City sells former library building

The Deshler City Council approved the $30,003 sale of the downtown former library building during its July meeting.

The two-story building with a basement that was used as a community meeting space, was purchased by the Donovan Group, LLC, which has local ties to Thayer County. 

Mayor Julie Deepe said she is thoroughly excited because of the projected use for the building, which may serve a dual purpose, including as a rental space.

“It will be a great addition to Main Street and good for commerce,” Deepe said. 

 The former library was the final step for the Deshler Woman’s Club, which had in its legacy the first public library in 1921 in the school band room, according to the Deshler, Nebraska history book from 1887-1987. 

Books were later moved to the Sittler Drugstore and the library was open from 2 p.m., to 6 p.m., on Saturdays. After, the library was also located in the north room of the Werner Service Station and the State Bank building, which was purchased in 1937 by the city for the use of a public library. The Deshler Federated Woman’s Club is credited with ongoing donations of the library that was primarily supported by taxpayers, beginning in the late 1940’s. 

In the early 1950’s, the future of 4,000 books became a worry for the Deshler Woman’s Club as the library room in St. Peter’s Parochial School would not be available. Two lots had been donated to the library board by the Lions Club. The board, made up of Woman’s Club members, worked to gather signers for a bond. The 249-65 vote ensured a new public library would be constructed. 

The Woman’s Club also outfitted the kitchen in the new building with a refrigerator, range, sink and other equipment. Donations were received from many organizations and individuals. The formal dedication in 1951 included the state’s 26th Gov. Frederick Valdemar Erastus Peterson; Deshler Concert Band; the Nebraska Library Association; Library Commission; and additional local dignitaries.