Grace Shellenberger was chosen as the first librarian for the Humboldt Carnegie Free Public Library in 1907. Miss Shellenberger, the daughter of Henry and Adakine (Demaree) Shellenberger was born in Bolivar, Missouri, and attended public schools there. She was left an orphan at age fourteen and resided with the Bill Tellier family in Humboldt. She finished her literary education at Humboldt College. While teaching in Humboldt she was appointed local librarian and this gave her a permanent interest in library science as a profession.

When she left Humboldt College she attended the Library Training School at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, PA. Then she returned to Iowa and spent six years as a librarian at the Des Moines Public Library. For two years she was librarian for the board of control of state institutions. Miss Shellenberger had a special assignment of war work, having charge of the library at Fort Des Moines. She then spent a year as the librarian at Kewanee, Illinios, and then accepted the position of Librarian in the Davenport Public Schools in 1920. She served there for eleven years.

After serving in Humboldt for two years, Grace Shellenberger left for new duties at the children’s department in the Des Moines Public Library. She was a member of P.E.O, the Tuesday Club, Davenport Women’s Club, and Chonian Club. Miss Shellenberger was a member of the Congregational Church.

Source : Pat Baker