Library History
Through the efforts of several civic minded persons-Dr. and Mrs. Frank Hasting, Mr. Dennis Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Scott, and Mr. John L. Porter, principal of Washington County High School, and under the aegis of Mrs. Elizabeth Beamguard, director of the Alabama Public Library Service, and the Town Council of Chatom, a small library was established. The Washington County Public Library officially opened to the public at 3pm August 19, 1956 in a classroom on the present site of the home economics building at Washington County High School.
In the beginning the library was financed by volunteer efforts, which consisted of bake sales, pancake suppers, and other fundraising events. This money was used for furnishing the room, painting, shelving, and carpentry work.
The first Board of Directors, appointed by the Chatom town council in May, 1956, consisted of: Mr. Howard Moss, Chairman until his death in 1960, Mrs. Elva Floyd, Mr. Lamar Agee, Mrs. Edith Wilcox, and Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, who became chairman upon Mr. Moss’ death, and later Wilene Quimby was elected and replaced Floyd in 1959. A librarian, Mrs. Ola Warrick, was chosen and the Library was opened for twelve hours every week. With the help of volunteers, Mrs. Warrick served for fourteen years as librarian. Dr. Claire Ramesy served on the board from 1976-1995 and was very instrumental in guiding the Washington County Public Library to become what it is today.
Books were furnished by the Alabama Public Library Service from their depository in Montgomery. Dennis Porter, a state representative at the time, would pick up and return books which were loaned for use in the library from the state depository during his trips to legislature. Later, Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Scott, and other library volunteers made these trips. Books were circulated throughout the county through County Extension Service home demonstration agents. They carried books to club meetings in various communities where members could check them out till the next meeting.
In 1964 the library moved when the new Town of Chatom municipal building was built with a special room for the library. Then in 1979 an addition was built. Jessie Blouke became the second librarian serving from 1970-1984. Linda Wood then became librarian in 1984.
Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Scott, a trust was left upon their deaths to assist with building the new library. During Wood’s time as librarian she observed and oversaw the construction of the new library building and had a great influence over the design and inclusion of the beautiful courtyard in the center of the library. She resigned in 1991. Karen Jesse severed as librarian from 1991-2002. During which the present facility was opened in 1992. It is a building in which the citizens of Washington County can take great pride. From 2002 to 2004 Mrs. Maureen Womack served as librarian. Then in October 2004 Jessica Ross became Librarian and continues to serve the Washington County Public Library today as director.
