The Hermiston Public Library will host its centennial celebration on Friday, May 16 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Hermiston Library Director Marie Baldo said the library will have historical documents dating back to the library’s beginnings.
“There’s actually a lot of minutes, and correspondence from the early days,” she said. “We have all the materials and photos placed on tables in the Lanham Room and those with special significance will be read out loud by our guests.”
During the celebration, the library will have displays, photos, and memorabilia to explore as well as a concert by the Hermiston High School Jazz Band.
“This is an open house, so everyone is encouraged to stop by, look at the displays, speak to volunteers and staff, and enjoy the refreshments and music,” Baldo said.
Historical tours of the adjacent Carnegie Library and the current facility will be conducted by staff members and volunteers throughout the afternoon. Commemorative bookmarks provided by the Friends of the Hermiston Public Library will be presented as long as the supply lasts. Special balloons and pencils are available for younger patrons.
The birthday celebration will include a special cake made by members of the library Staff. The official cake cutting will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. using a circa 1914 cake knife donated for this special event.
Library service began in Hermiston on May 16, 1914 after a library committee met and organized on May 14, 1914. The first librarian was Miss Edith Prann. The library was located, along with other civic organizations, in a building on Main Street. On Feb. 23, 1915 the Hermiston City Council passed an ordinance providing for a free public library and the official appointment of a library board.
This ordinance and the city’s subsequent actions paved the way to obtaining, with significant help from the county library, a grant from the Carnegie Foundation to help the city build a permanent library building. The building was completed in February 1919 and served the city and generations of students and families for many years.
Discussion over a new library building began in 1986 with many possibilities explored and rejected. Finally a decision was made to build on the current location and construction started. The library moved to its current location in May 1989.
For more information, call Hermiston Public Library at 541-567-2882.
More Stores from Northeast Oregon Now:
Mailing Made Easy Celebrates Grand Opening
Public Can Meet Sandstone Principal Finalists
