History of the Darby Library

The roots of the Darby Community Public Library extend back to 1921, when 12 Darby ladies organized a Literary Guild to establish a library in town. Later, the group currently known as the Darby Women's Club, revived the idea and began offering books to be checked out monthly to community members. Sadly, for lack of a place to house the books, they were donated to the school in l938.

In 1925, Abbie Osborne, the Darby telephone operator and a voracious reader, began loaning out her extensive book collection to local residents.

In 1953, Marge Loper and Sadie Honey arranged for brightly painted bookshelves, shuffle board and nickelodeon to be placed in the Odd Fellows Hall, where teenagers were encouraged to meet and spend time. They put out the word that books were needed, and the community responded.

When a new fire hall was built, Mrs. Loper asked the Town Council if the old fire hall (a charming small log building) could be used for a library. Her request was approved. Naturally, the doors that allowed fire truck access, were no longer needed. A new door and window were constructed that were much more suitable for library patrons!

Books were moved from the Odd Fellows Hall. More were donated by Abbie Osborne and the Missoula Library. Marge Loper and Lenora Schrock moved all the books into the new library. When they found they needed help with the bookshelves, they went to a local bar and recruited a couple of willing customers to strong-arm the shelving into the library.

The Library became official by action of the Darby Town Council in 1956. It was staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by a second-hand store.

Additional important events were:
Library Board of Trustees established in 1993
Building upgraded in 1997 through donations of money and labor
Free public internet access via a grant in 1998
Darby Community Public Library District formed by a vote of the people in 1999
Four lots purchased in 1999 for a new library
Friends of the Darby Library established in 2000 to raise funds
Ground breaking for the new library in May 2003
Occupancy targeted for summer 2004
Grand Opening was in September 2004