Growing the Library

1960

Census: 16,381 (a 45% increase since 1950)

The decade of the sixties included a new bank, filtration plants, the revival of Crystal Lake, the formation of the Housing Authority and another school because of the continuing “baby boom.”

The Robbinsdale Library received a $25,000 grant for a remodeling and expansion program which doubled the size of the Tudor-fashioned building. An extension was added to the rear of the building, the ceiling was dropped, tile was laid throughout and a workroom with sink and cabinets constructed in the basement. Mrs. Peggy Georgas, the Librarian, said about 50 new cards were issued each week and the annual circulation was approaching 100,000.

Inside the newly remodeled Robbinsdale Library in 1960

The First Congregational Church of Robbinsdale needed more room and on August 28, 1960, ground was broken at 4200 Lake Road for an Education Building at a cost of $165,000. On Sunday, April 30, 1961, a bright sunny day, the congregation gathered at the old church for a short service then a procession lead by Reverend Thomas Walmsley and Dr. Norval Barker, the building committee chairman, marched to the new building. There was standing room only as whole families attended so that the children could remember the day. Church services were held in the Education Building for seven years. A new sanctuary was dedicated on April 9, 1967.

The First Congregational Education Building in 1960

This post is part of a series loosely based on the book Robbinsdale Then and Now by Helen Blodgett.

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