the library. Another statue representing a Pioneer Woman was by David Frech of New York; this was placed in the library's Reading Garden. Both statues were dedicated to four local women, including the donor's mother, each of whom had a long involvement with the library. The statues were dedicated in 9 January 2005, and at one of the dedicatory events the author Elmer Kelton was the guest speaker.
In March 2006 Anne Stobbe retired as head librarian, and Ms. Lorraine Simoneau became the current librarian. Ms. Simoneau left the library in January 2007, and since that time Miss Stobbe has been interim director.On October 8th,2007, Ms. Misty Guy took over the position of Director of the Lovett Memorial Library.
The origin of Pampa was as a station on the Santa Fe Railroad, which was constructed in the northwestern corner of the county in 1887. The station was called Glasgow and Sutton, before the name Pampa was chosen. Pampa had a post office in 1892, and the White Deer Land Company established its headquarters there. The town was officially platted in 1902.
In January 1907 some ladies of the town organized a "Ladies' Library Club". The ladies organized a library on the second floor of the First National Bank downtown. This was open two days a week, and the ladies took turns acting as librarians. Various social events and entertainments were held to raise money to buy books. This library lasted until schools and churches were organized in the growing town, and at some point the books that had been accumulated were divided among the schools and churches.
2. The Oil Boom and the Pampa Library Association
Beginning in 1925 and 1926 oil and gas were found in the Pampa Area, and people flocked to the region to drill wells and build and operate refineries and carbon black plants. Pampa had a population of about 1, 000 at the beginning of 1925, and within a year this grew to over 10, 000.
In this atmosphere of civic prosperity and expansion some people in the town felt that Pampa should have a library. In 1928 women from various clubs and social groups met and formed a Pampa Library Association, with Mrs. B. E. Finley as president. A library was established in the room of the First Methodist Church, and a membership fee was charged for those wishing to check out books. A Mrs. James Todd was hired as part-time librarian. Clubs and individuals donated books and raised money for the small library, but within a short time it became apparent that private efforts would not suffice to support the library on a solid basis.
3. The Pampa Public Library, 1932-1955
In 1931 Mrs. James Todd, part-time librarian of the private library, contacted the Pampa Lions Club and suggested that they circulate a petition that an election be held to transfer the assets of the private library to the ownership of the City of Pampa. In May 1931 the city called a special election to see whether a city-owned library would be formed and supported by a tax of three cents on every one hundred dollars valuation on taxable property. The election passed, and in January 1932 the last meeting of the Pampa Library Association was held, the members voting to transfer all assets of the Association to the city. A few days later the first meeting of the Pampa Public Library Board was held, and Mrs. C. P. Buckler was elected president. She served in this position for many years.
The new city library was established in City Hall, first on the second floor, and then in a portion of the southern end of the basement or first floor of the building. Eventually the library expanded to take up the entire southern half of the basement. Mrs. James Todd was retained as the full-time librarian of the new library, and in 1948 she was replaced by her assistant, Mrs. Lillian Snow.
4. The Lovett Memorial Library, 1955 to The Present
I am assuming that the space available to the Pampa Public Library became increasingly more cramped and inadequate as the collection increased. Fortunately, a private bequest from the Lovett Family made possible the opening of a new building in 1955.
Now comes the involvement of a prominent Pampa couple, Henry B. and Fannie Lovett. This couple was among the earliest residents of Gray County, arriving on Grapevine Creek near Lefors in 1887. Later around 1900 or so they bought a larger ranch in the county. They moved into Pampa in 1906, living in the west side of the 100 block of North Houston Street. When the oil boom came in 1926 they leased their ranch to oil developers, and much oil was found. Mr. Lovett eventually gave up active ranching, and he died in 1940. Mrs. Lovett died in 1949. The Lovetts had had one child, a daughter, who died as a teenager in about 1902. Mrs. Lovett's will, after first leaving a number of small bequests to friends and relatives, left the bulk of her about one-million dollar estate to three trustees prominent in the history of Pampa: M. K. Brown, C. P. Buckler, and Dr. Overton. She expressed a wish that the trustees would use the money for charitable or educational purposes primarily in Gray County, where she and her husband had made their money. In due course the trustees announced that they were going to erect libraries in Pampa and McLean.
The new Lovett Memorial Library was built on the entire east half of the 100 block of North Houston Street, where the Lovetts had had their home and a number of rental houses. The cost of the building plus furnishings was about $330, 000. The building was dedicated on 18 January 1955. It was marvelous facility for the town. Before the library was dedicated it was announced that Godfrey L. Cabot, founder and first president of the Cabot Corporation, so important in the history of the areas, was giving $60, 000 to be invested for use in buying books. This was the start of the present library funds in the Gray-Pampa Foundation, the income from which still buys books for the library.
Space does not suffice to mention the many activities of Lovett Library between its opening in 1955 and 1998. A historical scrapbook of articles pertaining to the library shows many services and programs for children and adults, including story hours for kids, art exhibits, lectures by authors, and other . In 1985 the Harrington Foundation of Amarillo paid for the computerization of library records, joining the library for the first time into a consortium with most of the public libraries in the Panhandle. In 1993, following an extensive survey of library patrons and the formulation of a long-range plan, the hours of the library went to 70 hours a week. In 1995 the Friends of the Library and the "Pampa News" decided to start computerization of local newspapers, a project that was eventually extended to the newspapers of McLean and of other nearby towns. A microfilm reader-printer was bought at this time. In 1997 the first Internet computers were installed, and an internet policy was established by the city commission.
A number of people served as head librarians from 1955 to 1998. Mrs. Lillian Snow continued to be head librarian for several years in the new building, and she was followed by a Mrs. Speed and by a Mrs. Barbara Crinklaw. In 1977 Dan Snider became the first head librarian with a professional degree, and he served until 1997. In December 1995 the Library Foundation announced that they would be paying the salary of a children's librarian, who became the second staffer to have an Master of Library Science degree. The efforts of the librarians and the staffers were supported by an advisory Library Board appointed by the city; for many years the head of this was Mrs. Virginia Green. In March 1973 a Friends of the Pampa Library was formed, and this group has held annual membership drives and book sales that have bought in money for a wide variety of library projects. At some point around 1994 a Library foundation was formed to solicit and manage funds donated to the Library.By the mid-1990s Lovett Library was showing its age, and it was furthermore not compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. In October 1995 it was announced that Mrs. Ruth Ann Holland has left $500, 000 to the Library Foundation in her will. In 1996 the Lovett Library Foundation' which managed the Holland bequest and several other substantial bequests, announced that a plan was being made to extensive renovate the old building. In January 1998 the library staff along with all books and much equipment moved from the Houston Street facility to the old B. M. Baker school on the South Side, where the library was set up in the cafeteria and classroom annex in the south part of the school complex. This freed the old building on Houston Street to be renovated. The children's area was moved to the second floor; a bridge was built between the second floor facility and other children's rooms in the south part of the building; an elevator was installed; new shelves, lighting, and ceiling tiles were installed; and the building was made completely ADA compliant. While the library was at the temporary location at Baker, Anne Stobbe from Amarillo was hired as the library director, the second director with a professional degree.
In February 1998 the arduous task of moving back to the 111 N. Houston Street location was done. On 10 April 1999 the library was rededicated in a ceremony that had as main guest the author Larry McMurtry. The library looked brand-new and good for another 50 years. During the directorship of Miss Stobbe, a notable event was a grant from the Gates Foundation of about 15 computers and a number of printers for the use of the public. Twelve of these computers went into a room that was made into a computer lab. This is open to the public when computer classes are not being held in it. The library received a second grant for computers from the Gates Foundation in 2006, and the computers are heavily used by the public.
In June 2003 it was announced that R. L. Franklin, prominent rancher of Pampa, would donate two statues to the library to honor the 50th anniversary of the opening of the building in January 1955. One statue, by Don Ray of Channing, represents a seated woman reading to a child; this is erected in front of the library. Another statue representing a Pioneer Woman was by David Frech of New York; this was placed in the library's Reading Garden. Both statues were dedicated to four local women, including the donor's mother, each of whom had a long involvement with the library. The statues were dedicated in 9 January 2005, and at one of the dedicatory events the author Elmer Kelton was the guest speaker.
In March 2006 Anne Stobbe retired as head librarian, and Ms. Lorraine Simoneau became the current librarian. Ms. Simoneau left the library in January 2007, and since that time Miss Stobbe has been interim director.On October 8th,2007, Ms. Misty Guy took over the position of Director of the Lovett Memorial Library.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
