From Library Director Walter Stitt - An Interview with Bill Hannan

Earlier this year I interviewed Mr. William Hannan about his memories of the library. Bill is a long time editor and columnist for the Sun Chronicle, and a former library trustee. I believe he is our library user of longest standing, as he began coming to the library in the 1920's when this building was less than twenty years old. He shared with me his memories of the library years ago:

"When I was a youngster you could visit the library on Sunday, but not borrow. My dad brought me. He showed me books about King Arthur. That is my earliest memory of the library. ...

When you walked up the front stairs and in the front door you saw a u-shaped desk in the middle of the room.

I was envious of my brother. He was five years older than me, and he could read books and then discuss them with my dad.

We also would come here in the evening to read newspapers.

I read the "Christy Matthewson" series of books from the library.

I remember that I forgot a library book in my school desk at the end of the third or fourth grade school year. I was afraid that I would have a big fine, so I talked the school janitor into letting me in school to get the book.

Another thing I remember was art exhibits at the library.

There used to be houses on the lots next to the library where the parking lot is now.

I know the librarian then was Mrs. Spofford. He son David was in my brother's class...I remember Lucile Cavender too. And there was a girl named Bowen who worked at the library. Her brother was a priest.

There have been a lot of changes in the library, but they are fine."