McIver's Grant Public Library

Dyer County's first library was established in Dyersburg as a project of the Women's Club soon after the club was organized in 1913. It was located in the basement of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the southwest corner of Mill and Masonic Streets.

Books were donated by club members and interested citizens during an enthusiastic "Book Week" campaign. Members of the Women's Club took turns serving as librarian.

The need for a permanent home for the library became more apparent as time went by, and funds were raised to purchase what was known as the Pinner Building on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and McGaughey Street. The library was installed in this building in 1930. Since the building was originally built as a private residence, an apartment on the south side of the building was occupied by a family that served as caretaker.

At that time, there was still no regular financial assistance from the city or county. The library was continued as a project of the Women's Club.

A few years later, the Pinner Building came into demand for commercial property, and was sold by the Women's Club. The club then acquired a two-story brick building on Masonic Street which had previously been used as the parsonage for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The library was established on the second floor, with the first floor being retained for club rooms. In 1935, an appropriation was obtained from both the city and county to pay the salary of a part-time librarian.

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