GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island Public Library is celebrating its 140th anniversary Oct. 11.
Celine Swan, library director, talked Oct. 11 about what has changed since the library opened 140 years ago. She referred to a two-page history of the Grand Island Public Library written by Shaun Klee, reference and collection services librarian.
The City Council passed an ordinance on Aug. 15, 1883, establishing a library. The library opened on Oct. 11, 1884.
In his history, Klee credits the late Joan Davis (1923-2018), who was a library volunteer, for compiling a history of the library.
The library was first located in a law office downtown, Swan said.
“We have a really rich history of people involved in the development of the library,” Swan said.
After being housed in several locations downtown, plans for a new library started in 1902.
“Andrew Carnegie provided a grant for the new building, with Elizabeth Abbott and Angeline Bentley leading the effort,” according to Klee’s history. President Theodore Roosevelt attended the April 27, 1903, groundbreaking for the library, and it was dedicated in 1907. The library opened in its current location in 1974. The site was made possible by Edith Abbott, who left a majority of her estate to the library for that purpose.
Swan said in 2007, a project led to doubling the size of the library. In 2019, renovation of the library occurred.
“It’s the heart of the community,” Swan said about the library. “You can come alone, or you can come with your family.”
The library isn’t just a place to come and check out books. Programs are offered ranging for activities for preschool age children to book clubs for adults.
The library has 27 full- and part-time employees, Swan said.
The library is looking at getting a kiosk for book distribution.
“I would like to have an outreach van,” Swan said. The van could drive into a neighborhood and provide Internet access. It could also be used to deliver books to locations such as nursing homes.
“There’s nothing in the works for a second building,” Swan said. “If Grand Island keeps growing, we definitely will need to have a branch” location, she said.
Anyone who lives in Grand Island or Hall County or owns property in Grand Island or Hall County can get a free library card. If someone lives outside of that geographic area, the cost is $40 per year for a card that includes everyone who lives in the household.
Swan said the online ebooks and audio books are popular. Circulation of items within the library remains popular.
The library has a relatively new area called Makerspace. Use of the equipment in the area is free, Swan said. There is a cost for supplies used. According to the library’s website, use of the Makerspace area is by appointment only. For instance, Makerspace has a laser cutter that cuts and engraves wood, metal, glass, and plastic. It also has a 3-D printer and sublimation printer. Other equipment includes a vinyl cutter, heat press and hat press, mug and tumbler press, simple sewing machine, button makers, and laminator.
Swan said that study of local history is very popular. There is a “Bygone Book Club” that operates in conjunction with the Hall County Historical Society.
“Our children’s programs are always popular,” Swan said. Getting children ready for school through early literacy is very important.
The library collaborates with the Literacy Council, the Multicultural Coalition, and Adult Basic Education through Central Community College for literacy services for adults.
“140 years is a lot of years,” Swan said. “We want to continue to provide a variety of services.”
A number of library directors have left their imprint on the library over the years. According to Klee’s history, Daisy Houck became head librarian in 1910 and retired in 1942. Two succeeding head librarians were Helen Gorder and Mary Tressider. In 1960, Roberta Lawrey was named head librarian and retired in 1991. Steve Fosselman was named as her replacement. Swan became library director in 2020 after Fosselman retired. Numerous other people, both employees and volunteers, have been important to the library’s development over the last 140 years.
