In 1900, a spark ignited in Lena. A cultured young artist, Miss Martha Naramore, returned home and brought with her a passion for creativity. She gathered a group of girls, forming the Phidian Art Club, a place to nurture their artistic talents. But Miss Naramore’s vision extended beyond the canvas. By 1912, the club, now the Lena Woman’s Club, set its sights on a new mission: bringing a library to their beloved village.

Fueled by a communal desire for knowledge, these determined women collected books and volunteered as librarians. The local firefighters, recognizing the value of their endeavor, offered a room on the second floor of the village hall, right above the bustling fire station. It wasn’t the most glamorous location, but for the next 50 years, it became a beacon of learning for the Lena community.

As the decades passed, the dream of a dedicated library space bloomed. With unwavering support from the Lena Lions and generous donations from the community, the library district embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign. Their target? $25,000, a significant sum in those days.

The architectural firm of Beine, Hall, and Curran stepped forward, offering their plans as a contribution. Even the Citizens State Bank joined the effort, donating two lots that held a surprising history. The land was once home to a two-story rock building, not a grand structure by any means, but one that had served a peculiar purpose – a poultry house built in 1859! In 1962, the old building made way for a new chapter, and its demolition paved the path for the library’s future.

Finally, in 1963, the dream became a reality. The Lena Library emerged, a testament to the unwavering spirit of Miss Naramore, the Lena Woman’s Club, and a community that cherished the power of the written word.