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Researchers in the Genealogy
Department of Golconda Public Library, Golconda, Pope County, IL
Early History of Golconda Public Library
In 1913 the Golconda Woman’s Club donated 100 volumes
as a nucleus for a public library which were bought with the proceeds of an entertainment given for that purpose.
An organization was formed and the library was given to the city. The organization struggled along, gradually increasing
its number of volumes by an occasional donation of books or small sums of money. Several years later Mr. Robert
Randolph, who was then County Superintendent of Schools, gave all the books in the circulating library of which
he was the owner and which comprised some two or three hundred volumes, to the Golconda Public Library with the
understanding that its patrons should not be limited to Golconda alone but that people all over the county should
share its benefits. Today (article written early 1930’s) there are between 2500 and 3000 books on the shelves with
640 cards held by patrons and a circulation far above the average of libraries of its size. The efficiency of the
librarian, Miss Bessie McCoy, whose knowledge of the work was gained by several years experience in the Public
Library at St. Joseph, MO, is a guarantee of its continued successful management so long as she retains her position.
Her capabilities are fully recognized and appreciated by the library board, the members of which are Judge B. F.
Anderson, president; Mrs. C. A. F. Rondeau, vice-president; Mrs. Edmonia Moore, secretary; Mrs. J. C. Mittler,
treasurer; Mrs. George Kowalski, Miss Alata Davis, and Mrs. Kate Trovillion.
___ copied from Trampe’s- Pope County Historical Review
GOLCONDA PUBLIC LIBRARY 1998
The enlarged Genealogy section is located in the new
room that the Library recently added to the original building. A complete history of the library has been compiled
by our local historian, Mildred McCormick.
Phyllis King is the librarian and Viola Owens is
the assistant librarian. Board members include Mildred McCormick, James Lowery, Lucy Daisy, Linda Cummings, Delores
Cole, Janet Roper, Betty Brown, Eudora Rottman and Virginia Gullett.
They welcome researchers to utilize the many indexed
volumes of census, marriages, etc. compiled by dedicated Pope County people both locally and distantly. The collection
includes surrounding county histories and other states. A new set of North Carolina History volumes was donated
recently. Many families have donated their printed history, too.
Anyone traveling to Southern Illinois will certainly
want to include a visit to this informative resource!
Open:
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 1-5 P M
Sat. - 9-12 A M
Closed:
Jan. New Year’s Day
Feb. Lincoln’s Birthday
President’s Day
Apr. Good Friday
May Memorial Day
July Independence Day
Sep. Labor Day
Oct. Columbus Day
Nov. Veteran’s Day
Deer Day ( Sat)
Thanksgiving Day
Friday After
Dec. Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Years Eve
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