“The library board at it’s meeting last Saturday night elected Miss Nellie Pinney as librarian to take the place of Miss Maud Perry,” The Humboldt Independent reported. “If a change was to be made, we think of none that would have pleased more people than this appointment.” She held this position for over 51 years before retiring.

Nellie Pinney became librarian just three years after the Humboldt Free Public Library was buily with funds from the Carnegie Foundation. Her grandfather, David Pinney, was a member of the Rev. S.H. Taft’s original colony of Humboldt settlers in 1863. A carpenter by trade, he had a part in erecting many of the community’s original buildings, including Humboldt College.

Following her graduation from Humboldt High School, Nellie attended Grinnell College and then graduated from the Northwestern Conservatory of Music at Minneapolis with a degree in teaching. She was the organist at the Unitarian Church and played at many social and fraternal meetings. She gave piano lessons until her library work required her full time attention.

In 1912, pay as a librarian was $25 a month ad she worked six days a week from 2 to 6 pm, and also three evenings a week. For many years she was the only employee. Then, when the children’s department was developed an assistant was hired.

Nellie received many honors and was made a life member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She retired in 1963.

Nellie Pinney was a member of P.E.O., the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Humboldt Women’s Club, and the Humboldt Rebeccah Lodge. She was a formen member and organist for the Unitarian Church. She died Saturday, June 21, 1966, with internment in the Union Cemetery.

Source : Pat Baker