History

In 1901, a small group of Mansfield citizens became interested in establishing a public library, and the present library is the outgrowth of their efforts and vision. They met with the Mansfield Board of Education at its organizational meeting on June 3, 1901. It was this school board and a few citizens that took action to start the founding of the library. They decided that if the citizens could raise $400.00, the board would appropriate $200.00 and elect 9 trustees, for the establishing and maintaining a Public Library.

The requirements had been met by December 1901 and the first books were purchased from a second hand bookstore in Philadelphia. Many other books were given by loyal friends. When in 1910, the need for a larger and better facilities was noted, an appeal was made to Andrew Carnegie for a gift to erect a library building. The Borough had to agree to maintain a free library at a cost of $500.00 a year and to furnish a prepared site.

The citizens again responded and pledged $1,022.75 to purchase and prepare the site. The Carnegie Grant of $5,000. was received in April 1911. Mr. Carnegie made this remark.

”I do not think that the Community which is not willing to maintain a library had better possess it. It is not only the feeling that the library belongs to every citizen, richest and poorest alike, that gives it a soul, as it were. The library buildings that I am giving are the property of all the members of the community which maintain them.”