History of the
Tremont District Library
(formerly Esther Washburn Public Library)

Original Esther Washburn Public Library volunteers
Top row from left: Della Studyvin, Lydia Koch,
Evelyn Toepfer, Martha Getz. Ida Jeanpert on left.
Seated Shirley Bolliger Fry and Mabel Beyer.
We don't know the person standing to the right between
Shirley and Mabel. If anyone knows who this is please
e-mail us. Thank you!
The public library was established officially in 1928 and was
originally named for it's generous supporter and patron, Esther
Washburn. One of the first "subscription libraries" in the state
was started in the 1840's in Tremont, but this later folded. A
library started by the local Women's Club in the early 1900's was
the foundation for the public library.


In 1972, the library moved from it's location at 117 S. Sampson to
213 S. Sampson. An addition was built in 1977. In 1991, the library
name was legally changed to the Tremont District Library to avoid
confusion with the Washburn Public Library. The reading area of the
library was designated the Esther Washburn Reading Room and a plaque
was placed on the wall in memory of Esther Washburn.


The Tremont District Library expanded it's boundaries in 1993 to
include the Tremont School District 702. The present building program
began in 1995 with building consultant Robert Plotzke. A construction
grant was applied for in the fall of 1996 and construction began in
September 1997.



This page maintained by: Judy Scheirer - (trdl@dpc.net)