Friends Annual Appeal

October 12, 1945 was the grand opening of the Back Mountain Memorial Library. October 12, 2025 will be the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Back Mountain Memorial Library.

I decided to look into the history (which can be found on the Library's website) and was amazed to read that many of the activities that were started back then are still with us today.

Such as children's story time, book club and book delivery service to the 30 rural schools by Miss Lathrop, the librarian at the time. Our children's librarian, Jenn, currently delivers books to daycares and plans story time and the library hosts a weekly book club. The yearly Auction (started in 1947) and the Friends group have also continued to this day.

Fast forward 40 years and this past March marked the anniversary of the Library's move to its present location. In those 40 years, a new wing for the Children's room was added. Computers for the staff and public were purchased. Free Wi-fi access. New carpeting, paint, lighting, furniture, shelving and a completely revamped Community room was completed in 2021. With all the renovations through the years the community has always been very generous.

The part of the Library's story that I really didn't know was the Memorial part. When the founding committee was deciding on a name it was decided that it would honor service members. Its mission statement was a solemn reminder that World War 2 was still ongoing:

To be a living memorial to the Back Mountain men and women who have served in all the wars to preserve the American ideal.

Inside the library was a shelf of memorial books dedicated to the 56 young men from the Back Mountain who had been killed in action, died in service, or were missing in action. Memorial books are still purchased today in memory or honor of loved ones.

Because of the community, a dream to have a library became a reality. Because of the community, additions and renovations became a reality. Because of the community, the doors are still open 80 years later.

Thank you for supporting the Back Mountain Memorial Library!

With gratitude,

Deb Cooper

President of Friends