Athena Public Library

History :

The earliest Athena Public Library opened its doors on November 18, 1914, with Anna (Mrs. William) Littlejohn as librarian.

Early volunteer directors of the library included Mrs. Marvel Watts, Mrs F.S. LeGrow, Mrs Henry Dell, Mrs. Anna Foss, and Areta Barrett. For many years, the library shared space with the telephone company switchboard in the building next to the bank -- what is now Somewhere in Time. One long-time user recalls that it was "dark and dreary."

The present location's property was deeded in 1958 under the will of Vernita Watts Adams and the Foster family to the City of Athena with the proviso that the property always be designated for library use, or it would revert to subsequent heirs. The old library's front room was built with community donations and monies from contributions made in memorials and in wills; the back room was added with funding from the Watts Foundation.