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A
Brief History
of Libraries in Elbert County
In 1896 the first
library in the county was established in a private home in Elizabeth,
existing primarily from donations.
For
many years, the three County branch libraries (Elizabeth, Kiowa
and Simla) were governed by the Elbert County Commissioners as a
County Department. In 1969, the first mill levy (.5 mills) for the
Elbert County Library was listed on property tax rolls.
In
2000, Elbert County citizens successfully campaigned for the libraries
to become a independent taxing District, separate from Elbert County
government administration.
Establishing the Elbert County Library District greatly improved
library service throughout the county, enabling the District to
expand hours, collections, and programs at all branches.
Bookmobile service has been available in Elbert County since the
late 1960's. The part-time Elbert School Branch was added in 2004.
The District Office, originally housed in the Kiowa Branch Library,
moved to the Carlson Building in Elizabeth in 2004.
The
Carlson Building
The
Carlson Building (Huber Building), located at 239 Main Street, was
listed as a historical building by the Colorado State Register on
March 8th 1995. The 1890 building is typical of late 19th century
storefronts. It contained a variety of retail and wholesale enterprises
and contributed to the commercial history of Elizabeth. In 2003,
the Carlson Building was purchased by the Library District and became
the home of District Office in 2004.
Milestones
-
1896:
The first library in the county was established in a private
home in Elizabeth, existing primarily from donations.
-
1903:
St. Ann's Mission Catholic Church was built, which now serves
as the Kiowa Branch Library.
-
1930:
The Kiowa Library was housed in the basement of the Elbert County
Courthouse.
-
1950's:
The first library in the county, located in Elizabeth, was closed
due to lack of use.
-
1960's:
Bookmobile service was made available to Elbert County in the
late 1960's.
-
1969:
The first mill levy (.5 mills) for the Elbert County Library
was listed on property tax rolls.
-
1970's:
In the early 1970's a group of citizens started a library in
a garage located in Elizabeth.
-
1970:
The Kiowa Library was moved from the basement of the courthouse
to the former St. Ann's Mission Catholic Church.
-
1978:
The Simla Branch Library moved from a volunteer's basement to
the Simla Municipal Building in "the old jail cell."
-
1989:
The current Elizabeth Branch Library building on Main Street
in Elizabeth was purchased for the library and renovated with
an LSCA grant from the Colorado State Library and community
funds.
-
2000:
A citizens group successfully campaigned for the county
libraries to become an independent taxing District, thus establishing
the Elbert County Library District.
-
2002:
The Simla Branch Library moved from "the old jail cell"
to its present location at 504 Washington Avenue.
-
2003:
The Library District purchased the Carlson Building in Elizabeth.
-
2004:
The Elbert School Branch Library was added.
-
2004:
The Elbert County Library District Office was moved from the
Kiowa Branch Library to the Carlson Building in Elizabeth.
-
2004 -
2005: The Kiowa Library Branch building received a State
historical designation and two Colorado State Historic Fund
grants to do a structural assessment and renovation.
-
2007:
An addition
to the building owned by Double El Conservation District almost
doubled the size of the Simla Branch Library.
-
2007:
WiFi for patrons was added to the Elizabeth, Kiowa and Simla
Branch Libraries.
History
of our Branches:
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