100 Year Birthday Celebration during 2023
You will find information on this page related to activities, events, news, videos, or pictures surrounding the Library’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Library 100th Celebration…A Bit of History!
July 2023
By BARBARA FAGEN
Looking Back at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library in the 1970s.
This is the seventh in a series of articles marking the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library’s 100th anniversary.
In 1976, Miss Ruth Chamber, Librarian for more than 30 years, announced her retirement. She assumed the role on February 2, 1938, when Miss Annie Bowman retired. To honor Miss Chambers for her years of service and to express the community’s gratitude for all she had accomplished, a Bicentennial reception was held, the theme in keeping with America’s 200th birthday celebration. The event was hosted by members of the Library Board, Mrs. Michael DiGennaro, Mrs. Conrad Finnell, Mrs. James M. Johnston, Jr., Reverend Charles Willis, Paul Wainwright, Beecher Hunter, and Mrs. E. Y. Duncan. When asked what her plans were for the future, Miss Chambers replied, with only a few tears, “I’m going to travel and read biographies.”
As Miss Chambers retirement was being celebrated, Miss Rebecca Bowman was named the Cleveland Public Library’s new Librarian. Like her predecessor, Miss Bowman graduated from Agnes Scott College. She furthered her education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and George Peabody College. Miss Bowman brought a world of experience to her new position. Previously she has served as Librarian for the Department of Defense in Ethiopia, and the Cleveland Day School. As a child, Miss Bowman had spent many hours at the library under the watchful eye of her aunt, Miss Annie Bowman, Cleveland’s first Librarian.
In addition to reading about our library, look for special events throughout the year. Join us as we celebrate its founding and growth as “the seat of literary hospitality for Cleveland and Bradley County.”
January 2023
February 2023
March 2023
April 2023
May 2023
June 2023
July 2023
August 2023
100 Year Celebration Library Tours
During 2023, you have the opportunity to get a “behind-the-scene” view of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library. You will visit all Library department service areas and will learn much about what the library offers as well as interesting fact about the old “homes” of the Library. Some tours will be offered with historically costumed tour guides. Please register to go on a Library Tour by clicking here or calling the library @ 423-472-2163 x.126.
See the calendar below for all special Celebration Events.
Library 100th Celebration…In the News
| 1.9.23 |
Cleveland Public Library celebrates historic 100 year anniversary |
| 1.11.23 |
@ 100 Year Celebration Event Calendar
| 9/24/23 2-4 PM |
Library tour including the old library. This tour is full. | |
| 10/20/23 @ 7 PM 10/21/23 @ 2 PM & 7 PM |
The Gift and Those Who Gave — A comedy drama musical at the Lee University Dixon Center about the history of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, written and directed by Connie Gatlin. Free admission with a library card. | |
| 10/22/23 2-4 PM |
Library tours including the old library with historic costumes sponsored by the DAR. This tour is full. | |
| 11/16/23 7-8:30 PM |
Library tours including the old library. This tour is full. | |