The Valparaiso Library is located in an historic 1907 building. Its rich history is still evident in the building today. The library’s building was constructed by the first bank in Valparaiso, the Oak Creek Valley Bank in 1907. In 1980 the library moved into the building.
Valparaiso was named Raccoon Forks before Andrew Johnson established a post office after arriving in 1865. Nebraska was still considered a part of the “Great American West” at that time. Valparaiso was incorporated in 1880 when the 20th President of the United States was James Garfield. The first Library was started by Ellen Throop the daughter of pioneer Andrew Johnson and the local women’s club managed the library. Her picture is displayed below and in our Historical Genealogy Room which has many books by local authors about Valparaiso and Nebraska.
The library’s original bank vaults add historic charm to the library and are visible to all who enter. The book “My Valparaiso II” by Tom Blazek is where the information above was gathered. His book is available at the library. Enjoy the historic images below of the library building in its early years.
