EARLY HISTORY OF CHERRY COUNTY, NEBRASKA

     (173) When the Valentine Lakes Wild Fowl Refuge was created, school district 72 was within its boundaries. This made it necessary to discontinue the district. The territory taken in by district 72 was attached to districts 109 and 178, they being adjoining districts. At the time this change was made there was about $1,500.00 in the treasury of district 72. This amount was transferred to districts 109 and 178. Miss Elsie Roth, county superintendent, suggested that a public library be created with this fund to be used by all of the rural districts of the county without charge other than postage. She called a meeting of the patrons of the districts 109 and 178 to meet in her office Dec. 5th, 1939, for the purpose of discussing the proposition of creating a public library. The meeting was well attended and it was decided to establish such a library. The ranch of George K. Sawyer which was taken over by the government as a part of the wild fowl refuge composed a large part of district 72, hence the name "Sawyer Library Fund" was selected in his honor. A library board of three members was established to have charge of the fund.

     George K. Sawyer was chosen president, H. J. Harms, vice president, and C. S. Reece, secretary-treasurer. An order for 287 books was placed as a beginning. Miss Roth was to make the selection of the books. She consented to act as librarian without pay. From this beginning the library has grown until more than two thousand books have been purchased and added to the volumes owned.

     When Miss Roth's term expired, Miss Zetta Tate, her successor, has acted as librarian, also without pay. Many districts contribute to its support each year. The library is used by practically every district in the county. As funds are received new books are purchased each year. Any pupil in rural Cherry County is entitled to use the books from this library.

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