Bassett, Virginia's historical collection was begun, possibly as early as 1939, by Mrs. Effie Nolen. The collection was housed in the basement of what was known then as the Bassett Public Library. That Bassett Public Library was the same building we know today as the Bassett Historical Center.
In 1992 the Bassett Public Library became part of the Blue Ridge Regional Library system. In 1998 a new building was built across the street to serve as the Bassett Branch Library of the Blue Ridge system. The genealogical and historical collection then remained in the old building known today as the Bassett Historical Center. The Bassett Public Library Association owns the building housing the Bassett Historical Center. Blue Ridge Regional Library has been leasing the building for a number of years, operating the Bassett Historical Center in it as one of their branches.
Finally today it became public knowledge that Phil Dalton, president of the Bassett Public Library Association, has served notice to the Blue Ridge Regional Library that they must vacate the premises by June 30th. The move has been anticipated for almost a year since the Library Director banned a major Bassett Historical Center Building Fund supporter from the Library System and also put longtime Branch Manager Pat Ross on paid administrative leave and locked out of her office while her files were reviewed. Ross was made to look bad by the way the situation was handled. This severance of relations becomes effective July 1, 2012. Hurray and Alleluia! The Bassett Historical Center remains alive and well and will be operated by the Bassett Public Library Association. You may read an EXCELLENT account of today's events at MartinsvilleMedia.com.
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