Thomas McClintock's long awaited history of the Library has been published.
The Best Gift: the History of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library relates the fascinating history of libraries around the world and the growth of the Corvallis Library from a "coffee club" keeping firemen out of saloons to one of America's leading learning resources. It also tells the story of the dedicated people who created it and made great and lasting contributions to the Corvallis community.
About 10 years ago when the Library was planning for its centennial birthday celebration, then-library director Deborah Jacobs asked Tom McClintock to write a brief history of the Library. Tom, Professor Emeritus of History from OSU and long-time Library volunteer and supporter, tackled project with enthusiasm and thoroughness.
In Corvallis, Oregon, going to the library means stepping into history. The Best Gift is a reminder of what a great accomplishment - and treasure - the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library is, enriching our community past, present, and future. The book includes:
- A history of libraries from their first appearance to modern times
- The evolution of the free public library in America
- The arrival of libraries in Oregon
- Early libraries in Corvallis
The Best Gift was published by Meadowlark Publishing, with funding from the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation. Copies of the book are available for $25, plus $3 for shipping, from the Library and local bookstores. To order a copy, send a check or money order made out to Corvallis Public Library Foundation to: Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis, OR 97330. For additional information contact Library Director Carolyn Rawles-Heiser (541)766- 6910, or email corvallislibraryfoundation@gmail.com.