Friends of the Upshur County Library seeking historical information

By Phillip Williams

The Friends of the Upshur County Library organization in Gilmer is seeking historical information for its Nov. 14 celebration of the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the current library building.
“We would like to have pictures and items on loan that are connected to the library’s history,” said Friends President Steffani Chapman in a written statement. “We are also seeking information about the families, organizations, and individuals involved in creating this wonderful resource.
“Any information on past librarians, staff, and volunteers would be helpful. We would love to have some personal stories to share,” she added.
The library has been re-located several times in its nearly century-old history.
Chapman’s statement said that in 1928, the county commissioners court authorized the 20th Century Club in Gilmer “to establish and maintain a county public library,” and that it was originally set up in the then-courthouse (since razed).
It was re-located three times before opening in the current building at 702 W. Tyler, which is also Texas 154, Chapman wrote. Cynthia King is the current county librarian.
Anyone who wishes to contribute items or information for the celebration may call her at 903-841-6226 or friendssoucl@gmail.com.
The Friends will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the library. On Oct. 15-17, they will have a booth during the annual East Texas Yamboree at the Yamboree Exhibit Building.
With assistance from others, they have been revamping the “Friends Park” next to the library. It was the site of a building which housed the library for more than 20 years before the current home was constructed, and the old structure later burned down.