Carrollton Public Library
Welcome to the Carrollton Public Library, a cornerstone of knowledge and community in the heart of Carrollton, Missouri. Our story dates back to 1938 when a visionary group of fourteen women, the charter members of the Forum Club, embarked on a mission to bring the gift of literature and learning to their town. United by the motto "Not for ourselves, but others," these remarkable women, including Mrs. J. W. Miles, Mrs. W. S. Parkins, and Mrs. John Kratz, laid the foundation for what would become the Carrollton Public Library.
In collaboration with the State Library Commission Extension Service, the Forum Club successfully transformed its vision into reality, and in 1939, the library officially opened its doors in the basement of City Hall. The library's humble beginnings were marked by a book tea held in April 1939, where the community contributed 290 books and $21.00 in cash. Over the years, with dedicated volunteer efforts and the support of the Works Progress Administration, the library flourished, eventually leading to a two-mill tax in 1952 and a bond issue in 1955 for the construction of the present 5,000-square-foot library, completed in 1958 for $70,000.
Today, the Carrollton Public Library stands proudly on the historic square of downtown Carrollton, a 12,880 square feet state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blending with the century-old buildings that surround it. This remarkable space, born out of the generosity of over 600 benefactors, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the commitment to fostering knowledge that has defined our library throughout its storied history. Join us on a journey through the pages of the past and present as we continue to be a beacon of inspiration and learning for generations to come.