The idea of a library for Yukon took root in 1905 when a traveling book salesman encouraged some women to form a reading club. AT first they called themselves “The Circle” and then the group became the Franklin Library Club. Each of the twelve women bought one or two books, which cost $1.50. At first the book were circulated in homes with the women trading the books. Then a merchant on the south side of Main, offered to keep the books and let people check them out. The reading club evolved into the start of what became the Ladies Library Club. By June 1915, the club had 25 members and was incorporated.
In the meantime, the ladies were giving plays and having other money-raising projects for the purpose of purchasing books and building a library. The club purchased a three-room residence at 512 Elm Street. It wasn’t easy to raise the money for such a venture. The books were kept in one room, with the other two rooms rented to other organizations
To help with the finances. In 1927 the women sold one half of the library property. With the help of contributions from businessmen and donations from the public a red brick structure was built. In 1931, Miss Mabel C. Fry became the librarian and served in that capacity for nearly 50 years.
In 1959 an addition to the library was built. It was not many years before that also became filled with books. With the town experiencing such tremendous growth, the women began to feel the need for the city of Yukon to take responsibility for library services.
In 1979, the club women deeded the library property to the city. In November of l980 the library was moved to a much larger facility a 5th and Main Street. It was at that time the library was named in honor of Miss Mabel C. Fry.
The moving of the books was a unique experience with much newspaper and television coverage. Two lines of volunteers formed human chains a block long, and the books were passed from one person to the next until the books reached the new library and were put in place. It was an exciting for all involved. Many gifts of money for books and furnishing helped complete a fine library.
The library remained at the 5th and Main location until 1997 when the City purchased a building at 1200 Lakeshore Drive. This location more than tripled the amount of library space and made the networking of newly acquired computers for automated irculation/catalog and Internet access much easier.
The Ladies Library Club continues as a support group for the library. They provide volunteer services and are involved in fund raising projects for the library.
Jean Clair Lawson
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