HURON — The Huron Public Library welcomed community members on Tuesday, March 24, for A Celebration of Community & History, a special dedication event recognizing two newly named spaces within the library: the Mildred McEwen Jones Research Room and the Donald B. Urquhart Meeting Room.
As part of the celebration, the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau conducted an official ribbon-cutting to commemorate the dedication of both spaces, marking an important milestone in the library’s continued growth and service to the community.
The nameplate of the newly-designated Mildred McEwen Jones Research Room.
The event highlighted the library’s commitment to thoughtful planning for the future while honoring the individuals who helped shape the Huron community. Recent updates to the facility were made possible through an accessibility-focused grant and a partnership with Nadur Design. These improvements allowed the library to reimagine its layout, creating a more flexible meeting space and enhancing access to research services.
The newly designated Mildred McEwen Jones Research Room recognizes a local historian whose lifelong dedication preserved the stories of Beadle County’s earliest settlers. Born in 1890 and raised near Huron, Jones spent decades collecting and documenting pioneer histories through letters and interviews. Though she passed away in 1975 before her work was published, her efforts were later compiled into five volumes, providing an invaluable record of the region’s early development.
Donald B. Urquhart Meeting Room.
The Donald B. Urquhart Meeting Room honors a lifelong Huron resident, engineer, and businessman known for his deep commitment to the community. Urquhart, who passed away in 2024, contributed significantly to the family automobile business and remained active in the community throughout his life. In 2025, his support for the library was further demonstrated through a generous $100,000 gift made through a trust, helping ensure its continued service for future generations.
Library Director Angela Bailey welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of honoring both history and progress. Reference Librarian Jennifer Littlefield also shared remarks about the lives and lasting contributions of Jones and Urquhart, emphasizing the significance of preserving local history and community connections.
The Huron Public Library invites the public to visit and experience the newly dedicated spaces, which are now open and available for community use.
For more information about library services and upcoming events, please contact the Huron Public Library or visit their website.
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