Our History

When Citrus County was formed in 1887, several lots were set aside in Inverness (then Tompkinsville) to be used for the public good. One of those sites was for a library. A small octagonal building was soon erected for the library, which also became the center of social life for the young community. A library association operated the library for some time, but interest waned, books were scattered and lost, and meetings ceased to be held. The building was leased for other purposes and eventually sat deserted. 

When the Inverness Woman’s Club was established in 1917, many of its members were from the library association. The little octagonal building was deeded over to the Woman’s Club with the only stipulation that a library be maintained.

After working diligently through the years of World War I rolling bandages, knitting lap covers and sweaters, supporting other Red Cross work, planting a tree for each Inverness boy in the service, working in the schools, offering the first home economics course in the county, and reestablishing the library, members undertook the construction of a “new” clubhouse building.

The club joined the General Federation in 1917 and oversaw the building of a “new” clubhouse – erected in 1922 on the same spot as the original one which incorporated part of the older building in its west wing. The original foundation was left in place under the newer structure. 

When the club first occupied the clubhouse, there were perhaps a dozen volumes left of the original library collection. One bookcase and some books were returned to the library later. With hard work and willing help there were soon 1400 books, including new publications, on the shelves and the Woman’s Club Library was in place to lend books to the readers of the community.

This library was the first library in Citrus County and was maintained by members as the local “lending library” into the 1960s when a county library system was established. At that time, all the books in the Inverness Woman’s Club library were donated to the county system.

We introduced an “Artisan’s Boutique” to the community which became a major fundraiser but also helped us establish ourselves for sponsoring quality endeavors. The boutique lasted for 12 years and grew into a bigger venue that was known as the Arts & Crafts EXPO.

As a new century began, we celebrated our 90th year of club work, we sponsored three author fairs where more than 40 local authors were invited to sell their books. We also offered mini workshops in writing and publishing. Each author donated one of their books which became a part of our own lending library. This popular event was taken over by our local public library system. We are proud of our heritage of providing books and sources of books to our community and proud that we continue that work today. 

We welcome new members who want to be an active part of our community. Please visit our membership page to find out more.