1906 |
Traveling library in Easley |
1929 |
Easley Women's Club Began Efforts to provide public library |
1935 |
Pickens County Library Association organized; headquarters established in Easley |
1948 |
Headquarters moved in Easley Public Library building; specially designed for this purpose |
1962 |
Branch libraries opened in Central and Clemson |
1966 |
Liberty branch opened |
1970 |
Headquarters moved into new library building |
1970 |
Headquaters moved into new library building |
1975 |
Pickens Village branch opened |
The Women's Club of Easley assisted by the Easley Garden Club, Child Study Club, and Civic League, sposored and maintained the first public library in Easley. Only two bookcases housed the first collection, but this provided the nucleus for the present Pickens County Library System. The FERA in 1935 encouraged the founding of the Pickens Library Association Which organized the county system funded by FERA funds and membership dues of $1.00, which during the Depression was often paid with eggs, chickens, beef, or produce. Library headquarters was established in easley, and an old $50 truck began bookmobile service to rural areas. The WPA set a budget of $10,000 to which the county contributed $1,000. After thirteen years of moves the library was finally located in the Easley Public Library building until 1970 when its own building was dedicated. This library has been a model in the field of public relations, winning an award for its excellent program, as well as a fine example of how to meet the changing needs of the county and area.