Celebrating 20 Years: A History of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

20 years is a good age to reflect and refocus.

It’s been 20 years since commercial movers and the staff at Florence-Lauderdale Public Library unpacked boxes of books and the supplies needed to effectively manage this facility. After 50 years at 218 N. Wood Ave., everything and everyone made the trek next door!

Library staff pack up all of the materials in boxes for the big move to the new location next door! November 4, 2002

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Library staff pack up all of the materials in boxes for the big move to the new location next door! November 4, 2002

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

City Council President Dick Jordan, who was instrumental in leading the community to build the facility at its present location at 350 North Wood Ave , said the library “is one of the most important institutions in our society”.

Boxes upon boxes- it takes a lot to move a whole library's worth of books! November 21, 2002

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

“The old library was . . . a wonderful library and served the public well,” Jordan said “But we hadn’t kept up with the times, the world was moving into the computer age - and our library had none. We purchased computers and wired them (no Wi-Fi yet) into the newly found space in the basement with the encyclopedias that were themselves soon to be obsolete. The 50 year-old building was full of maintenance challenges and it wasn’t long before water leaks developed, requiring us to cover the new computers when it rained. It was extremely frustrating, and the library patrons began to talk of the need for a new building.”

A page from the ledger, started in 1949 when 218 N Wood Avenue opened its doors. This page recognizes attendees of the Donor Party held in December of 2002 for the new library location.

Image Credit: Sherhonda Allen

The library has an interesting past, beginning with a group of women in 1885 who formed the Ladies Library Association. The Ladies Library, as it was known, was funded through an annual $1 subscription fee, and found temporary housing at various sites in town. More than 63 years would pass before the growing collection of books would find a permanent home.

In 1945, efforts to build a permanent library were kick-started through a generous donation from the Rosenbaum family. Interest grew even more after the American Legion post in Florence donated funds toward purchasing a bookmobile. The library’s collection of books was in a temporary home at the former Hotel Reeder on East Tennessee Street. This enabled the library to have steady, full-time hours with the support of the city and the county. The steady hours pushed momentum in building a free-standing facility, and by 1948 the cornerstone was laid at 218 North Wood Avenue. One year later, more than 1,700 people attended the library’s open house.

Hotel Reeder, 216 E Tennessee St (home to the library's collection in the mid 1940's until their permanent home at 218 N Avenue was available)

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Digital Archive

FLPL at 218 N Wood Avenue, circa 1949

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Digital Archives

In the autumn of 1998, an evaluation of the old library building found it inadequate for remodeling. Jordan had raised the need for a new library building two years earlier, saying he believed it was the city’s responsibility to finance the venture.

Dick Jordan and Library Board, circa 2001

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Construction on new location at 350 N Wood Avenue, November 13, 2001

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Construction on new location at 350 N Wood Avenue, September 1, 2002

Image Credit: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

“A short time later, the decision was made to build a new golf course that would become Blackberry Trails,” Jordan said “(The late) Mayor (Eddie) Frost and I knew that we shouldn’t build a golf course without also looking at a new library. The very next council meeting the decision was confirmed and the plans began for the amazing library we have today."

The library’s programming, services and collections continue to grow. Through the generous support of the city, county and community, library staff members were able to pivot and continue offering services online, virtually and curbside during the pandemic. And in 2021, we returned to a successful in-person Summer Reading Program, which was a wonderful celebration with our patrons.

FLPL at 350 N Wood Avenue, September 2022

Image Credit: Samantha Mitchem

“Of all the decisions that I’ve been a part of over the past 40 years - it is the library that brings me the most pride and sense of accomplishment,” Jordan said. “It is free, available to everyone young and old, and is one of the most important institutions in our society- from books to programs, support for literacy, and the preservation of our history. Our library is a gathering place, a place of learning and education, a place to connect . . . I still believe it is the cornerstone of our downtown.”