1921 – Local character, Old Pedagogue, advocates for libraries to be created in each school. (Feb. 7).
State Librarian announces boxed book collections that can be borrowed by the community (Aug. 26)
1936-1941 – Works Progress Administration Library Project provides funds and a librarian to expand and open to the public three high school libraries including Monterey High School, Blue Grass High School, and McDowell High School. The school board ultimately spends $2,000 on the project ($45,000 in 2025 dollars). The public library service ends when the WPA program ends in 1941.
1956 – School superintendent George E. Copenhaver invites the public to use school libraries.
1963 – School superintendent Pete Lunsford suggests public access to the library at Highland High School.
1965 – Highland High Library public hours announced. Each Wednesday 7:30-9:30 p.m.
1971 – Recorder editor Joseph C. Pritchard advocates for a library for Highland County in an editorial. (Sept. 9)
1974 – James Bowen persuades the Monterey Lions Club to vote to support having a branch library of the Botetourt-Rockbridge Regional Library system in Highland County. He then starts a petition to present to the Board of Supervisors.
