Conclusion

The Petaluma Historical Museum and Library, 2010
Photo from Wikimedia Commons

In 1988, the Petaluma Free Library building was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. It truly is an historic place, not simply because it is a beautiful old building. The building and the story behind its construction, contain the essence of the pioneer spirit that characterized Petaluma's early days. It was a town where a few Odd Fellows could start collecting books to share and from there grow a monument both tangible and intangible of civic pride that connected an entire community. At every point along the way, Petalumans were intimately involved in effecting the changes that grew the library. It was never a project created by remote city officials. It was built and designed by local men even the stones come from a local quarry. It grew out of the desires and efforts of the community, who raised funds, donated property, volunteered, even changed state law to realize their vision of a free public library.

While the library contains a story unique to Petaluma, it also participates in the larger history of the public library. From the history of the Petaluma Free Library, we see not only certain broad movements illustrated, we are also intimately and powerfully reminded of the deep connection between the public library and the community it serves.