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History As early as 1905, there were citizens of Dale that saw a need for a library. A branch of the state circulating library was established at Dale and the books were cared for at J. W. Ladd’s drug store. “Any responsible party will have access to the books, which are of the very best. Each party using the books will be asked to make a payment of 10 cents per quarter to pay the expressage on the books.” That same year, J. W. Cooper, township trustee, resurrected the Carter Township Library and had the books placed in the Peter Heichelbech’s store where anyone was at liberty to borrow and read the volumes composing the collection. The library consisted of over 200 volumes of books. These books had been stored away in Mariah Hill for several years. An organization known as the “Abe Lincoln Youth District Library Association” was organized in 1938, for the purpose of building a library in Dale. Officers of this organization were: O. V. Brown, president, E. H. Loehr, vice president, S. G. Johnson, secretary, A. J. Wedeking, treasurer. Directors were A. J. Brown, O. I. Brooner, E. T. Winkler and E. C. Weller. In May 1945, an announcement was placed in the Dale Weekly Reporter asking every citizen to meet at the Dale High School to discuss plans for a Memorial Library to honor “our fighting sons and daughters.” Volunteers staffed one room with paperbacks. At one time individuals had only to bring in a paperback to borrow a paperback. This did not prove as successful as hoped. After the Santa Claus Community Center was erected in 1978, concerned citizens tried to establish a more formal facility. This was in actuality a room within the Center that housed a collection from Perry-Spencer Bookmobile. Although it was useful, it still did not satisfy the public’s needs. In 1985, several members of the Dale Women’s Organization banded together to use their talents and energies in forming a library. At this time Judy Brockriede became known as a leader of the movement in promoting library services in the area. She received tremendous support from individuals, businesses and various clubs and associations. With the cooperation of the town of Dale and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a location for a volunteer library was given. During 1986, in what was once an elementary classroom in the building known as St. Joseph’s Elementary School, the Dale community volunteer library became a reality. Volunteers included: Judy Brockriede, Deanna (Davey) Buxton, Cindy Barnes, Diana Bockstahler, Mary Payne, Glenda Schaefer, Mildred Taylor, Aline Wilson, and many others from the community. The Dale Jaycees helped clean, paint, erect shelves, collect, and process books and staff the building for library services. Membership was charged for library privileges. Fund raising activities were held and donations were solicited to procure monies for the acquisition of new materials. Story Hour was provided for preschoolers; talking book service became available; and service to the homebound was included. Finally it was deemed feasible to develop an independent public library that would serve the same demographic area as the North Spencer School Corporation’s consisting of Carter, Clay, Jackson, Harrison, Huff and Grass townships. In 1989, the Dale Community Volunteer Library had its name changed to the Lincoln Heritage Public Library. The Library was to be officially governed by its own board. A library board of directors was formed. Narl Conner was elected president, Victoria Winkler, secretary and John Chrisney, treasurer. Under the supervision of the board, formal proceedings were taken for the construction of a new library on the site donated by the Park Board of the Town of Dale. Construction was to be in front of the Dale Community Center. Seifert’s Construction Company was hired as architects for the new building and the Building Project commenced. In February of 1990, Kathy Dilger was hired as the first librarian of the official public library. Mr. Walter Beumel was employed as the assistant and was followed by Mrs. Beth (Snyder) Hirt after his resignation. Clerks were Mary Payne, Diana Bockstahler, Kim Hile, Carol Powers, and Donna Bockstahler. Aline Wilson continued her volunteer services and Mildred Taylor continued the Story Hour program. During 1990, the library opted to supplement its collection by retaining the services of the Perry-Spencer County Bookmobile. In the spring of the year the library became a member of the Four Rivers Area Library Services Authority, which broadened research and reference capabilities. It then became a reciprocal borrowing/lending library within the state in cooperation with the State Library. The Lincoln Heritage Public Library broke ground on March 2, 1991, and was dedicated on December 8, 1991. The total cost of the 10,000 square foot library was $704,000.00 of which $63,000.00 was raised via donations. The library contained two floors with the top floor devoted to the circulation area, children’s room, and genealogy room. The bottom floor consisted of a community room which seats 250 people, as well as a storage and maintenance room. A bond issue with a ten-year repayment was used to finance the new library. Judy Walton was hired as head librarian for the new facility. This historical account was compiled by Daryl Lovell and Ellen Winkler Rexing for the Dale History Committee. Their book, Dale, Indiana, 1843-1993 is available for check out at the library. The 1991 dedication services of the library are available for checkout on VHS videotape.
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