The eastern portion of the Annie Halenbake Ross Library was first built in 1887, as the home of Mayor Robert Bridgens. His widow, Elizabeth, sold it to Frank and Annie Halenbake Ross, who lived in it for years. Annie passed away in September 1907, and in her will, she left her home to the city of Lock Haven on the condition it become a library. The doors first opened to the public on Thanksgiving Day, 1910.
Since then, the library has grown and gathered much history. Librarian Mary Elizabeth Crocker was known for rescuing books during the 1936 flood, running them up the stairs to the attic. Where the parking lot now stands was once the home of Civil War hero T.C. Hipple, who fought at Gettsyburg. The library has had a rich history for over a century, and is still open to the public. Stop in and say hello.