| Our branch library is the end result of an attempt to establish
library services for children in the South End. The year was 1886, and
Principal Anna L.Coffin and teacher Emma M. Lander wanted to start a
children's library in the Johnson Grammar School. As school libraries
were not the norm, the two women proposed a
branch library that would reach more of Ward One's children than could
be serviced through the school. The city proposed a branch in 1899, but
was not able to fund the effort.
Citizens soon came through when the city could not, to establish a
reading room for Joppa's children. With donations of $52.00, the Misses
Lander and Coffin rented 17 Union Street, a house recently vacated by
the members of the Gun Club. The South End Reading Association was
formed on January 1, 1900, with Emma Lander acting as Secretary. That
year the library circulated 5,023 books to 303 registered borrowers.
For the next five years, the South End Reading Association raised funds.
By February, 1905, as a result of the labors of many public and several
private donations, William T. Humphrey's house was purchased for the
princely sum of $3,500. The building was dedicated July 20,1905, and
continues to serve as the library's home to this day.
By 1911, 13,000 volumes had been circulated to 809 browsers.
Throughout the years, Emma Lander, now Mrs.Charles Andrews, had remained
a stalwart supporter, serving as secretary of the Association and
supervisor of the library's staff. She passed away on June 11, 1928, and
the library was later renamed in her honor.
The library was made a branch of the Newburyport Public Library in
1928 and turned over to the city. Friends and neighbors have continued
their work over the years to help the library in varied ways from whist
parties to sales of books, baked goods and
plants.
STORY HOURS: Story hours for 4 and
5 year olds are scheduled regularly on Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 2:15
PM for six week periods. Parents provide snacks of cookies and
drinks. The next session begins in October. Sign up sheet for
the fall story hour will be posted at the Ice Cream Social on August
22nd.. ON-GOING
BOOK SALE: The Branch is conducting an "On-Going Book
Sale" in the back room of the library that is now designated
"The Book Store." Paperbacks and hardcovers are
available at very reasonable prices. Many books are in "like
new" condition and are worthy of gift giving. Others are
books withdrawn from the regular shelves and include popular
authors. The Book Store is open during regular hours of the
library (Wednesdays 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to Noon). Due
to limited space, the Branch cannot accept any more donations at this
time. NEWS FROM THE BRANCH:
Our Annual Plant Sale will be held Saturday, June 7th.
Call 978/465-4430 for information
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