Hours of Operation: Tuesdays – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Address: 7830 County Road 39, Bayliss CA, 95943 Phone: (530) 934-2287
May 2nd
Our History
The Carnegie building in Bayliss is an oddity, it not being a practice to make grants in rural areas. The community, made up largely of eastern city people attracted there by the promotion literature of the Sacramento Valley Irrigation Company, was not to be satisfied with small Glenn County Free Library branch in the school house, but started a movement to obtain a Carnegie appropriation to build a library. The initial moves were directed by Miss Essae Culver, former county librarian. Joining in the effort were Mrs. T. H. Smith, chairman of the library board of trustees and Dr. H. W. Hand, secretary of the board. The S. V. I. made a gift of the site at the crossroads of County Road 39 and Road W. The County Board of Supervisors guaranteed maintenance in the amount of $400 a year. A grant of $4,000 was obtained from the Carnegie Corporation. The building begun October 25th, 1916 and completed in July of 1917. It was constructed of wood and stone in the Mission style of architecture. An interesting feature was the large fireplace. A dedication ceremony was held July 14th, 1917. The building still serves the community as a library.
Historical Documents about Glenn County Libraries out at the Bayliss Branch for public viewing.
An inside look at the Bayliss Library
“Draft Registration Day
June 5th 1917
Young men of the Bayliss area were honored by the community when they gathered at the Bayliss Library to register for World War I. They were given a special registration card and a khaki arm band by the local committee who planned the event. Note arm band worn by those honored. Left to right, front row – Miss Bertha Taylor, Clarence Smith, Samuel (Sammy) Severence, Elmer Barceloux, Herman Schoeniger. Middle row- John Barber, Chester Scott, J. D. McMartin, Last two unknown. Back Row – Bert Otterson and Guy Snavely. Identification made by J. D. McMartin, Bert Otterson and Mrs. Dorothy Otterson”
Picture and information from Wagon Wheels 1964
“Bayliss Community gathered to honor men for the draft. Children carried flags and the building was decorated with red, white and blue bunting. The byaliss Library is one of the smallest Carnegie Libraries in the U. S. It is said to be the only such library built at a cross road. In 1964, the library has one of the largest book circulations in the county.” Picture and information from Wagon Wheels 1964
“Bayliss Community gathered to honor men for the draft. Children carried flags and the building was decorated with red, white and blue bunting. The byaliss Library is one of the smallest Carnegie Libraries in the U. S. It is said to be the only such library built at a cross road. In 1964, the library has one of the largest book circulations in the county.” Picture and information from Wagon Wheels 1964
“Bayliss Male Quartet
Left to right – Ed Ellis, tenor; Morgan Fisk, 2nd tenor; Frank Cowan, Bayliss school teacher’ F. H. Roebuck, bass, owner of the Bayliss store. Mrs. Ed Ellis was a pianist. Later edwin E Baker replaced Morgan Fisk and Hal Read replaced Frank Cowan. Ed Baker and Hal Read sang Baritone. The gtoup sang at various community functions. When the Bayliss Library was built, Andrew Carnegie donated half the cost of the building. The community raised the rest of the cost. E. E. Baker and Mrs. Dave LaRue state the singing group took part in minstrel shows and other performances in Bayliss and neighboring towns to help raise money for the building.” Picture and information from Wagon Wheels 1964