Public Library

Hindman Settlement School donated land for the Knott County Opportunity Center, which currently houses the Knott County Public Library. The Settlement School also provides funding to support the librarian's salary and other needs.

 

Library History
From the earliest times, library services have been part of Hindman Settlement School's community services. Libraries were part of the early camps that proceeded the school and a library was included as part of the school's main building when it was first established. In 1924, the library moved to a three-room facility located in downtown Hindman. All of that library's equipment, including the bookshelves, were made at the Settlement School.

 

When the new high school was built in 1930, the 8,000 volume library moved there. However, before long the library had expanded to 11,000 volumes and could no longer be housed at the high school.

Knott County's First "Bookmobile"
In the mid 1930's the Settlement began a "human bookmobile" program that served 19 county schools. James Still (who later became a noted author and poet) carried boxes containing 20 books on his shoulder to local schools. He travelled 6-10 miles to county schools, keeping track of books and readership.

The success of the program and need for expanded facilities to house the collection led Settlement leaders to a decision to build a new public library. The response from donors was good. By 1940 when the new library opened, it was completely paid for. The facility had special significance to Settlement worker, Elizabeth Watts, because it was designed from the plans of her family home. That building has since been expanded and renovated and currently houses the Settlement School's Dyslexia Education program.

Knott County Public Library
Route 160 South | P.O. Box 667 |  Hindman, KY 41822 | Phone: 606.785.5412; Fax: 606.785.4299
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