Construction of the "Lane Free Library" began in April
of 1866. It was formally opened on November 29, 1866. Philanthropist
Clark Lane donated some 2,000 volumes to the library's collection, furnished
the interior of the building, and provided for the library's operating
expenses for six months. Lane's niece, Miss Emma Lane, was the first
librarian.
In November, 1867, the voters of Hamilton were asked to consider the donation of the building, furnishings, and books to the city. The vote was 446 in favor from a total of 712 votes. On February 24, 1867, the property was deeded to the city by Lane. |
(source: "Clark Lane, Pioneer Hamilton Industrialist; Founded Library," Journal-News, September 8, 1958)
The Lane Library suffered significant damage in the 1913 flood. An April 11, 1913 report in the Daily Republican records that "practically every book is gone, a part of the building washed away, and all the valuable records destroyed." The total losses were estimated at $48,700. The loss to the collection was approximately 15,000 books of the total 16,000.
© 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society