Strathmore Branch Library

History of the Strathmore Branch Library

In December, 1910, Strathmore citizens petitioned to establish a County library deposit station, and in June 1911, a station was set up in Harry North's Barber Shop. Mrs. North was custodian of the collection of 50 books, and the hours were 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Later moves took it to Anway's Butcher shop in 1912, and the Economy Store in 1913. On July 1st, 1913, under revised State law, it officially became the Strathmore Branch of the Tulare County Library.

In December, 1913, it was moved to a room in the new Strathmore Town and Country Club on the corner of Guthrie and Lawson Streets. Having a whole room to itself, it became a library with a public reading room. The Women's Club bought the building in 1930 and gave the Library the larger room. Altogether, it was in this building for 23 years.

In 1936, it was moved to a new Town and Country Club House on Balfour St.. Here, during WWII, it was opened in the mornings for the first time.

Mrs. Mary Frances Douglas was appointed librarian in 1947. In 1964 the Church of Christ purchased the building and kept the Library as a tenant until 1976.

Then, in February, 1976, the Strathmore Branch Library was built at 19646 Road 230. It was financed from Revenue Sharing Funds allocated by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors and is still the Strathmore Branch building today.

Mary Frances Douglas retired in 1983, having served as Strathmore Branch manager for 35 years.

Today, you may stop in and meet Branch Manager, Donna Ellis