The Collins Library was born on December 19th 1936. It started one day when Fran Stone was chairperson of the Community Service of the American Legion Auxilary. The idea for a Public Library was conceived at the home of Eleanor Hall while Florence Fish reigned as president in 1936.
Gertrude Richardson, Mae Armstrong and Fran were the first Trustees. The first books were donated by interested citizens. The pockets and cards were hand made at that time.
Later about twelve women each gave one dollar and the first new books were purchased. The library was first housed in the original Collins newspaper office on the west side of the street.
In 1939 when Milo Hall was Mayor, the City Hall was built with the room on the southwest to serve as the library, which is the present day location.
As time went on the library out grew that room and exchanged rooms with the Town Council. Later the Council gave the former jail room to the library and it was used for the children's books.
In 1996 our library had over 5,000 books to read which included a wide variety of childrens, youug adults, mysteries, biographies, autobiographies, novels some were print books. There were books on gardening, hobbies, collecting, animals,cookbooks and many others. We also had interlibrary loan and subscribed to over 20 different magazines which could be checked out for tweo weeks. We had over 500 videos to watch for a $1.00 each and cassette books and cassettes. We had a patrons computer for making banner, signs, club minutes or school reports. The Librarian in 1996 was Teri Ochiltree and Assistant Librarian was Katie Kruseman, President: Bonnie Evans, Vice-President:Vicki Evans, Secretary:Lynn Anderson and Treasurer was Wanda Oswalt and Mary Romp. Hours were Tuesday 3-6, Wednesday 3-6, Thursday 3-6, Friday 9-12, Saturday 9-12.
Today our library is currently outgrowing the room that it was in back in 1939. We continue to maintain a wide variety of books. We have not only video tapes, but DVDs. Our library has also expanded from one patrons computer to three which many adults and children use. All the computers are equipped with internet access. People still continue to donate books to the library. We also now have a presence on the web. Next year, the library will celebrate its 70th year of serving the community of Collins. Our librarian is Chris Evans-Winfield, President Darlene Newton.
When the library started out it was ran by volunteer help. The Board of Trustees or who ever had the time worked on a 'when available' or 'when needed' basis. Our first paid Librarian was Amber Hickle in June of 1981.
The amuunt of volunteer help is too numerous to too mention all of them, but a few of the names that are familiar with the library are: Fran Stone, Elenor Hall, Gertrude Richardson Mae Armstrong, Florence Fish, Anne Kern, Donna Ose, Ila Buck, June Hofer, Betty Fish, Virginia Chittenden, Minnie Tiffany and many more.