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The Clifton Forge Public Library is pleased to showcase the library’s 50th anniversary displays.
At one time, Clifton Forge was the only city in the Commonwealth of Virginia without a public library. That changed when City Council appointed a Library Board on December 13, 1971, thereby establishing the Clifton Forge Public Library.
The library first opened on July 11, 1972, at the Clifton Forge Women’s Club, located on Commercial Street. It opened with a collection of 3210 volumes which included the book collection that the Women’s Club donated.
By 1973, a drive had been launched to secure funds for a building and on May 27, 1975, the new building was formally opened. On July 20, 1975, a dedication of the new building was held.
By the late ‘90s, it was necessary to consider expanding the library’s space. June 4, 1998 saw the dedication of a newly renovated building that more than doubled the space. Computers for patron usage were also added.
While several distinguished librarians served as head librarian or director of the library, it is perhaps Michael W. Armstrong who is among the better known. He served as director from July 1985 through August 2001. On May 31, 2001, the Clifton Forge City Council recognized him for his service to the library. The Council dedicated and named the library’s community meeting room in Michael’s honor.
In May of 2007, after 35 years of service, the library went live with a new integrated library system, made possible by grants from The Alleghany Foundation and USDA-Rural Development. These grants also made possible in June 2007, the purchase and installation of internet accessible computers for both adults and children, along with staff computers and computer stations.
The two displays highlight some of the many people who were instrumental in the library’s growth and services throughout the past 50 years – people like Elizabeth Locher, Gertrude Gibson, and Gretel Anderson, along with Ann Drewry, Mary Backels, and Ron Dowd. Focus is placed on a sampling of news articles, photographs, and more recent program records.
The “50th Anniversary” exhibits will be on display at the Clifton Forge Public Library throughout October and November.