De Smet Public Library De Smet, South Dakota Mrs. Ida B. Belzer, Librarian

At a meeting of the mothers club of October 14, 1926, held in the home of Bertha Stone, with Grace Stimson presiding as president, the motion was made that the club write to Pierre, South Dakota to see if they could get a free circulating library loan from the South Dakota State library Commission to make a start port establishing a library in De Smet. The motion carried and Mrs. Elmer Robinson and Mrs. Charles Rogge were appointed to get a book loan and donations of books from the townspeople.

At first the books were kept at homes of the different club members and club members work to act as librarians. The library hours were to be on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3 to 5 o'clock.

The mothers put on home talent plays, had silver teas, card parties and several other projects to raise money to purchase books.

One year each member bought a current best-seller - read the book herself and then passed it on to another member. When all the club had read the book, it became the property of the library and was put on the shelf.

In 1928, Louise Brewer joined the Mother's Club and offered space for a library in the Brewers Variety Store. November 1, 1928, the library needed more space, so it was moved to Meyer's basement under the People's State Bank, remaining there until 1934.

The De Smet study club joined the Mother's Club is sponsoring the Library project. Each club donated $25.00; $5.00 was donated by: the American Legion Auxiliary, Garden Club, and De Smet fireman.

The City now sponsors the library and it is housed in the City Hall on Main Street with approximately 5,000 volumes. Mrs. Belzer, the librarian, finds the circulation increasing each year.