Happy Birthday, Minerva Public Library LbNA #64213

Stamp re-carved and box re-planted. Check for the changes at the end of the clue. Happy hunting! 7/2017


This letterbox was planted to celebrate the Minerva Public Library’s 100th anniversary.

From the parking lot, look for an “island” with only two parking spots.

Follow the stone path across the island to the sidewalk. Look carefully, and cross the drive-thru lane to the other sidewalk.

Go to one of the picnic tables and stop for rest to learn about the history of the Minerva Public Library.

The Minerva Public Library started as a school library at Union School which was open to the public one evening per week.

In 1913, a library board began meeting, a large collection of books were donated, and the Minerva Public Library moved to City Hall.

Between 1916 and 1978, the library moved several times between City Hall and a public school (originally Minerva High School and later Hazen Junior High).
In 1972, plans to build a new facility began. The library purchased the old Union School property with intent to renovate. Unfortunately, fire damage to the interior would require nearly $1,000,000 in renovations, so the board instead paid $5,000 to have the building demolished. Since the Union School was on the National Register of Historic Places and the library demolished it, the Department of Commerce would not give a Public Works grant to rebuild. The library had to find a new property quickly, so the Minerva Board of Education agreed to sell land to the library for $1.

The new library opened its doors in January 1979 at the current location. Another expansion occurred in the early 2000’s and the Minerva Public Library opened once again in May 2003.


Now follow the sidewalk until you enter a brick path. Look for the brick near the waterfall that has a Chinese Proverb.

With toes touching the words "A Chinese Proverb," turn left and walk 2 steps to the brick edge. Under the rock you will find the treaure you seek.