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The
need for a free public library was long felt by the residents of Alpha.
But because of the lack of funds, efforts to make this public
institution a reality almost seemed impossible. October 1933 when the
Alpha National Bank closed its doors many residents realized that this
building was the ideal site for this important institution. This
building remained unoccupied for four years. Then in April 1937 William
H. Walters announced that he had decided to turn this building over to
the Alpha residents to be used as a free public library. Rev. Andrew was
immediately requested to appoint a board of trustees. The following
commitee was named on May 1, 1937: Rev. Andrew Szabo, Michael Rinak,
Joseph Noll, John Riggio, Dr. James Weres, Albert Sheninger and Alfred
Seiss.
May
5, this committee met and elected the following officers: Rev. Andrew
Szabo, President; Joseph Noll, Vice-President; Albert Sheninger,
Secretary; John Riggio, Treasurer; Alfred Seiss, Legal Advisor. The
Board of Trustees voted to name this library, The William H. Walters
Free Public Library.
On
May 8 the Board of Trustees applied for a charter under the name of
William H. Walters Library. May 12 the charter of incorporation was
recorded and all deeds were turned over to the Board of Trustees by Mr.
Walters.
During
June and July the interior of the building was renovated, all banking
fixtures were removed and book shelves were installed. Necessary library
equipment was purchased.
By August 1 the library was opened to the residents of the Borough. Mrs. Edna Sitgreaves of Phillipsburg was named Librarian.
By August 12 the library had 750 books on its shelves, all donated by residents of Alpha and Phillipsburg.
Today Alpha is very proud of this public institution.
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