About Us

Founders of the
Benson Public Library

The first real founders of the
library were Rev. and Mrs.
C.L. Bates, a local
Episcopalian rector and his
wife, who in 1900, through
their own personal efforts
assembled about 50 books,
many of them from their own
collection. In May 1906 the
Benson Library Association
was formed . About 90 people
signed the pledge , each
paying $1.00 per year.

1911
In 1911 through the diligent
work of Dr. C.L. Scofield, E.R.
Aldrich, Leslie Matthews and
others $7,500 was obtained
from Andrew Carnegie, the
noted librarian
philanthropist, for a new
building. The site decided
upon was block 13 located on
the corner of Kansas Ave.
and 14th St. for $500.00.

February 1, 1913
A new building was
completed with grant monies
from Andrew Carnegie. Nina
Brown became th first
librarian and served
faithfully until 1962. Pansey
Syverson became Nina's
assistant i 1952, and
undertook the head
librarian's duties following
the death of Nina Brown.

Librarians
These were difficult years for
both librarians. Their salaries
were very minimal-pansy's
wage was .50 an hour for the
first ten years while she was
assistant librarian. No record
was found of for the salaries
of the head librarian but one
can be certain it was by
comparison very low.

Friends of the Library
In 1969, a" Friends of the
Library" organization was
started. These interested and
dedicated members, among
other duties gave much
useful direction and
leadership.

1980
The Benson Library joined
the Western Planes network
with headquarters in
Willmar, MN. This has given
an even bigger and more
comprehensive ability to
share information and
services with other member
libraries. During the
1960-1980 Benson Library
sustained a large growth. It
contained about 15,000
books and 50 magazine
subscriptions. It became
evident during the 1980's
that the library began to
experience growing pains.
more books and periodicals
were added , less room was
available for administrative
duties, shelving space ,
storage, studying tables, and
lounge chairs. The library
was designed for the 1913
Benson Population of
1,677and sparsely settled
rural areas.

New Building
work began immediately
began to draw up plans,
select a site, , raise funds,
clear the paperwork and
break ground for the new
building. Ground breaking
began in October of 1992. A
beautiful new building ,was
completed June 1993 the
project cost was $590, 381.
Covering 5,754 square feet it
includes a computer
room/meeting room, study
room, and is completely
handicap accessible.