Stinson Memorial Library was established 92 years ago with an endowment from Captain Robert Burns Stinson.  Stinson, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War, left money in his will to the City of Anna for the purpose of establishing a free public library.  Walter Burley Griffin, a colleague of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the library, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.  Stinson Library was dedicated on August 14, 1914. 

Circulation statistics compiled by library director Lisa Livesay showed 3,799 items checked out in May and 4,134 in June.  The June 2006 numbers compared with 1,710 items checked out in June 2000; 1,835 in June 2001; 2,702 in June 2002; 2,335 in June 2003; 3,203 in June 2004; and 3,768 in June 2005.  A total of 30,585 items were checked out in 2005.  Through the end of June 2006, the number was 43,572. 

The Friends of Stinson had an annual meeting July 11.   

Officers elected at the meeting were Kathy Tolson, president; Judy Watkins, secretary; and Jackie Beatty, treasurer. 

Friends board members are Mary Ann Eblen, Sandy Davis, Jan Hunter, Marilyn Keller, Michael Grubbe, Carol Larsen, Kay McRaven and Janet Mears. 

The Friends of Stinson plan to meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, at the library.  Topics on the agenda include ColorFest in October and outdoor lighting.

Quote:  “A library should be like a pair of open arms.”  Roger Rosenblatt