Library History

The Teton County Library opened in a room in the American Legion Hall after Helen Benson, Edith Mercill, and Stella Weston petitioned the County Commission about the need for a public library.

First Library Board: Helen Benson, Hattie Erzinger, Charles Kratzer, Edith Mercill, Stella Weston 
First Librarian: Julianne Tanner 

TCL moved into the new Huff Memorial Library (which would later become known as "the old log cabin library") at the corner of Hansen Avenue and King Street. (photo: Huff Memorial Library)

An expansion added 160 sq. ft.

The first library branches opened in Alta and Moran.

Another expansion added 1885 sq. ft. Reading Room.

Teton County Library Foundation established to accept monetary gifts to the library.

Library Board purchased 3.7 acres of land; Private fund-raising supplied $400,000 for the purchase, after a space needs assessment recommended the building of a 23,500 -25,000 sq ft library.

The Capital Facilities Tax, provided funding for the planning, construction, and equipping of the new 24,000 square foot library.

The library at 125 Virginian Lane, designed by architect Will Bruder, was opened to the community. 

Presentation by Humphries/Poli Architects on schematic design for the 2,400 sq ft Alta Branch Library at 50 Alta School Road, Alta WY.  State Land Investment Board for Consensus Block Grant Funds approved to fund the Alta Branch Library construction. Groundbreaking for Alta Branch Library.

Gilday Architects with Humphries/Poli Architects chosen for the main library facility in Jackson.

Opening of Alta Branch Library.

Voters approved the library’s second Specific Purpose Excise Tax proposition of $8.45 million for the actual construction of the addition and renovation of the main library facility in Jackson. GE Johnson is selected as Construction Manager for the main library facility project.

New Youth Wing opens with new Teen & Children's areas in the main library facility.

Main Library Facility Library Addition and Renovation Project Complete. Main Wing renovation and Public Art installation complete.

The spread of COVID-19, a global pandemic, led the County to close all public buildings viewed as non-essential. The Library closed for the first time in its history, shortly thereafter offering curbside pick up of materials and online programming. The use of digital materials surged to three times its normal rate. Wi-Fi coverage was extended around the perimeter of the building so folks could use it in the parking lot and at picnic tables around the building.

The Library reopened with limited capacity.

In-person programming gradually returned to normal, though in many cases, Zoom was option for those who wished to attend programs remotely, and library hours were restored with unlimited browsing and working in the spaces.