Walton-DeFuniak Library

Infobox nrhp
name = Walton-DeFuniak Library
nrhp_type = cp

---

caption = Walton-DeFuniak Library, 2008
location = DeFuniak Springs, Florida
lat_degrees = 30
lat_minutes = 43
lat_seconds = 10
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 86
long_minutes = 6
long_seconds = 55.42
long_direction = W
area =
built = 1887 [http://www.flheritage.com/preservation/markers/markers.cfm?ID=walton Walton County Historical Markers] ] cite book |title=Scenic Driving Florida |last=Godown |first=Jan |year=2004 |publisher=Falcon |isbn=9780762734825 |pages=15 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=KvAjYeucaWkC&pg=PA13&lpg=PA14&ots=cSId5O30Su&dq=Walton-DeFuniak+Library&sig=ACfU3U2MgZ_ZrzcFaqlLmvLB_MUibxj21g#PPA15,M1 ] cite book |title=Visiting Small-Town Florida |last=Hunt |first=Bruce |year=2003 |publisher=Pineapple Press |location=Florida |isbn=9781561642786 |pages=7 & 8 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=6zupPFdA0ssC&pg=PA6&lpg=PA7&ots=DlkvCMTdVV&dq=Walton-DeFuniak+Library&sig=ACfU3U1A5DIeO13enDhZ54XbILHpf_51_g#PPA7,M1 ]
architect =
architecture =
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Citizen Services Division [http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?ID=15 Walton County, Florida Online - Library] ]

Walton-DeFuniak Library is an historic library located at 3 Circle Drive, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida in the United States. Opened in 1887, it is the oldest continuously run library in the state. It is a contributing property in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District.

History

After the Chautauqua association had their first session in DeFuniak Springs, locals realized there was a need for library resources to support it. Local woman raised 580 dollars in 1886-7 to build the library, and land on Lake DeFuniak for an annual rent of 25 cents. The library opened by the end of 1887. The name was changed in 1975 to the Walton-DeFuniak library. In 1984, a rear section was added which blends architecturally with the original hardware-frame building.

Weapons collection

The library is also home to a collection of arms and armor owned originally by Palmer College's Professor Kenneth Bruce. He left the collection to the college in his will. When the college closed in the 1930s, the city became the recipient of the collection, which later gave it to the library. A large number of the weapons are European and from the era of the Crusades. There are also others from the Orient, as well as Kentucky muskets from the 18th century.

ee also

*DeFuniak Springs Historic District

References