Lucie Price (1876-1956) began her library career in Doylestown as an of the Melinda Cox Free Library on the northeast corner of East Court and Broad Streets.
On May 4, 1917, the Doylestown Daily Intelligencer reported on the opening of this, the borough’s first free library, where patrons did not have to pay annual membership dues.
“During the afternoon and evening 118 persons registered. Fifty-four of these were boys and girls. Miss Lucie R. Price, the Librarian, and those who assisted her, were surprised to find that a great many of the youngsters were particularly interested in books on history, biography and the like.”
One of the first to sign up for a library card was 10-year-old James A. Michener.
His novel, Return to Paradise, was later dedicated to Miss Lucie Price, who was credited as the person who taught Michener to love books.
The Doylestown Borough Council Minutes from fiscal 1926-1927 list monthly payment to “Lucie Price, Librarian” of $50.00.
After 40 years of service, Miss Price retired in 1954. In February 1956, the newspaper announced funeral services for Miss Lucie Riddell Price, “Dean of the libraries in Bucks County.”
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