The Union Library Society was the earliest recorded library in the town of Dalton. An old leatherbound book begun by William Williams in December of 1796 outlines the rules for this private library. Shareholders paid $5.00 to participate and there were severe penalties for “every spot of ink or grease inflicted” or for “turning down part of a leaf.” The society disbanded in 1828.
A blank exists in library records from 1829 to 1860. A new library association was formed at the end of 1859 by Reverend Edson L. Clark, pastor of the Congregational Church. This time the membership fee …