City Council to Discuss the Future of Glendora Library

At the July 21^st Facilities Workshop, 6:00pm at the Bidwell Forum, the City Council will be discussing the future of the Glendora Public Library. The council will be discussing the condition of the structure that holds the Library and whether or not it is necessary today, how to fix it, or does it need to be replaced. Citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions. Below is a history of the Glendora Public Library.

The history of the Glendora Public Library is closely tied to the city's early civic organizations and the dedication of local volunteers. What began as a small reading room organized by community members has grown into a Glendora cultural institution.

The Beginning: The Athena Club (1903–1907)

The library's origins date back to October 1903, when 19 women formed the Athena Club, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom. One of the club's primary goals was to establish a free reading room for the growing community.

To raise money for books and furnishings, the club organized community events such as oyster suppers and strawberry festivals. On January 26, 1904, the first Glendora Reading Room opened, staffed entirely by volunteers and stocked with donated books and magazines.

The Glendora Woman's Club

In 1908, the Athena Club evolved into the Glendora Woman's Club, which renewed the effort to establish a permanent public library.

On March 4, 1911, the club voted to create a library board, and by April 10, 1911, a public reading room officially opened with Mrs. Coulter serving as librarian. This reading room became the direct predecessor of today's Glendora Public Library.

Becoming a City Library (1912)

A major milestone came in 1912, when the City of Glendora assumed financial responsibility for the library.

On May 20, 1912, the library officially became a department of the city government. The Woman's Club donated more than 1,000 books it had collected over the years, forming the foundation of the public collection.

The first Board of Trustees included local civic leaders, and Miss Harriet Gifford was appointed the first city librarian. During its first month of operation, the library:

• Loaned 368 books

• Loaned 42 magazines

• Registered 107 readers

• Collected $2.12 in overdue fines

Growth Through the 20th Century

As Glendora expanded, so did its library.

• 1955: Local philanthropist Rolfe Bidwell donated $35,000 to expand the library's quarters within City Hall.

• 1972: A new standalone library building opened on Glendora Avenue after the previous facilities became overcrowded.

• 1989: The traditional card catalog was replaced with the library's first computerized catalog.

• 1992: The Glendora Reads! adult literacy program was launched.

• 1993: The Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation was established to support library programs and fundraising.

• 1994: The library opened a Computer Learning Center and helped introduce internet access and the City's first website.

Centennial Celebration

In 2004, the library celebrated its 100th anniversary with community events, historical exhibits, music, and educational programs. The centennial honored both the library's volunteer founders and the generations of residents who helped it grow.

Today

Today, the Glendora Public Library serves as the city's primary public library and cultural center. Its collection includes books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, online databases, and digital resources. In addition to lending materials, the library offers literacy programs, educational workshops, children's activities, historical archives, and community events.

The library also maintains an extensive Community Archive & History collection that preserves Glendora's local heritage, making it an important resource for historians, students, genealogists, and residents interested in the city's past.

From a volunteer-run reading room in 1904 to a modern public library serving thousands of visitors each week, the Glendora Public Library reflects more than a century of community support, civic engagement, and a commitment to lifelong learning.