Today in Wheeling History: January 31--The "Wheeling Intelligencer" reported the Wheeling Library Association, established in 1859 as a subscription library, faced possible closure in 1880 without increased financial support from stockholders (1880).
The Ohio County Public Library originated from earlier subscription libraries in Wheeling, West Virginia, starting with the Wheeling Library Company in 1807. However, in 1880, the Wheeling Library Association’s library faced difficulties sustaining itself, with expenses exceeding revenues. Despite reducing staff salaries and acquisitions, by 1880, its future seemed uncertain without increased support. It reopened on October 12, 1882, as the free Wheeling Public Library, initially located over R.J. Smyth's grocery at 14th and Market Streets. It moved to the Masonic Temple (1894-1907) on Chapline Street, then the Schmulbach Building (1907-1910) at 12th and Market Streets, before relocating to the Delaplaine dry goods house on Main Street (1910-1911). In January 1911, it moved into a dedicated building at 2100 Market Street designed by Charles W. Bates. This served as the main library until May 1973, when the library moved to its current location at 52 16th Street. The library pioneered services like West Virginia's first bookmobile in 1935. Legislation in 1933 officially established the Ohio County Public Library as its own entity with a board of trustees, cementing its status as the state's oldest tax-supported public library.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/3x9t2npc) (http://tinyurl.com/w4td5faf) (http://tinyurl.com/yv7ebemt) (http://tinyurl.com/mr26uxjy) (http://tinyurl.com/2mw2ayza) (http://tinyurl.com/2295ssfp)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
The Ohio County Public Library originated from earlier subscription libraries in Wheeling, West Virginia, starting with the Wheeling Library Company in 1807. However, in 1880, the Wheeling Library Association’s library faced difficulties sustaining itself, with expenses exceeding revenues. Despite reducing staff salaries and acquisitions, by 1880, its future seemed uncertain without increased support. It reopened on October 12, 1882, as the free Wheeling Public Library, initially located over R.J. Smyth's grocery at 14th and Market Streets. It moved to the Masonic Temple (1894-1907) on Chapline Street, then the Schmulbach Building (1907-1910) at 12th and Market Streets, before relocating to the Delaplaine dry goods house on Main Street (1910-1911). In January 1911, it moved into a dedicated building at 2100 Market Street designed by Charles W. Bates. This served as the main library until May 1973, when the library moved to its current location at 52 16th Street. The library pioneered services like West Virginia's first bookmobile in 1935. Legislation in 1933 officially established the Ohio County Public Library as its own entity with a board of trustees, cementing its status as the state's oldest tax-supported public library.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/3x9t2npc) (http://tinyurl.com/w4td5faf) (http://tinyurl.com/yv7ebemt) (http://tinyurl.com/mr26uxjy) (http://tinyurl.com/2mw2ayza) (http://tinyurl.com/2295ssfp)
Photo Credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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