MHPL - Library History | Mount Horeb Public Library

1876

Mount Horeb's first lending library is housed in Paul Sletto's Boot & Shoe Store. The local Kwik Trip sits near the location of Sletto's store. The collection has 150 books. In October of that same year, the American Library Association is formed in Philadelphia.

A view of "Old Town" Mount Horeb, circa 1879, with Paul Sletto's shoe store and circulating library on the right

1900

The Minerva Literary Circle, a newly formed club with 12 members (all women), starts a rental library of books from their own collection. The Mount Horeb Library opens in a small bulding in the 200 block of East Main. The Wisconsin Traveling Library Association lends the library 200 books a year for $12.

1910

The Minerva Literary Circle raises money for the library by sponsoring food sales, lecture courses, home talent plays, public debate teams, chautauquas & donations. Anna Helland is the librarian and receives no salary.

1915

The library moves to the 2nd floor of the Hanley-Reilly garage.

1924

The village board assumes responsibility for the library and budgets $100 a year for rent, books, periodicals, and the librarian's salary.

1925

The library moves to the Mount Horeb Bank Building, (now the Municipal Building).

1930

Anna Helland resigns after 20 years of service & her sister, Marie Eidsmoe takes her place.

1933

Mrs. Lennie Holum (Elsie) is appointed as librarian.

1945

The village board votes to give the library rent-free occupancy of its location. The $360 annual rent is instead to be spent on books.

Repair & book mending is done by the inmates at the state prison in Waupun.

1955

The library moves to the Evans building on Main Street.

Volunteers conduct a Saturday morning story hour for "youngsters."

1961

Elsie Holum resigns after 28 years as librarian, and, after a short interim period, Mildred Thousand is appointed to take her place.

1963

A small area is set aside for a children's area, apart from the adult books.

1966

The library becomes a member of the Dane County Library Service.

The same year, Friends of the Mount Horeb Public Library is organized by persons interested in developing library services and facilities for the community.

1969

Mrs. Thousand resigns and Gladys Martin takes over as librarian.

Fifth grader, Randy Swiggum, thinks the library should have a new flag so he writes to Congressman Robert W. Kastenmeier and the library receives a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capital.

1970

The library moves to the Gonstead Clinic building on East Main. Library hours are extended to 24 hours a week.

1973

The library is appointed repository for the Dahlen collection of 1883 to 1941 "Mt. Horeb Times" newspapers. A record collection is started. Film strips and story hours for children become a regular activity.

1974

The library buys a copy machine. The library also acquires a movie projector and schedules Saturday morning movies for school children.

1975

The library becomes part of the South Central Library System, allowing it to provide greater services to the community. The library serves 1,042 card holders and 727 Dane County Card holders.

1976

The library celebrates its 100th anniversary. A replica of Paul Sletto's boot shop is created in the library.

1979

Dorothy Handrick is appointed Library Director. The library moves to the upper level of the new Community Center.

1993

The library closes for a week to complete the project of barcoding the library collection, making it possible to use scanners to check out materials from the library.