History

Timeline of the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library

November 19, 1956
November 19, 1956

A letter was written to the Florida State Library Board to create a library in Wilton Manors.
June 1, 1957
June 1, 1957

A temporary library,staffed by volunteers, opened in the Key Shop at the back of Manor Market on Wilton Drive.
October 8, 1957
October 8, 1957

Mrs.Kathleen Klein was hired as city librarian at $100 a month.
October 12, 1957
October 12, 1957

After the new City Hall opened in July 1957 on NE 21st. Court, the Library moved from the Key Shop to the refurbished Village Hall on N.E. 26th Street and 5th Avenue, its present day location.
December 8th, 1957
December 8th, 1957

Dedication of the first Wilton Manors Public Library.
September 2, 1958
September 2, 1958

Wilton Manors Public Library became a department of the City.
April 3, 1960
April 3, 1960

The library was expanded, doubling its size.
January 31, 1972
January 31, 1972

The Public Library Association became The Friends of the Wilton Manors Library.
September 15, 1984
September 15, 1984

Major renovations were made to the 22 year old library completed at the cost of $20,000.00; paid for by the Friends.
November 3, 1998
November 3, 1998

Library Advisory Board Chair, Wayne Schotanus helped to place a $350,000.00 bond to increase the size of the library on the ballot. He also was instrumental in securing a state grant for another $300,000.00, which allowed the library to triple in size.
March 14, 2003
March 14, 2003

Grand Opening of present day Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors. $120,000.00 in new furnishings were paid for by the Friends. Richard C. Sullivan also donated $40,000.00 to complete the furnishing of the children’s wing.

March, 2004
March, 2004

With the retirement of long-time Library Director Marcia Ellington, the Library becomes a division of the new Leisure Services Department which includes Parks and Recreation.
November, 2005
November, 2005

Richard C. Sullivan passes away and leaves a bequest of $280,000.00 to pay off the remaining bond debt if the library bears his name.
May 9, 2006
May 9, 2006

City Commission approves renaming the Wilton Manors Public Library as the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors.
December 8, 2007
December 8, 2007

50th Anniversary celebration of the Wilton Manors Public Library.
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