Our History
1931 - A traveling library was introduced and housed in the home of Miss Lelah Austin. She became Crawford County's first librarian. There were 10 members of the reading course and 63 books were part of the traveling library. Months later there were 98 books in the collection. Ms. Austin was librarian of the traveling library from 1931 to 1941 when it was then placed into the care of the Girl Scouts and later Margaretta Bennett.
1954 - The Crawford County Public Library was established June 7, 1954 by an adoption by the County Commissioners. Seven persons were appointed to serve on the board of trustees.
1955 - In May, Miss Lelah M. Austin was appointed acting librarian. The library, which was first rented and housed on Main Street in English, was opened to the public on June 1, 1955.
1957 - The library is officially purchased. A formal dedication service was held on July 5, 1957.
1957 - Nadine Hammond serves as librarian from 1957-1974.
1958 - Library cards were issued for the first time.
1959 - The Crawford County Public Library's bookmobile went on its first run on November 7, 1959.
1965 - Library circulation reaches an all-time high of 140,171
1967 - On November 4, 1967, the bookmobile made its last trip through the county.
1970 - The Crawford County Public Library opened in a new location in downtown English, Indiana.
1974 - Carol Lewis serves as librarian from 1974-1976.
1976 - Retired teacher Jewell Sears becomes librarian from 1976-1991.
1979 - A flood damages the Crawford County Public Library. 33,000 books were destroyed or lost. The library closed for two months and re-opened in October.
1991 - Janice Holzbog served as librarian from 1991-1997. She was tasked with the difficult job of moving the library to its new location after the floods. She was also instrumental in bringing internet access to Crawford County.
1995 - The entire town of English, Indiana, including the library, was moved to higher ground. The library is opened in its new location.
1997 - Janet LaBreche serves as librarian from 1997-2001.
2001 - Catherine Ramsey becomes library director from 2001-2010.
2004 - The library celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2010 - Tracy Underhill becomes library director. She was instrumental in the creation of the new library addition.
2013 - A new addition to the library is opened.
2014 - The library celebrates its 60th anniversary. It also begins digitizing county historical photographs.
1954 - The Crawford County Public Library was established June 7, 1954 by an adoption by the County Commissioners. Seven persons were appointed to serve on the board of trustees.
1955 - In May, Miss Lelah M. Austin was appointed acting librarian. The library, which was first rented and housed on Main Street in English, was opened to the public on June 1, 1955.
1957 - The library is officially purchased. A formal dedication service was held on July 5, 1957.
1957 - Nadine Hammond serves as librarian from 1957-1974.
1958 - Library cards were issued for the first time.
1959 - The Crawford County Public Library's bookmobile went on its first run on November 7, 1959.
1965 - Library circulation reaches an all-time high of 140,171
1967 - On November 4, 1967, the bookmobile made its last trip through the county.
1970 - The Crawford County Public Library opened in a new location in downtown English, Indiana.
1974 - Carol Lewis serves as librarian from 1974-1976.
1976 - Retired teacher Jewell Sears becomes librarian from 1976-1991.
1979 - A flood damages the Crawford County Public Library. 33,000 books were destroyed or lost. The library closed for two months and re-opened in October.
1991 - Janice Holzbog served as librarian from 1991-1997. She was tasked with the difficult job of moving the library to its new location after the floods. She was also instrumental in bringing internet access to Crawford County.
1995 - The entire town of English, Indiana, including the library, was moved to higher ground. The library is opened in its new location.
1997 - Janet LaBreche serves as librarian from 1997-2001.
2001 - Catherine Ramsey becomes library director from 2001-2010.
2004 - The library celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2010 - Tracy Underhill becomes library director. She was instrumental in the creation of the new library addition.
2013 - A new addition to the library is opened.
2014 - The library celebrates its 60th anniversary. It also begins digitizing county historical photographs.