Newport Library and Community Center is officially 135 years old. Housed in what started as a Baptist church in 1859 before it closed due to lack of members, Newport Library and Community Center welcomed attendees to its anniversary celebration Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Preceded by social hour that included cookies and lemonade, the 135th anniversary for Newport Library and Community Center started shortly after 6:30 p.m., lasting until 8 p.m. A short program led by current librarian Sara-Marie Malewitz featured singing by the SaNeCo Ridge Community Girl Scouts, serving Newport, St. Paul Park, and Cottage Grove. Malewitz also introduced guests and asked the Girl Scouts some questions related to the library and city. The Girl Scouts are working towards badges for Civic Engagement and Local History.
The second oldest library in Washington County after Stillwater, Newport Library and Community Center was a major impetus towards incorporation of the already existing settlement of Newport as a city.
Administered by the city in turn before a decades long interlude of county administration from 1981 to 2012, several library features hearken back to the early days.
One is the mechanically wound—not battery powered—analog clock on the library’s second floor, said to come from the two-room schoolhouse and flanked on either side by flags from Newport. Another is the second-floor tables, said to be made from old church pews. At least one pew still remains on the second floor, today holding books rather than people. A third is the second-floor display with historical items from the area, including a 1989 Centennial plate. A fourth is the distinctive windows, the narrow pointed shape of which resembles gothic architecture, but without stained glass. A fifth and final one is the old chimney, situated at the east facing front entrance on Seventh Avenue.
New for the library (as opposed to church) are the second-floor mezzanine and center staircase, while three computers and Wi-Fi await those who come to visit. A modern fireplace and TV with both DVD and VHS capability stand at back, while a handicapped accessibility ramp out front ensures access for all. A children’s area in the northwest corner rounds out library amenities, the circulation desk being near the front.
Among those in attendance Wednesday from the public were Kaye Kraft, librarian at the time of transition to county administration in 1981, as well as current Library Advisory Committee Members Jo Bailey, Christina Rahm, and Anita Wasmundt.
In attendance from the council were City Council members Tom Ingemann and Bill Sumner, who explained some of what the council does, helping the city administer business.
Now 13.5 decades old, the story of how Newport Library and Community Center got to where it is today, is worth telling.
It was Nov. 20, 1889 when the Newport Library started in a two-room schoolhouse near what is now Newport Elementary.
The first librarian was named Frank James, followed by Robert Ross and Miss Minnie Bailey. Bailey was succeeded by Miss Elizabeth Daly, who was succeeded by Miss Stella Wilkinson. Mrs. Levi Shelton succeeded Wilkinson, there being 18 librarians between founding and county administration in 1981.
The city needing room as Newport’s student population boomed in the late 1800s, the library moved in 1897 to its present location in an old Baptist church. The church was overseen by a caretaker named Mary, approached by city officials who sought to utilize the space. The rest as they say, is history.

Hours for Newport Library and Community Center are as follows:

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-8 p.m.
Thursdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturdays 12-5 p.m.
A calendar of events is available at: newportmn.gov