ADAMS, Elsie Payne

ADAMS, Elsie Payne. (Apr. 27, 1864—Dubuque, IA, Nov. 18, 1941). Well-known in Dubuque County for her work in development the Parent Teachers’ Association, church work of ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, and the Federated Women’s Club, Adams was also a founder of the DUBUQUE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION. (1)

Austin ADAMS was a member of a small group of men in Dubuque who formed the Young Men's Literary Society in 1857, to further culture and education. Theie collection of 150 books, originally housed in Adams’ law office, eventually led to starting the Dubuque city library. Austin Adams' daughter-in-law, Elsie Payne Adams, became aware that citizens in rural areas, especially children, did not have access to library materials from the city library. Together with the Education Department of the Dubuque Women's Club, she formed a library association in 1929 whose purpose was to serve people in the rural areas of the county.

Beginning with 200 volumes from Mrs. Adams' own library, the library association's collection in the early years consisted mostly of gifts of books and money from friends or interested civic groups. Mrs. Adams herself took boxes of books to rural schools. Most rural schools welcomed the books and the demand quickly exceeded the supply. The American Legion Auxiliary and the [[DUBUQUE WOMEN'S CLUB helped buy books by holding fund-raisers and benefits. One benefit sponsored by the Club was a successful card party for the general public which was held at the Hotel Julien on a Saturday afternoon and evening. Additionally, Julia Robbins of the State Library Commission was instrumental in the Free Traveling Library of Iowa contributing more than a thousand books put on permanent loan. CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY contributed worn but usable books discontinued from its own collection. Children's books were the most numerous but some adult books were included. By 1933, the collection totaled 2900 books which were used by 45 rural teachers.

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Source:

1. Linwood Legacies Self-Guided Tour. Online: http://www.linwoodcemetery.us/about/history/

2. History of the Dubuque County Library. Online: http://www.dubcolib.lib.ia.us/aboutus/history2