Georgetown Public Library Founder Anna Aiken Passes Away

Georgetown Public Library Founder Anna Aiken has passed away.

The Georgetown Public Library posted an announcement on their Facebook page on Thursday, June 25th.

“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of our dear friend and library founder, Anna Aiken,” the library wrote. “Anna was a driving force behind establishing the Library here in Georgetown.”

In an interview clip included with the post, Aiken talked about her role and efforts to bring a public library to Georgetown.

“Well, back in 1965, when I was president of the local PTA in school, our goal was to establish a public library,” Aiken said. “Even though folks didn’t really know they wanted it at that time, I was sort of driven, and still am, to see that it succeeds. I visited eight public libraries in the surrounding areas to get my feet wet. I contacted the State Library Board on how to proceed, and then formed the Friends of the Library organization with help from Francis Springer from Southwestern University.”

After receiving a state charter from the State Library and several donations, the first Georgetown Public Library opened in 1966 in rented rooms with 3,000 donated books.

Just three years later, the State Library offered a matching aid grant to build a new public library.

“So, the new building approved by City Hall off Mainstreet was in February 1966,” Aiken said. “[In] 1970, we dedicated and opened on Sunday, April 5 for the new library housing 15,000 books.”

Today, the Georgetown Public Library operates out of 2-story, 49,500 square foot building, according to the library website, and has been the recipient of several awards including:

2018: Winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from Institute of Museum and Library Services
2017: Innovation of the Year Award from the Dallas Community College
2017: Best in Georgetown – Best Place to Take Kids (Gold)
2017: Best in Georgetown – Best Place to View Art (Silver)
2017: Best in Georgetown – Best Meeting/Event Venue (Silver)
2016: Award of Excellence in the Best One-Time Event Category from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
2016: Arts and Culture Award from The Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation
2014: Presidents Award for Best Public Improvement from the Texas Downtown Association
2008: TAMI Award in the Website Category from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers

Aiken’s involvement in the library’s creation was a major highlight in a life filled with community service.

“Anna was a community volunteer in Georgetown for many years,” according to her obituary. “She served as a city council member, PTA president, and United Way chair. Her proudest accomplishment was the inception and nurturing of the Georgetown Public Library, where she remained a dedicated fundraiser, board member and advisor well into her 80s.”

In lieu of flowers, the family of Anna Aiken has suggested that donations be made in her name to the Georgetown Public Library.

You can watch a history of the library and listen to the interview with Anna Aiken below: