The 79th Jamestown historical maker has been erected at the James Prendergast Library, Oct. 27. Pictured are city officials and others who gathered for the unveiling. Submitted photo

December 1, 1891, was a monumental day in the history of the City of Jamestown.

The city’s library doors opened for business for the first time after 11 years of construction costing $65,000. The library featured rock-faced masonry walls, rounded archways, and a turret designed by architect A.J. Warner in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The James Prendergast Library building was an anomaly at the time, according to Ashley Senske, city historian.

Beyond the unique construction, the purpose and targeted audience for the library was also an anomaly.

Public libraries were not the norm for the day, Senske said.

“It is not to say they didn’t exist at all, but historically libraries up to this point were only accessible with paid memberships. Not the sort of institutions that were open to all and free like we view them as today. Because of this, it should be acknowledged that James the Younger, at the time of writing his memorandum in 1876, was quite progressive and looking to better his local community through the access to free, local books,” she said.

The library’s namesake harkens to the earliest days of the communities’ formation and reflects the historical significance of the dream, desire and wish for the city’s residents to have a free and accessible library to use for the betterment of all.

The grandson of Jamestown’s founder, James Prendergast, wished to see a free library constructed following his death. His parents, Alexander and Mary Prendergast, made that vision a reality after James Prendergast died at the age of 31, added Senske.

“We have programs that try and address the needs of our community,” said Anne Greene, the library’s executive director. “We have Dungeons and Dragons night for teens, we have computers and free WIFI for those looking for a job or researching a term paper, plus we’re a warming center for those in need during the winter months. I have a wonderful staff who are adaptive and receptive to the needs of the community and are always trying to find unique and creative ways to meet the community right where they’re at.”

After the historical maker was placed, Jamestown’s mayor pondered how the library has evolved from a simple vison of a community learning center into the community center it has become in 2023.

“The library is the heart-beat and fusion center for the city,” said Mayor Eddie Sundquist. “It’s a living, breathing organization which changes and adapts to the needs of this community.”