Q: Do you know how the Ada Public Library got its start?
A: Would you believe the restroom of old town hall of Ada?
Why: A few books were placed in the restroom of the old town hall for the country women to read while waiting there.
That's what Amanda Bennett of the Ada Public Library told members of the Ada Kiwanis Club on Jan. 20. There more:
It turns out that in the fall of 1916, the Ada clubs formed their federation. One of the first official acts was the appointment of a library board, leading to the formation of the Ada Public Library at the restroom on June 1, 1917.
Mrs. Cora Anspach was the village’s first librarian, serving without pay until September 1919.
The library has moved several times. In 1917 it was on the second floor of the Brewer block. In March of 1919 it moved to Highland Avenue.
The town was canvassed by board members to obtain books and money. Local talent, concerts, club donations and finally subscriptions by individuals were used to finance the young library.
In January 1936, the Ada school board offered to take over the responsibility for the library. At the annual meeting of the Federation of Women’s Clubs, the property was legally turned over to the school board on June 18, 1936.
In 1943, the group, Friends of the Ada Public Library was formed.
On March 30, 1953, the new $74,000 structure on North Main Street was opened; the current location was furnished by gifts from the community. Then in 1965 Avanell Stambaugh provided funds to build an addition.
In 1991, a total renovation project was unveiled to the Ada community, and this building now serves as the current facility.
