Stratford Branch Library history, 1981 Press Release

April 1, 1981 CONTACT: Barbara J. Darbutt, Branch Librarian Stratford Branch Library 509 Stratford St. Highlands, TX 77562 Phone: 426-4214 FOR RELEASE WEEK OF APRIL 5-11, NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: Stratford Branch Library had its beginnings in 1928, when Mrs. Edna Kissick started a small lending library in her home in Lynchburg. By 1930, a shift in population and establishment of oil refineries in the Highlands area (then called Elena) caused Mrs. Kissick to terminate her library. Rather than abandon the library all together, Mrs. M.L. Doss, postmaster, asked if the library could be located where the old post office was located; at the rear of a grocery store on Main St. Bookshelves were installed and Mrs. Doss * s wish was granted. Miss Acquila Norris was the first 'paid "librarian. She was paid $5.00 to keep the library open two nights a week. More space was needed for this rapidly growing community of the town of Highlands. Frank B. Stratford was then mayor of Highlands. He persuaded C.A. Fortner to donate some space for the library in a building he owned not far from where the library was housed. So, in 1936, Highlands Library was re-located for the third time. The newly organized Highlands Garden Club, ’under the scrutiny of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Barnett, adopted the library as its project. Clearly, the library needed a home of its own. The Club organized a door-to-door fund drive and literally canvassed the entire town. They raised an impressive $600 but more money was needed if a new building was to be built.