History of the Alpaugh Branch Library

Alpaugh was established as the sixth County Library Branch in 1913.

In 1910, a deposit station had been set up on two shelves, hung on the wall of the “merchandise store” of W.N. Billing on North Broadway. The Alpaugh Library Association wanted a library building and raised money for it with a membership subscription of $10 per member. On May 1, 1913, the first Alpaugh Library was opened. The building was 24 x 30 ft., and Mr. William Billing was the first librarian.

In 1915, the rental money paid by the Tulare County Library was used to purchase awnings and screens. This was felt to be a much needed improvement for hot afternoons. In April of 1916, the Times Delta reported that Alpaugh had 811 books and 196 readers.

The present Alpaugh Branch was built next to the old building and dedicated in the fall of 1960. The old building was then removed to make room for a lawn and landscaping for the new building