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John W. Clark Public Library In the year 1924 libraries were few in number throughout North Carolina and it was almost unheard of for a town small as Franklinville to have one. In that year over a half century ago, the late John Clark, industrialist who had come to Randolph Mills and eventually became president, got with several local people, badgered them to contribute books along with his own, and started a little public library in a small room of the Community House. Katherine Buie, then a junior in Woman's College (UNC-G) was on summer vacation and volunteered her services as first librarian, assisted by OIlie Fentriss. North Carolina State Library, hearing of the project, approved "two large boxes" of books on long term loan to the little library. The library grew, even in that first year, and Miss Mary Moon became associated with the facility and in 1926 became librarian. The library was moved to the old Franklinville Store Co. building at a basement location, and Miss Moon, assisted by her sister, Esther Moon, attracted youngsters to read by having games on the tables at all times, then when youngsters were tired of playing, induced them to pick up books. Through 1929 and the early thirties, the Great Depression closed mighty banks but the Franklinville Library plodded on, being an even greater asset during the long period of work idleness by providing recreational outlet for the populace. Along about 1931, Franklinville Library became an inspiration for a delegation of visitors from Asheboro who were planning a library for the county seat. About this time, Virtie Lambert became librarian, expanding the services and seeing the local unit, in 1936, become part of the Randolph County Library System, then in elementary stages of formation. Mrs. S. E. Leonard of Ramseur became temporary librarian when Miss Lambert took a leave of absence. During World War II the library continued yeoman service during the more or less restricted travel period, and was staffed by Mrs. W. P. Rodgers, who became the fourth fulltime librarian to serve. During 1943 Mrs. Howard Saunders became librarian and continued until 1947. She also was appointed librarian in 1947, and under her operation the library was moved to the first floor of the Masonic Lodge building. Mrs. Wallace left the position in 1950 and Mrs. Saunders again took over. Mrs. Earl Maness became librarian in 1954, followed by Mrs. Maxine King, who was appointed in April, 1960 and continues to serve at this time. She has seen the library moved to the second floor of a commercial building on Main Street and in 1973 the Town Board adopted the Library Ordinance making it a department of the Town government supported by tax monies and gifts. It remains under the supervision of the County Library System. The first community wide library board was formed in 1961 and since that date, many changes have taken place, in both enlargement of the library, increase in volumes and related operational factors. Following the death of the founder in 1969, Franklinville Library was renamed the John W. Clark Public Library, in memory of the man who started the first public library in Randolph County. (Excerpts from article by Henry King in Courier-Tribune on 50th Anniversary of founding)