Prior to 1900 - The subject of a public library had been discussed by the club women of Jefferson.
April of 1900 - Mrs. Florence Dean, President of the Culture Club, submitted a plan for holding an Art and Loan Exhibit, the proceeds to be used as the foundation of a fund for a free public library. The exhibit was a success.
1901 - The Jefferson Public Library was founded.
1903 - A $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation enabled the city to construct the existing library building.
1967 - A new addition was built to house the growing collections.
1973 - Metal sculptures on display outside of library are sculpted by David Williamson and donated by Home State Bank.
1990 - Renovations made the library handicapped accessible.
1995 - The Galaxy Automation System, which computerized the card catalog and circulation functions of the library, was installed.
2004 - The Jefferson Public Library celebrated its centennial.
2005 - A new automation system called Polaris was installed, making the library collection accessible via the World Wide Web.
