Farmington Water System

Farmington Water System Municipal Water Report Information

The Farmington Public Library's history dates back to 1915, when the United Daughters of the Confederacy organized a "night of music and reading" event. The initial "Reading Rooms" were housed in the Tetley Building, then relocated to Farmington High School, before returning to the Tetley Building. The library officially opened in May 1916 with a modest collection of 150 books, which expanded to 1,600 volumes by 1917.

In April 1920, the library moved to the Farmer's Bank Building. Plans were underway for a fifth relocation to Long Memorial Hall, constructed as a tribute to pioneer William Dubart Long. A fire delayed the formal dedication, which eventually took place on October 31, 1924. The Farmington Public Library remained in Long Memorial Hall until August 1980, when it transferred to 108 W. Harrison St.

Services gradually expanded beyond books to include magazines, newspapers, large print books, audio books on tape, and videos. Additional services now encompass interlibrary loan participation, state Summer Reading Program involvement, children's story hours, copying services, audio-visual equipment loans, microfilm readers in the genealogy department, computerized card catalog and circulation systems, and equipment for the visually impaired. A delivery service for homebound residents has also been added.

In 1977, a proposal for a new library facility was presented to the City Council. With support from Friends of the Library, library board members, and a dedicated librarian, plans for a new facility materialized. The City allocated funding for construction and architects' fees, while a planning committee launched a fundraising campaign for furnishings. The Farmington Public Library on West Harrison Street opened in August 1980, dedicated to the memory of Witten H. Ledbetter, library supporter, poet, and devoted mayor of Farmington.

On September 23, 2015, the current building at 101 North A Street opened, nearly triple the size of the previous facility at approximately 22,000 square feet. The library has grown from 150 books in 1916 to over 42,000 volumes today, with membership increasing from 200 in 1916 to more than 10,000 currently.