The establishment of the Putnam County District Library's Pandora-Riley Township Location marked a significant milestone in the library services provided to the inhabitants of Pandora. Initially, from 1953 to 1986, the local population's literary and informational needs were met through the services of a bookmobile. However, recognizing the growing need for a permanent branch, residents of the community embarked on an initiative in 1985 to advocate for the establishment of a dedicated branch library in Pandora.
Key figures, notably Jim Baxter and Bob Reese, played pivotal roles in this endeavor. They engaged in extensive discussions with multiple stakeholders, including the Putnam County District Library Board of Trustees, the Pandora Village Council, and the trustees of Riley Township. These collaborative efforts were driven by a shared vision to facilitate the establishment of a branch library that would serve the local community more effectively.
The selected location for the new Pandora-Riley Township Branch was the site of a former grocery store situated on Main Street. This choice was strategic, given its adjacency to the post office, thereby offering convenience to the townspeople. The process of transforming this space into a library began, with the community eagerly anticipating its opening.
The Pandora-Riley Township location opened on May 17, 1986 and the first librarian to serve at this location was Anne Schroeder who contributed significantly to the early success and operation setup of the library, ensuing that it met the needs of its patrons from the very beginning. The dedication ceremony of the library was held on June 14, 1986, making it the 8th and final branch library to comprise the Putnam County District Library System. Interestingly, this branch is notable for being the only facility within the Putnam County District Library system to have remained in its original location since its opening.
