Williston Community Library Dedicates History Room After Local Historian

The library will honor Adrienne Stepanek, a beloved librarian, historian, and author from Williams County.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Williston Community Library in North Dakota is dedicating its history room to Adrienne Stepanek, a longtime local librarian, historian, and author who made significant contributions to preserving the region's history through her work mapping cemeteries, creating historical archives, and enriching genealogical records.

Why it matters

Adrienne Stepanek's lifelong dedication to libraries and local history had a profound impact on the Williston community. Naming the library's history room after her ensures her legacy and contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

The details

Adrienne Stepanek served at both Williston High School and the Williston Community Library during her career. She was passionate about genealogy and historical research, and her work included mapping Riverview Cemetery and creating the Garden of Angels site. The library is honoring Stepanek by dedicating its history room in her name and establishing the 'Adrienne Stepanek Historical Archive Room of Williams County'.

  • The dedication ceremony will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Adrienne Stepanek

A beloved librarian, historian, and author from Williams County, North Dakota who dedicated her life to preserving local history through her work at the Williston Community Library and Williston High School.

Andrea Placher

The director of the Williston Community Library.

Williston Area Chamber of Commerce

The local business organization that will be participating in the dedication ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“This just makes sense. Adrienne and her work deserve to be recognized and honored for generations to come. We are proud to be the new home of her historical archives.”

— Andrea Placher, Library Director

What’s next

The library will host a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. to officially dedicate the history room in Adrienne Stepanek's honor.

The takeaway

By dedicating its history room to Adrienne Stepanek, the Williston Community Library is ensuring the legacy of a beloved local historian and librarian who made immeasurable contributions to preserving the region's history and heritage.