History

A History of the Library in Steamboat Springs

The following is an excerpt from: Steamboat Round the Bend, copyright:1976 by Dee Richards

East Meets West with a Library

The big wagon tipped and joggled over rocks and fallen trees ... making its way west through the trail-less valley of the Bear River. Tied inside the large wooden, horse-drawn vehicle were the precious possessions of the James Crawford Family.

Timeline of Library History 1884 to Present

1884 - The first public meeting room ~ Union Church ~ was built on Pine Street between 7th and 8th Streets (current site of the Human Service Building).

1887 - Union Church became the William Denison Memorial Library (Library Hall). William Denison came west seeking relief and a cure from tuberculosis, which had stricken him while a medical student at Harvard. Upon his death, the family donated his collection of 1,000 volumes to the settlers, who, "shut out in a great measure from the world, would appreciate good books." ~Steamboat Pilot.

Who was Buddy Werner?

Wallace "Buddy" Jerold Werner ~ 1936-1964

Bud Werner was an internationally renowned alpine ski racer who died trying to outrace an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on April 12, 1964. Contributions from all over the world were given in Buddy's memory and used to build a new public library for the community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Bud Werner Memorial Library opened its doors with a dedication ceremony on February 4, 1967.

About the Library