Elma Timberland Library

The Elma Timberland Library Then and Now

Providing library service has long been important to the community of Elma. In 1910 a public library was opened in the Christian Church with 300 volumes. A 250 volume public library, established in 1914 on 4th Street by the Civic Club of Elma and the Commercial Club, followed.

After several moves, beginning in 1939 the Library was housed in a portion of the Elma City Hall until 1994 when the present community financed 6000 square foot building on the corner of North 1st and West Young Streets was completed. The Library became part of the Timberland Regional Library district in 1969.

Today the Elma Timberland Library offers to the community access to over a million items, including books, magazines, newspapers, cassettes, and audiobooks, CDs, videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs. Other services include a public meeting room, in house and phone in and online reference services, free internet, and online databases with on site and remote access and youth and adult programs and outreach throughout the year. In addition to the materials collection, the current library houses a selection of local artist's work, including that of Helmi Juvonen of the renowned Northwest School.

Volunteers Make a Difference

Two volunteer citizens groups support the library.

• Elma Timberland Library Advisory Board members are appointed to four year terms by the Mayor and City Council. The Board's public meetings convene on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Library's Jerri Ferrier Meeting Room.
• Activities of the Friends of the Library include such fundraising efforts as book sales in the spring and fall. Monies raised by the Friends benefit the Library's special program events for all ages and materials and equipment needs. The Friends meet the third Thursday of each month in the Library's Jerri Ferrier Meeting Room. New members are welcome and the public is invited.

Visit Elma Timberland Regional Library