Manhattan Library
The Manhattan Township Public Library was founded in 1909 by John Henry Smale, a visiting seminarian from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a group of interested citizens [including Dr. George Brannon and Agnes McHugh]. The first library, with a collection of one hundred [100] book donations and a bookcase from the John Baker family, was housed in the village hall [the original village hall on the corner of Wabash and First Streets, see photos]. The library was open on Saturdays with Ruby Cockle as librarian. The library was funded by talent shows, card parties, and an annual summer festival.
In 1919, the citizens of Manhattan Township voted to levy taxes to support the library. On the first Library Board of Trustees were Flora Baker, Anna Tennysen, Bert Hollenbach, Elvira Klinger, Harry Kirstein, and Nelson Lynk. Flora Baker became the second librarian, and in 1933, Dorothy Cockle Allen assumed the position. Librarians immediately following Mrs. Allen were Isabelle Treshan, Vera Borden, and Jennie Loucks.
In 1940, the Manhattan State Bank building [the flatiron-style brick building on the corner across Firehouse] was purchased for $1500. In 1959, the library celebrated its golden anniversary and had acquired 7500 books. At this time, Effie Dyer was the librarian. In 1968, the library purchased the Evangelical United Brethren Church building at 240 Whitson St. In 1975, Ruth Mundt became the librarian.
The first full-time head librarian, Judy Bunting, was hired in 1984. Plans were in progress for the construction of a new library building. The trustees applied for and received a Library Services and Construction Grant from the federal government for $88,000 to match the $120,000 library’s building fund.
With the help of the community, the dream which began in 1909 was realized as ground was broken on September 8, 1984, for the new library, and the Manhattan Township Public Library moved into its new home on June 22, 1985. Dedication of the new building was held on October 27, 1985, on the 76th anniversary of the library. The Library Board of Trustees at that time were Marcia Schouten, Chris Granitz, Clarence Lauritzen, Alice Stratemeyer, Beverly Vander Boegh, Janet Werner, and Scharee Zuccolotto. Special recognition was given to Donald Mundt and Terry Nolan, past board members who were dedicated to the project.
A brief history of the library would not be complete without mentioning Florence Lynk [served on library board from 1937-1978], Arbie Seltzer and the many trustees who contributed to the success and longevity of the library.
The Manhattan Township Public Library became Manhattan Public Library District in July 1987. In 1995, Jackson Township Precincts Two and Four were annexed by referendum, changing the name to the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District. In August 2000, Judy Pet was name the Library Director. Renovations to add modular units to house the children and teens department began in the winter of 2013 with an October 2014 opening ceremony. Retired director Judy Pet cut the ribbon in honor of her twenty-five years of service to the library.
Read more about our library here:
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