James Memorial Public Library
Serving St. James Through Reading, Learning & CommunityJames Memorial Public Library serves the St. James community by providing access to books, technology, information, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Our Mission
Encouraging reading and the use of technology for life-long learning and the enhancement of the individual's quality of life.
Our History
A Gift to the Community
James Memorial Public Library was previously known as the Lucy Wortham James Memorial Library. Upon her death in 1938, Lucy Wortham James provided an annual gift of $700 to support the St. James Public Library so that residents would not have to pay a library tax. Under the direction of the James Foundation, that support grew and became a primary source of library funding for many years. In 1953, a new library building was constructed and the St. James Public Library was renamed the Lucy Wortham James Memorial Library. Becoming a City Library on May 1, 2013, the James Foundation gifted the library building, its contents, and support for first-year expenses to the City of St. James. The City appointed a nine-member Library Board to help guide the library, establish permanent funding, and improve library operations. Today, James Memorial Public Library continues to serve the community with support from the City of St. James, the Library Board, Friends of the Library, volunteers, and local taxpayers.
Lucy Wortham James
Lucy Wortham James played a foundational role in the history of the library and the St. James community.
The portrait featured by JMPL is based on a drawing by renowned American artist John Singer Sargent.
Library Leadership
Library Board of Trustees
James Memorial Public Library is supported by a Library Board that helps guide library operations and serves the community.
Library Policies