Madera’s first Friend of the Library

For The Madera Tribune

This 1906 fire destroyed more than just the county’s records; it also destroyed the County Library, which was housed in the courthouse.

---

In those first few months of 1893, there was a lot of work to be done to complete the creation of Madera County. Elections had to be held, and the entire mechanism of government had to be put into operation. 

A county seat had to be chosen, supervisorial districts established, and a slate of county officers elected. While all of this activity was taking place, however, Maderans did not forget that it takes more than politics to provide a community with quality of life. 

Madera’s cultural life had always been very important, even in those days when it was part of Fresno County. From the very beginning, churches, fraternal organizations, schools, and the theatre had been significant ingredients of society in the little lumber town. It is not surprising then that the lack of a library would become an area of concern for local citizens early on.