Among the original libraries set up by volunteers was the “Merriam” Library, sometime in 1953. It was housed in the basement of a residence in the 8500 block of West 55th Terrace. This library was open just five hours a week, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. In 1955, among the first acts of the newly appointed County Librarian was to move this library temporarily to a storefront at 5844 Merriam Drive. It was renamed “Headquarters”. In November 1956, Headquarters moved to a rented space on the present Antioch Library site. The 7,200 square foot structure was built for lease by Russell Winter and G. F. Moyer. Besides offering public service, Headquarters also housed library administration, business office, and technical services.
