Download Library History - Town of Franklinville

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)