About the Stayton Public Library

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The Stayton Public Library serves approximately 24,000 citizens in Marion and Linn Counties, including the communties of Stayton, Sublimity, Lyons, and Mehama.

It has been more than three years since the dedication of the new addition to our Library and the response has been remarkable. The number of people using the Library has increased so much it has truly exceeded our greatest expectations. Since the opening of the Library addition in 2007, annual patron visits have increased from 46,050 to 102,249. Circulation has gone from 108,964 to 148,419, children's program attendance has increased from 2,309 to 8,529, and internet usage has gone from 9,826 to 20,355. Gifts by many individuals made our community's vision a reality, and clearly the investment has paid dividends several times over for all Stayton Public Library users.

History of the Library

  • 1875
    Students form a literary society, elect a librarian, and buy Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.
  • 1880's
    A glass-fronted case of books at the drug store/post office at Third and Water becomes the first lending collection.
  • 1927
    Stayton Women's Club building on Second Avenue becomes the first library.
  • 1972
    Women's Club hires the first paid librarian.
  • 1978
    City of Stayton accepts the responsibility for the public library.
  • 1988
    Oregon State Library recommends 7,500 to 10,000 sq. ft. building to last 15 years.
  • 1989
    New 5,000 sq. ft. library is built on First Avenue.
  • 2005
    The library is full.
  • September, 2006
    Expansion construction begins.
  • June, 2007
    Library addition complete.
  • July, 2007
    Library addition dedicated and turned over to the City of Stayton.
  • October, 2009                                                                                                  The Outreach Storyteller Program is initiated.
       


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