History of the Otto Bruyns Public Library
The public library of Northfield was founded in 1926 with 100 books that were placed in the office of the Mayor, Eugene Swilkey. Miss Lizzie Price was the first librarian. Miss Price continued to be the librarian until 1947, when she retired at the age of 82. There was a painting commissioned in 1939, "The Home of Miss Lizzie Price," that still hangs in the front of the library.
The library moved several times over the years. In 1983, the City of Northfield passed a resolution to change the name of the library to the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield. This was done due to Otto Bruyns's long and faithful service to the city and the library.
The groundbreaking for the library's current home was March 26, 1988, and Otto Bruyns was able to attend. Unfortunately Bruyns passed away before its completion.
Click here to read
Library on the Move published by the Northfield Public Library Association.
"Miss Lizzie Price, First Librarian, 1926-1947" by Dorothy Cohen
Click here to read Miss Lizzie Price on Early Northfield published by the Northfield Public Library Association.
"Otto Bruyns, Mayor - 1965-1975" by Dorothy Cohen