Susquehanna County Historical Society
& Free Library Association

History of the Hallstead-Great Bend Branch

Click here for the 100-Year Anniversary video!

November 1899 -- There was mention in a local paper that there were arrangements made for a "Citizen's Library"
December 1915 -- A concrete lock-up building was constructed by Alfred E. Badgley for $1900 for the Hallstead Boro
September 1916 -- The Hallstead Women's Christian Temperance Union opened a "Reading Room" to the public
1917 -- Rented a room in the Lamb House at the corner of Susquehanna & Pine Streets, started with 40 books. Miss Vena Smith was the first librarian.
1918 -- Moved to William Richard house, outgrew the rooms
November 1920 -- The Hallstead Public Library moved to present location (201 Franklin Street), sharing facilities with local jail.
1929 -- The Civic Club formed a Book Club
1931 -- The Civic Club began sponsoring the library, and still does to the present!
April 1936 -- The Civic Club took over running the library
1976 -- Children's Room donated in memory of Alfred Hall
1999 -- Joined with the Susquehanna County Library System and became the Hallstead-Great Bend Branch Library

June 2001 -- New Addition erected with special thanks to the citizens of Hallstead & Great Bend and a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Grant. A Community Block Development Grant was awarded for handicap restroom and door ramp. Barnes & Noble donated furniture & Information sign.

2001 -- The desk furniture and chairs donated in Memory of Mary E. Tuttle.

2002 -- Garden donated by the Hallstead–Great Bend Civic Club in honor their 75th Anniversary

2008 -- Front Door awning was donated in Memory of Jean Gula and George Houghton

2003-2012 -- Dale and Trudy Henry’s Annual Golf Tournament was held to help with furnishings

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Librarians:

1916-1918            Mrs. Frances McCreary

 1918-1920           Miss Vena Smith (Mrs. Hutchins)

1920-1925            Mrs. Hand

1960-1972            Jessie Allen

1972-1979            Karen Wrighter

1979-1981            Cathy Dorning

1981-1983            Linda Anesi

1983-1985            Cathy Dorning

1985-1991            John McCathy

1991-1999            Rosemary Hazen  

1997 -                    Angelia Hall and Valerie Burdick