About Us

Blackwell Public Library History

For over one hundred years, Blackwell Public Library has existed in one form or another.

It has had a long and varied history as it grew from a reading room to the institution we have today. 

The library had its humble beginnings in a reading room over L&B Drug, later Lenker Drug, with the space being donated by Dr. Allen Lowery. 

In 1923, the library was moved to City Hall due to space and again, in 1926, when the library moved into a residence located where Roberts & Son Funeral Home is located today. 

The present library opened in October 1931, “Dedicated to the Cause of Education”.

The election which saw the formation of Blackwell Public Library was held on April 5, 1921, when the first amendment to the City Charter was passed.  In fact, it passed with an almost 2-1 margin.  The results were approved by the Governor on April 19 1921, and certified by Thomas N Kirby, the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Blackwell on April 22, 1921.

The Amendment to the City Charter established “a public library and reading room within the City for the use and benefits of the inhabitants of said city.”  The amendment further established an annual tax of two mills for the benefit of the “library fund” and provided for the creation of the Library Board of Directors.

The present library building was fully paid for before its opening in 1931. In October of 2031, our building will turn 100 years old.

We have a time capsule that was purchased in Memory of Linda Mayden, BPL Head Librarian/Director from 2007-2017. It will rest in its spot until 2047, where there will be an opening ceremony and the contents will be put on display.

Whenever you stop by to visit take a moment to reflect on hers, as well as all librarians past and future’s dedication to the cause of education, inclusion and literacy. 

LIBRARIANS

Sybil Neal (Mrs. Joe Christy) was the first librarian of Blackwell Public Library.

She was replaced by Mrs. R.M. Parkhurst in 1923.   She served as head librarian for 26 years and made the reading room into the early stages of an actual library. 

Over the past 100 years, the library has seen many improvements, additions, programming, technical upgrades, and not to mention the hundreds of thousands of books that have made their way through the minds and hands of Blackwell’s residents.

We strive to keep up with the times and continue to provide our city with the knowledge and love of literacy for another 100 years!