Ford dealer Henry Fette was chosen to head up the campaign and to get other corporate and private donors to support the drive. In February 1951, the Council approved an additional $224,056 for construction and equipment. Ground was broken on April 6, 1952, pictured top of page, and construction began. But Clifton was always a cost-conscious community. After receiving the funds, Library Board President Fette wrote in the program that the group took to the “task of cutting down and eliminating to save money.” Donations were received by groups and individuals, including the Wartime Salvage Committee, which provided furnishings for the reading room. Residents saw the library quickly become a reality and by December, the task of moving from the old location at First and Clifton Aves. was done in three weeks. “The city now owns its own public library,” Fette concluded, adding it was built... “in memory of the young men who gave their lives for their country.” The Library was formally dedicated on Jan. 31, 1953. Fast forward to Nov. 5, 1989—ground was broken for a new structure to double the size of the main library. The city bonded $3.5 million, the state contributed $200,000 and $500,000 was raised through donations. The new structure was two years in the making and featured the newest technology, as well as plenty more shelves with traditional books, was officially dedicated on Nov. 10, 1991.
The Clifton Library near Clifton and Main Aves. in 1938
At Piaget and Third Aves., in 1953 and today.
Clifton Merchant • October 2015
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