Our Beginnings
The first evidence on record for the existence of a library organization in Wellman comes from an October 1889 issue of the Advance, noting a request to return overdue books. Later, in 1894, a story appeared stating the re-organization of the library organization. The local postmaster, W. E. Stump, was librarian at the time and the books were kept at the local post office.
In 1908, the town was offered a gift of a large collection of books from the private collection of Col. Hiriam Scofield of Washington. It was reported that his collection contained 18,000 volumes. His wife and daughters wanted the books to be "where the need was greatest." At first, the city declined the offer, stating that they were not prepared to house such a vast collection. After further discussion with the Scofield family, the town learned they could have as many books as they wanted, and did not have to take on the entire collection at once. The only stipulation being the family's request for the library to be named in honor of the late Col. Scofield.
The first set of books, a total of 900 volumes, was brought to the town by covered wagon and housed on the second floor of what is now known as the Marketplace. At that time, a library association was formed. The association consisted of roughly 50 members, each paying a membership due of $1 per year to access the library.
In 1916, a petition was presented to the town council requesting a special election to be held to secure a tax levy to support the local library, making it a public funded, free library for all. The levy passed and the Wellman-Scofield Library became the Wellman-Scofield Public Library.
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