Library History

                                                    

Dale                                                                              Chrisney

  • 1938, the Abe Lincoln Youth District Library Association was formed to build a library in Dale, Indiana.
  • In May 1945, a Memorial Library was planned; a one-room library was developed, staffed by volunteers, and consisted of paperback books.
  • By 1978, a more formal facility was considered, and in 1985, the Dale Women’s Organization began a drive to form a permanent library. With cooperation from the town of Dale and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a room in the former St. Joseph’s Elementary School became the home of the town library.
    Members of the Dale Jaycees assisted with remodeling and with running the library.
  • In 1989, The Dale Community Volunteer Library changed its name to Lincoln Heritage Public Library, serving the demographic area that consisted of the North Spencer School Corporation (Carter, Clay, Grass, Huff, Harrison & Jackson Townships).
  • The first president of the LHPL board was Narl Conner.
  • A goal was to construct the library on property donated by the Park Board of Dale.
  • The groundbreaking was on March 2, 1991, and the dedication was on December 8, 1991.
  • The cost of the 10,000-square-foot building was $704,000, of which $63,000 was raised by donations.
  • Kathy Dilger was hired as the first librarian in 1990.
  • In 2003, a computer lab, new children’s room with a storytime room, and an Indiana/Genealogy room were added. All construction was completed in 2004.
  • The main branch celebrated its 25th anniversary in December 2016.
  • LHPL Chrisney Branch is Indiana’s first certified net-zero public library, and it used solar and geothermal technology in April 2009. Click here for more info on the Sunny Portal & More
  • Lt. Governor Becky Skillman awarded the library the Partner In Progress Award, the highest award the Lieutenant Governor gave. LHPL Chrisney Branch was recognized for being a leader in renewable energy and making a lasting impact on the state of Indiana.
  • With a population of 540 people (in the year 2006), the citizens of Chrisney donated over $80,000 for funding to build the library.
  • It was designed by lead architect Bill Brown, Director of Sustainability for Indiana, a Spencer County native.  Morton Solar & Wind, LLC, a local renewable energy solution provider built the library’s solar power pavilion.
  • The company’s owner is Brad Morton, a 1992 University of Southern Indiana graduate.
  • LHPL Chrisney Branch was staffed primarily by volunteers; many of them retired school teachers.  Chrisney native, Branch Manager, Litha Synder retired after serving the branch for ten years.  Currently, the library is under the guidance of Jackie Beeler.
  • PBS Special
  • Spencer County
  • The Chrisney Branch celebrated its 5th anniversary in April 2014.
  • The Chrisney Branch celebrated its 10th anniversary in April 2019.