Library funding

Andrew Carnegie said “a library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people”.

Beginning in 1899, Carnegie, founder of Carnegie Steel, funded a dramatic increase in the number of public libraries in the U.S. This coincided with the rise of women’s clubs in the post-Civil War period. Women’s clubs led the establishment of 75–80 percent of the libraries across the country. They took the lead in long-term fundraising and lobbying within their communities.

The Cathlamet Blanche Bradley Public Library began as a project of the Cathlamet Women’s Club. They convinced the Town Council to allow the library to use the Council Room and in 1933 the Council accepted the Women’s Club Public Library as the Town Library. Since then our library has evolved and continues to be one of the most important organizations in Wahkiakum County.

At the present time, the Library’s annual budget is about $78,000 for all expenses, including salaries. In 2024 the Town of Cathlamet funded about $75,000 and Wahkiakum County contributed $2000 or 2.6% of the total.

Library cards are free to all County residents.

Contrasting the Town’s financial support to Library usage, less than 40% of Library card holders are Town residents. The remaining 60% of users reside in the County, outside Town limits. Last month County residents checked-out over two-thirds of the total materials loaned. This doesn't take into account computer usage, staff assistance with technology and reference questions. Also special programs such as kid’s Summer Reading are available to all County residents.

Wahkiakum County Commissioners will start working on the 2025 budget very soon. We strongly encourage you to make our County Commissioners aware of the importance of Library to you and your family. Ask them to increase their financial support. Email - johnsonb@co.wahkiakum.wa.us

Robin Westphall

Judy VanderMaten

Jill Semlick

Arlene Sauer

Connie Christopher

Library Board

Vicki Franklin, Librarian