Balancing the books...to buy some books.
Fairlee finally agrees to finance a library.

September 28, 1898, marked the meager beginnings of the Fairlee Public Library.

The town of Fairlee decided to allot a whopping $15 per year for the library. The money was to be used for facilities, staffing and for the purchase of books.

When the library opened, its collection was comprised of 103 books from the state and 79 books contributed by individuals.

In just four short years, the library recorded 461 books borrowed by patrons. Although that count did not reflect the number of books the library owned, it was a meaningful indicator to the town that the library was serving a significant community audience.

The Vermont Book Of Days photo.

September Archives | September 29