Del Norte Public Library

Background Statement

In 1899, the first library in Del Norte was founded by the King's Daughter's Library Society. It was located in the home of Mrs. S.A. Thomas and the books were contributed by the residents of the area. Mrs. Thomas opened her home to the public one day a week. When the book collection became too large, the collection ended up being moved to a couple of different locations. It became apparent a building was needed specifically for the growing library, and in August of 1914, Mr August Weiss donated land. A building was completed on that land In November 1915, and the Del Norte Public Library still resides in that building. In 1947, members of the Society voted to form a non-profit organization and the town agreed to help with some financial assistance. Incorporation was completed in 1972. In 1976, the library entered into an agreement with the town of Del Norte, in which the library would receive a mill from the town and a portion of the county levy for libraries in Rio Grande County. This allowed the creation of the Del Norte Public Library. Through generous donations, in 1983 the library was able to expand their space by adding on a large room to the back of the building. In 1992 the library become part of the Rio Grande County Library District.