Lanier Library Association

The Lanier Library Association is a subscription library in Tryon, North Carolina. Established on 9 January 1889,[http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H1789v2.pdf "A joint resolution honoring the founders of the town of Tryon on the town's one hundredth twenty-fifth anniversary."] General Assembly of North Carolina session 2009 Ratified Bill. Retrieved 30 June 2011. it is named for Sidney Lanier. The Lanier Library Association is one of only sixteen solely membership libraries left in the United States. It is also known as a community library association.="The Lanier Library Home Page"/>https://thelanierlibrary.org/Home

History

In 1889, five women from Tryon, North Carolina met and discussed the community’s need for a library. They subsequently decided to create a club that would offer a place for intellectual and cultural engagement for their community. The club’s first meeting was held on January 9, 1889. The library's first books were two volumes of poems by Sidney Lanier, donated to the library by his widow, Mary.{{Cite web|url=https://thelanierlibrary.org/about/|title = About – the Lanier Library}} The club's original membership dues were $0.60 per year. This community membership library would be housed in many places over the years: a church basement, the post office and various stores.

In December 1905, a lot on Melrose Avenue would become the eventual permanent location of The Lanier Library Association.="The Lanier Library Home Page"/>https://thelanierlibrary.org/Home

As membership and donations increased, so did the need for additional space and resources. The Lanier Library does not receive any public funding but relies solely on its membership dues and additional donations.="The Lanier Library Home Page"/>https://thelanierlibrary.org/Home

Membership

Membership fees are critical for The Lanier Library Association, as it does not receive any forms of government support. The Lanier Library Association is a non-profit organization. There are different levels of membership they offer. Individual memberships start at $50 annually, and there are additional levels that go up to $2500+.="The Lanier Library Home Page"/>https://thelanierlibrary.org/Home

References

External links

[http://www.thelanierlibrary.org Official website]

{{coord|35.2074|-82.2392|region:US-NC_type:landmark|display=title}}

Category:1890 establishments in North Carolina

Category:Libraries in North Carolina

Category:Subscription libraries in the United States

Category:Education in Polk County, North Carolina

Category:Buildings and structures in Polk County, North Carolina

Category:Libraries established in 1890