LIBRARY HISTORY

History of the Galesburg Memorial Library  6-2002

Smiley’s Kalamazoo Enterprize, published in Galesburg, June 22, 1895, stated that the annual meeting of the Ladies Library Association was held at Anna Gibson’s home and 30 ladies were present.  The past years lecture course raised $135.33, $91.48 paid for entertainment and $43.85 was left.  The Library was self-supporting from subscriptions, fines & etc.  Fifty-two books were purchased that year, 5 gift ones made a total of 941.  The Library was in the Correy Block of Galesburg where our Hardware is today but fire consumed the block.  A couple of houses in town housed the collection before it was moved to the old city hall east of Harding's.  There the books were upstairs in two rooms heated by a pot-bellied stove.  Sept 3, 1946 the Ladies of the Library Association voted to turn their assets over to the city where the city could match their amount of $4,000.  It was agreed upon to build a building in the city parking lot in the middle of town at an approximate cost of $15,000.  The city took care of the building, heating, light, repairs, and salaries.  Some money was received from State Aid.  The pledge system was decided on to raise money.  Some pledged and gave more than once.  All community members received letters.  Many people contributed time and effort.  Donations numbered 380 in 1948.  The drawn plans were displayed in the bank.  Bronze plaques were installed inside and outside the new building posting the names of the seven young men who had died in the Second World War.  A book held names of all community people in the armed forces, which was on display Memorial Day week.  The new Galesburg Memorial Library opened on Sept. 22, 1949.  Friends of this Library Association helped finish and furnish the new facility by having baked food sales, benefit parties and rummage sales.

            One day one of the librarians didn’t go in the basement at closing time.  She just called “closing time” down the stairway.  Unbeknown to her an ardent reader was engrossed in her book and didn’t hear, so was locked in the building.  She came upstairs, saw a familiar person going by – and was rescued!  The librarian was very embarrassed.

            The Library seemed to be filled and it was apparent it was time to start work on a new larger building.  It made sense to construct one near the New City Hall on E. Michigan Ave.  Many of the same financial avenues were taken as before along with a Building Grant made available through the Library of Michigan.  We’ve always had caring people willing to help by donating money and time, using their expertise, to their community.

            Written by Louise Hoyt.  Louise began working in the Galesburg Memorial over 25 years ago under the direction of then Director, Betty Titus.  When Betty retired, Louise became director and worked a total of 15 years before she retired.  Linda Mony was director after Louise.  The new Library at 188 E. Michigan Ave. was completed in spring of 1991.  Donna Kowalewski became director in Nov. 1991.

Click here to go BACK to the main Galesburg Memorial Library page.