Putnam County District Library

After several attempts at establishing a library beginning as early as 1896, the first county public library was founded on February 12, 1924 through the efforts of Maizie Frey.  The library became officially known as the Putnam County Library Association in 1930 and remained in the courthouse until it was relocated in 1934 to a residence on the corner of Main and South Locust Streets. In this new location the library had a separate Reading Room, Children's Room, and began its Local History Collection.  By 1948, the library became officially known as the Putnam County District Library and as the public demand for library services grew, a new library was constructed in 1986. The library remained on North Thomas Street  until August 2007, when a flood devistated much of Ottawa including the library. The library is currently being housed at the Putnam County Educational Service Center until a new library can be completed. The Grand Opening of the new Putnam County District Library was on March 12, 2011. Funding for the Ottawa Location is provided from the operating budget of the Putnam County District Library.  The Putnam County District Library does not have an operating levy at this time.