- Government
-
- City Council & Mayor Ordinances Resolutions Agendas and Meetings Boards and Commissions City Charter Contact Us
- Departments A-Z Administration City Attorney City Manager City Recorder Court Human Resources Community Development Building Economic Development Planning Tourism Emergency Management
- Finance Library Municipal Services Billing (Water Bill) Police 9-1-1 Code Compliance Public Works Engineering Maintenance Operations
-
- Community
- Business
- How Do I
-
- Find info on Public meetings Apply for a job Apply for an internship Contact the City Council Submit a Public Records Request Report an issue in Newberg Find a leak Find pavement maintenance information View the City Events calendar Apply for a library card Find the city on Social Media
- Pay my Municipal Services Statement (Water Bill) Read my Municipal Services Statement (Water Bill) Access Municipal Services Programs Know if I need a building permit Apply for a building permit Schedule an inspection Recycle Buy Compost Get a water conservation kit
- Apply for a Police ride-along Volunteer as a Reserve Officer Pay My Parking Ticket File a Code Complaint Obtain an animal permit
-
Library History and Stories
Newberg Public Library:
Over 100 Years of Library Service
On May 26, 1908, the first librarian loaned the first book to the first patron to come through the door of the first public library in Newberg.
To check out a book 100 years ago, imagine stepping into the YMCA located on the north side of First Street, just west of Meridian. A corner of the YMCA housed the library’s first humble quarters with operating hours from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm. Margaret Inglis, Newberg’s first librarian, would have loaned you a book and sent you on your way.
Love at First “Site”
The library’s collection soon outgrew the YMCA location, and was moved twice before it became apparent that Newberg needed a permanent home for its expanding library. In 1910, the Newberg Library Association and the Newberg Ladies' Wednesday Club rose to the challenge, partnering with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to build a library in the city. Construction of the original 4,000 sq. ft. building was completed in 1912 for just $10,000. On March 29, 1912, the Newberg Carnegie Library was officially dedicated, opening its doors with much local fanfare.
Original Library Takes New Shape
As Newberg changed from a sleepy farm town to a bustling community, the need for a larger library grew. A suggestion by city fathers that City Hall should move to the library and a new library facility be built was quickly and loudly sacked; residents loved the Carnegie building and demanded that it continue to serve its unique purpose in the city. Land adjoining the Carnegie library site was donated, and Newberg voters approved construction bonds in November 1983. The expansion plans were carefully drawn to add a new, modern aspect while retaining the flavor of the original building. New brick mimicked the old, and inside, the innovative architecture blended seamlessly with the 1912 design.
U. S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield dedicated the expansion on February 15, 1986, and citizen support was rewarded. The result: new public meeting rooms and areas for genealogy, local history, and larger collections. In addition, handicapped access as well as reading and study areas were added, along with records, tapes and, for the first time, a computer center.
Today the library continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate. Newberg Public Library has been in the heart of our community for a hundred years--through two world wars, the Great Depression, civil rights, the computer revolution and much more. Then, as now, there is something inspiring for everyone at the library, a tradition that continues in the 21st century.
