The Library Gets Its Start
Established on May 3, 1921, Fairmount Public Library began in one room of the Citizen's Exchange Bank at Main and Washington St., Fairmount, IN.
As it quickly outgrew this location, the library searched for and found a two-story residence on S. Main St. belonging to the Holliday family, local doctors. After some renovation, the library opened at 205 S. Main St. in September 1930.
The Library Grows
While the library proper remained on the main floor, the upstairs in later years housed local schoolteachers and then library maintenance and cleaning workers. In the 1980s, the upstairs was no longer rented out and became storage for the library.
By the 2000s, the library had joined the technology era by adding public computers to its offerings. Extended hours on Tuesday evenings offered the community more access to the books, videos, and computers. A monthly book discussion was offered as well as children's summer reading programs, Halloween parties, Harry Potter parties, and Winnie the Pooh pajama parties. These events were a challenge to fit into the 1200 square feet of disjointed rooms.
The Library Moves to Its Current Location
By 2005, the library board began searching for viable expansion options. By 2007, the library secured a state Community Focus Fund Grant. This allowed the library to purchase a neighboring building with over 6,000 square feet of space and a parking lot.
The library moved in October 2008 and dedicated the building in November 2008.
The Library Continues to Expand
Since the move, the library has established a public computer lab and added DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs. With the extra space, the library can offer a variety of programs, including plays, author talks, local author showcases, animal acts, magicians, and musical acts.
In 2017, the library added HOOPLA, a digital platform that lets patrons access e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, comics, and magazines. This gives the library an opportunity to provide more services patrons can access outside the library walls.
2021 marked the library’s 100th anniversary.
Our Mission
The Fairmount Public Library’s mission is to be the primary informational and educational resource for the rich cultural and educational heritage of the Fairmount, Fowlerton, Fairmount Township areas as well as any contractural townships areas (the Fairmount Library District).
