New Knoxville Community Library

The creation of the Auglaize County Public District Library System began with a donation of land adjacent to the Blume High School and $50,000 from the estate of Mr. Lewis Napoleon Blume (L.N. Blume), a Wapakoneta businessman and banker. Through Mr. Blume's generosity, a three-story building was erected next to the Blume High School. The first floor of the building was for the high school gymnasium, the second floor was for the public library, and the third floor was for a YMCA.

     The first library board meeting took place on March 18, 1924. The founding board members were Dr. C.C. Berlin, Mr. C.C. Nardin, Mrs. A.M. Getz, Mr. G.A. Wintzer, Ms. Thecla Stueve, Mrs. Jacob Koening, and Ms. Katherine Kohler. In June 1925, the first librarian was hired, Mildred Mercier, at a starting salary of $1000 annually with one month paid vacation. The Blume Memorial Public Library opened its doors to the public on November 7, 1925 with 1658 books ready for circulation. Library operating hours were set at 1:00 to 5:00 every afternoon except Sunday and also Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30. By the end of December 1925, the library had 836 registered borrowers and 2183 volumes on the shelves. Due to the increased workload, Ms. Mercier was permitted to hire an apprentice at the rate of $.15 per hour. Along with the added help, there were also changes made to increase library hours. Effective October 1, 1926, the library was opened Monday through Thursday from 10:00-8:00 and opened Friday and Saturday from 10:00-6:00. Those hours are very similar to the library operating hours today.