Friends Creek Township Public Library (Taken from the 1973 Argenta Centennial Book):
As years passed and industry moved into this agricultural community, many young families moved into the township. Schools expanded. People again expressed a need for a local library. In 1963, a group of dedicated P.T.A. members whose chairman was Mrs. Ernest (Anna) Cunningham made “library beginning” their project. Those who served on committees include, Mrs. Ward (Helen) Taylor, Mrs. Donald (Marilyn) Shuey, Mrs. Jacques (Emma) Walton, James and Dorothy Moreland, William Mings, Emil Morsch, Raymond Blaase.
With the aid of the supervisor, R. Leo Malone and the township attorney, Robert Winters, a special election was called. April 1963, Friends Creek Township voters approved a proposition to establish a library and elected a library board. There were 119 votes cast in favor of a library. There were 54 negative votes.
A tax anticipation warrant of $4,000.00 was issued for the first year’s operation expense. A charge of $40.00 for this legal service was paid to the legal firm, Vail, Mills, Armstrong, Winters & Prince. The following directors were elected: Chairman, George S. Cooper; Vice Chairman, Ernest L. Cunningham; Secretary, Mrs. Warren (Ethel) McCarty; Treasurer, Raymond Blaase; Trustee, Mrs. Wm. Jr. (Erma) Millhorn; Trustee, Mrs. Lynn (Louise Davenport).
After a housing committee checked several facilities, a house on the south side of East Prairie Street, two doors west of the United Methodist Church, was rented. Office equipment, book shelves, shades, floor coverings were installed. The library was opened to the public for book lending on July 15, 1963. Scheduled hours were: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 2:00-5:00 PM; Thursday, 5:00-8:00 PM.
Mrs. Ivan (Fern) Brown, the first librarian, received on loan a collection of 951 juvenile and youth books from the Illinois State Library on a three (3) month rotation basis to stock the shelves. Many people from the community generously donated from their private collections.
Mr. and Mrs. William Millhorn, Jr., gave the library its first new book for its permanent collection. The autographed edition is “Abraham Lincoln in Decatur.”
Friends Creek Township Library held an open house July 28, 1963, attracting one hundred (100) visitors. Refreshments and table decorations were furnished by the trustees. Erma Millhorn was open house chairman.
Another shipment of five hundred (500) adult books were received from the Springfield Library on July 30th and were available promptly as page girls and friends of the library helped to prepare borrower’s cards. Those helping were: Jane and Cindy Blaase, Pamela Edgecombe, Anita White, Jeanne and Ellen Davenport, Sheron Miller, Jean Fornear, Gary Brockman, Phyllis Stine and Mrs. N. Dean (Elaine) White.
The trustees were grateful to many for their cooperation in the various tasks in getting a public facility started. Special thanks was given Mrs. Ruth DeTar, Mrs. Jule (Marguerietta) Conner, Mrs. Wm. Sr. (Dottie) Millhorn and Mrs. Noel (Lora) Davenport for sewing curtains. Mrs. F. R. (Daisy) Goken, Mrs. Ray (Sara) Rice, Charles John and Pauline Klukis for flowers and foundation plantings. Noaln Crumrin, Ivan Brown, Freeman White, Raymond Simpson and Herbert Cone were among volunteers for other necessary projects. Argenta Lumber Co. donated a fine magazine rack and a work counter. Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Main trimmed the lawn and weeded the flowers. Argenta Liona Club presented a new light oak childrens table and matching chairs.
In September 1963, the library purchased ten (10) new books, approximate value $4.00 each in five (5) different categories. In the fall, Miss Dorothy Miller, Dwight and Mrs. Robert (Hortense) Hartman, Mr. George Parr, Leo and Isabelle Malone and Mrs. Kenneth (Teresa) Wilkey gave funds to purchase new volumes for the shelves, some being memorial gifts.
The non-resident rate in 1963 was $2.00. In 1964, $3.50 was charged. in 1968 it was increased to $5.21 and by 1970 the rate was $8.32 per capita.
A Public Library Development meting was held in the Decatur Public Library November 1963. Librarian and trustees from sixteen (16) towns met to discuss a plan for cooperative effort between thirty (30) libraries in Central Illinois. Decatur area was selected to initiate the plan since Friends Creek Library was the newest in the state and their desire for service pointed up the need for this organization. April 1964, Library System Seventeen (17) plans were organized. Under the New Library Services and Construction Act, the state and federal government pay the costs of the first year of services and then split costs with the local level in future years. After that, local libraries need to raise 60% of future budget to receive 40% subsidy from the government. Among the services offered are: book exchange program offering a bookmobile to transport books from the a book “pool,” book ordering and processing, reciprocal cards, field advisory services, reference services (resources are: University of Illinois Library, Chicago Public Library, Southern Illinois University Library, Illinois State Library), records, magazines, framed prints, films, slides and microfilming.
On July 24, 1964, Library System Seventeen chose its name “Rolling Prairie Libraries.” One representative from each local board of member libraries was chosen. George S. Cooper attended these meeting on our behalf. Cost of the system was met by a state payment and not by local taxes. It is based on local control, local initiative and voluntary cooperation. The Decatur staff coordinates and directs its services.
In May 1964, the Huston family presented a beautiful light oak reading table and eight matching chairs in memory of their parents, Charles and Bertha Sturgis Huston. The following year they presented a beautiful edition, large print, Holy Bible and a set of Books of the Bible, in memory of their brother Charles Glen Huston. An oak lectern to match reading room furniture was also their gift.
A summer reading program was guided by Mrs. N. Dean (Elaine) White in June 1964. The story time was for children in kindergarten through third grade. One hundred fifty-seven (157) children participated in the sessions.
The Rolling Prairie Libraries bookmobile made its first visit to Argenta in October 1964. (The earliest vehicle of the type dates back to the beginning of the present century when Washington County Library (Maryland) began a horse drawn mobile service). Materials are rotated and local services supplemented this service.
A special feature of the library is the shelves of bound National Geographics dating from 1916 to 1970. It also owns an extensive prized Lincoln collection made possible by a very generous donor, Mr. George Parr. Class tours by school and scout groups have been encouraged. Elementary children enjoy the tour of the bookmobile.
Professional library personnel who have helped greatly in setting up the new operation in Argenta include: Mrs. Mary T. Howe, Margaret Griffin, Mrs. Edith M. McNabb, James Montedonico, DeLafayette Reid and Mrs. Laura Longston.
Friends of Friends Creek Township Public Library was organized in April 1966. Officers elected for the chapter were: Mrs. Ward (Helen) Taylor, Mrs. Walter (Donna) King and Mrs. Donald (Marilyn) Shuey. Their services included: sponsoring of summer movies for children, inscribing memorial gift volumes, presentation of America the Beautiful photo series, and also encouraging book reviews from patrons for WSOY radio station.
Argenta P.T.A. group provided a set of World Book Encyclopedia and Child Craft. Argenta Jr. Women’s Club has conducted projects to insure book donations to the library. The Argenta Garden Club has established a program of memorial books for deceased members. United Presbyterian Women presented book money. The Hubert Despain Unit 157 American Legion Auxiliary was donor of the American flag.
Two trustees, George S. Cooper and Ernest Cunningham, as well as the librarian, belong to the Illinois Library Association and attend their meetings.
The librarian, Mrs. Ivan (Fern) Brown, her assistant, Mrs. Nolan (Marjorie) Cumrin and substitute, Mrs. J.D. (Eva) Richards attend local workshops, conventions and take advantage of the available courses offered to improve their services to patrons. Much of the success of the library was due to a very able secretary, Mrs. Warren (Ethel) McCarty, who did much corresponding, seeking advice, recording minutes with painstaking thoroughness, and writing “Thank You” notes to the many, many donors of gifts, books, money and services to enable this dream to materialize.
Warren and Ethel McCarty, Mrs. George (Luella) Parr, Nepha and Anna Eyman have presented many valuable volumes to the community through their library gifts. Walter and Donna King gave the library its first framed print to hang in its present building.
R. Leo Malone was the first supervisor to help the board. He was an interested leader who attended board meetings and made useful contacts to initiate necessary steps. His successor, Elwin Roberts, gave careful attention to the needs of a growing institution. Velma Groves, present supervisor, is challenged by the increased participation of the community in its library project.
The Friends Creek Township Library is one of five Charter members of the Rolling Prairie Libraries System.
Two adjoining lots located at East East Street, formerly belonging to Herman Noble, have been purchased as a possible new building site. Final payment on the $2,000.00 investment was paid September 1966. The building fund levy was begun in 1967, $2,500.00 set aside the first year, and $6,000.00 every year after that for a 10 year period. Those funds are reinvested. The total accumulation amounts to $22,500.00.
Board members, 1973, as follows: Chairman, George S. Cooper; Vice-Chairman, Ernest Cunningham; Secretary, Mrs. Glen (Bonnie) Rolofson; Treasurer, Mrs. Lynn (Louise) Davenport; Trustee, Mrs. Walter (Donna) King; Trustee, Mrs. Howard (Phyllis) Heinz; Trustee, Raymond Blaase.
Library staff, 1973, as follows: Librarian, Mrs. Ivan (Fern) Brown; Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Nolan (Marjorie) Crumrin; Substitute Librarian, Mrs. J. D. (Eva) Richards; Library Housekeeper, Mrs. J.D. (Eva) Richards.