History of Our Library here in Prichard
First, there was a need for a library in the city of Prichard, and there were a number of dedicated people with faith in the city and vision for its future. These individuals and groups were responsible for sowing the seed that made the dream become a reality. Prichard Public Library officially opened on June 17, 1940, the day was Monday, the time 1:30 P.M. Mr. T. M. Wilkens, who was the mayor of Prichard at that time he gave the opening remarks and presented Mrs. Nell B. Mixon as the first Libarian. Mrs. Maude Mc Millan was appointed her assistant and Mrs. Mc Millan remained at the library for many years. Mrs. Mixon remianed libarian until 1963, when she retired. The first board of trustees was Mr. E. L. Clark, J. M. Moulyet, Reverand W. M. Fore. It was through the wise and dedicated supervisory of Mrs. Mixon that the library continued to grow because those were troubled years. Establishment of the library was made possible through appropiations set aside by the Mobile County Commision in compliance with a state law. The W.P.A. was in operation at that time and collection of books were matched by new books from the W.P.A. Personnel was also supplied by the W.P.A. to mend worn books and other necessary tasks. The largest single donation was 400 books, donated by Mr. F. O. Immler, who was Prichard's first city clerk when the city was incorporated in 1925. There were approximately 1000 books when the library began operation. At that time only one book could be borrowed at a time, the limit now is four. During 1945 the need for a larger library became so necessary that on October 25, 1945 the city purchased the property where the old Mayer Street branch was located for $6,000. Plans for the library were gathered and construction of the new Prichard Public Library was under way. It is interesting to note that Mr. Quitman Cooper, who was a member of the city council at that time, submitted the motion during a council meeting to go forward with plans for the new library. Mr. Cooper and a very young daughter, Edwina, who is now Mrs. Wendell Black and who was employed at the library as a young adult libarian. Mrs. Black was at the library for two years. Getting back to the plans for the new library - a war was going on at that time and the dream did not come true until later. Service men were beginning to come home, the war was soon over and the veterans building was erected on the proposed library site. Then in 1952 the veterans secured another location and the building was then given over for the new location of the library (30 by 64 feet, 1,920 square feet). The city completely renovated the building, the grounds were landscaped and on December 6, 1953 the new library was formally opened with a reception. Due to the growth of the city and the continued efforts of those interested in the library in 1962 an addition to the library was planned and in 1963 this was complete and in use. The addition was exactly the same size as the library formerly had giving twice the amount of space (60 by 64 feet, 3,840 sqare feet). Again there was no more room and in 1967, a new entrance foyer and reading room was completed and open for use (1,112 square feet). The reading room was comfortably furnished with drapes, several newspapers, periodicals, reference books, and other books of interest. This reading room was for adults, college, and career people. There was a need for this type room in the library. During this period of time the Hogan's Lane Libary was closed and all the citizens of Prichard began to use the new libary facility. The new facility remained in use by the citizens of Prichard until the construction of the 1-65 bypass, at which time the Meaher Street facility was demolished and a new facility was constructed. The new 9,180 feet Prichard Public Library building was built at 300 Love Joy Loop West and was funded by the Alabama State Highway Department in conjuction with the Federal Highway Administration.