Humble Beginnings
In March of 1872 at an 'upper room' meeting, Mrs. M. L. Ward and Mrs. Ruth Griffin proposed sharing the expense of purchasing books that could be shared for the enjoyment of all. In a short time, nine of the fifteen ladies present paid $1 each in dues.
Mrs. M. L. Ward
Mrs. Ruth Griffin
Mrs. H. J. Smith
Mrs. L. H. Holt
Mrs. E. E. Fuller
Mrs. Asa Lathrop
Mrs. H. H. Ludington
Mrs. Delia Norris
Miss Lucy Hatch
This first reading group named themselves the Ottawa Reading Club and began meeting at Ottawa University and in the homes of its members. By September, the reading club had grown and evolved, forming an organization and renaming themselves the Ottawa Library Association.
The First Official business meeting was held on October 1st, with fifty-seven ladies having paid dues.
Information found with The Carnegie Legacy in Kansas by Allen Gardiner