During the winter months of late 1896 and early 1897, a group of approximately 20 local ladies formed a reading and study circle. The group chose the name The "Fin de siecle" Club, a phrase popularized in the late 1890's by author Oscar Wilde, which means "end of an era" or "end of the century." Their express purpose was to raise the cultural level of the city. Each Friday afternoon from November until April the club met for varied programs, music and readings.
As the established ending date drew near, many of the ladies began to discuss the possibility of organizing a library in Smith Centre. On April 28, 1897 the group received the official ninety-nine year charter of what would then be known as the "Women's Harmony Library Club." According to the original copy of the charter, the club's purpose was "to interest women in literature, and to build up a public library in Smith Centre." Any woman over the age of sixteen was eligible for membership upon signing the charter, paying a $1 yearly membership fee and "faithfully" attending the club's weekly meetings.
Members of the W.H.L.C. then began the task of soliciting funds and other donations from prominent citizens. In a matter of just a few weeks, their efforts were rewarded. A Main Street 12’ x 18’ upper-floor office was donated, rent-free, for a period of one year. Members of the club began searching for donations of furniture, shelving, paint, wallpaper and other items to renovate the space. Tables and shelves were collected and club members each brought one chair from home to create an eclectic assortment of furnishings. After polling the superintendent of the city schools, ministers, doctors and lawyers, in a few short weeks, a collection of approximately 360 “suitable” books had been acquired. With members of the club acting as librarians, the doors of Smith Centre's first library were thrown open to an eagerly-waiting public. The Library was open to the public each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon from 2-5 P.M. "Reading cards" were sold to the public for $1 for a year’s exchange of books.
In the following years, the Women’s Harmony Library Club library changed locations several times. By the early 1920’s, after passing a bond issue to construct a community building, the city of Smith Center began looking for a site near Main Street. The general consensus was that the lots belonging to the library, on West Court Street, were most ideal. After 25 years of service, on February 1, 1922 the W.H.L.C. deeded their 4 lots to the city. An agreement was reached with the following provisions: The library would become city property, the new building would house the library and upkeep would be through taxes, and the city would employ a full-time librarian. The W.H.L.C. disbanded in December of 1922 and the management has since been under a library board and the city council.
After a number of years in the west side of the City Hall basement, the Smith Center Public Library outgrew the facilities. In 1965 the Library received a federal $10,000 Library Improvement Grant to be matched with local funds. The money was used to remodel the upstairs auditorium into a library. A new heating/cooling system and carpeting were installed and new furnishings were purchased. An open house was held in October 1966 but the actual move was not completed until early 1967.
The present ground floor library was completed in 1994. Funds were donated from several local sources, with main funding from the estate of Milton A. Srader. From its early beginnings in a tiny 2nd story room in 1897, the library has evolved into a spacious and accessible facility that can be enjoyed by all.
The original collection of 360 books has grown to over 18,000 books and other materials. At its inception the library “rented” its books. The library now has a wide variety of materials and services available to the public at no charge. The town of Smith Center and area residents will be forever indebted to the small group of women of the Women's Harmony Library Club. Without their vision for providing a source of culture for our town, their undaunted efforts in making their dream a reality, and their foresight to plan for future generations, we would not have the resources and building we can now enjoy.
