On March 2, 1948, the Mansfield Memorial Library was officially opened. Judge Joseph Jefferson Mansfield provided the land in partnership with the City of Columbus, to build a public library. Within a short time, Columbus had outgrown the building. In 1977, Miss Lee Nesbitt had the vision to purchase land and build a library across the street from the Columbus Elementary School.

That building was dedicated on March 18, 1979 and renamed Nesbitt Memorial Library. One of the distinctive features was the display cabinets housing the dolls belonging to Miss Nesbitt. In 1987, with funds from the Nesbitt Foundation, the building nearly doubled in size including an archival vault housing many of the contents of the Colorado County Archives at that time. Bill Stein developed the archival collections and created an online presence as well as many historical preservation projects until his untimely death in 2008.

Over the years, several librarians led the library through automation, Internet connectivity, and updating various formats for check-out. Throughout these times, our community enjoyed a growing collection and expanded services.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation (NMLF) purchased the lot adjacent to the library in 2012. On January 6, 2017, the NMLF held a stakeholder meeting regarding updating the library. A number of issues were addressed and an action plan was prepared. By February 16, 2023, Nesbitt Memorial Library had completed the projects and an open house and official ribbon cutting were held. Library Director Susan Chandler read the following prior to cutting the ribbon:

“This monumental day celebrates a five-year update of the Nesbitt Memorial Library. As you look around, you will find vintage items along with the modern to bring us into the 21st-century library.

I want to recognize the vision of the Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation and Library Boards and the support of the Mayor, City Council and many City colleagues and Friends of the Library. Jessica Commanda, Eric Braden, Susan Archuletta, and Cody Graves have provided stability to our patrons and done a lot of work through all of our phases!

The Catherine Dumraese Trust generously funded about a third of the projects, the City about a third, and the Ladd and Catherine Hancher Foundation, Laura Hastedt, the Wade Family Foundation, Laura Ann Rau, and your contributions to the Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation the remaining third. Funding from a LCRA grant, with matching funds from the Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation and the Catherine Dumraese Trust provided the updated kitchen and storage areas which were recently completed in the Meeting Room.

So many local individuals and businesses were also involved—you know who you are—and I am so grateful for your work and help.

Now, let’s celebrate your library!”

We hope you enjoy our recognition of 75 years of library service in Columbus!

Mansfield

• Ruth Gillespie; Mar 2, 1948

• Eldora Mattern; Jan, 1959

• Joan Roeder Hill; Mar 18, 1979

Nesbitt

• Joan Roeder Hill; Mar 18, 1979

• Patti Woolery-Price; Aug, 1982

• Ruth Poncik; Mar, 1989

• Bill Stein; Jan, 1997

• Alma Hilburn, Interim; Jan 4, 2009

• Nancy Koehl; Jun 15, 2010

• Susan Chandler; Mar 24, 2014