History of the Library

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1887 First Library

The Columbus community formed a library association on January 20, 1877, with the donation of 54 books from former Governor and Columbus City resident James Lewis. It was located in two rooms located over the former Griswold building and the current Sharrow Drug Store. at 100 S. Ludington Street. The library moved to the front two corner rooms of City Hall in 1887, at which time the library was a subscription library.

Columbus Library Association was formed in 1910.

In 1910 The Columbus Women's Civic Club solicited the Carnegie Foundation for a $10,000 grant for a library. On October 14, 1910, the city purchased 2 lots at James st and Dickason Blvd. The Women's Club raised additional money to furnish the library.

1912 Carnegie Library

The library was designed by master architects Louis W. Claude and Edward F. Starck in 1912. It achieved statewide architectural significance as one of the most original designs of a firm noted for its distinctive libraries. The library's one-story Prairie School design , built of stucco, wood, and brick, belongs in the general class of their Prairie works but the design is also strongly influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement.

The library was dedicated on November 1, 1912, for the contracted cost of $9,888.10 and has been in continual use since its opening.

There have been many uses for the basement over the years. During World War II Red Cross classes in First Aid and Home Nursing met, and in the 1950's. The Women's Club furnished the basement to use as a dining room and kitchen. They continued to hold their meetings at the library until they disbanded in September 2002. The Youth Center met there. It was also used as the Senior Citizen Center for a few years in the 1970s and a preschool in later years before being converted into a children's room and meeting room in 1990.

1990 Renovation

The architectural firm of Noble Rose Architects was hired to keep the library historically accurate. It was renovated to include a new children's area, improved lighting, a relocated circulation desk, a meeting room with a kitchen, a handicapped-accessible entrance, and an elevator.

Money from the city and donations from the community paid for the renovation.

Swarthout Property

The library board purchased the Swarthout property next door at 239 W. James Street in 1999 for future expansion. The house on the property was sold and moved in February 2002. A parking lot was installed on the site in the fall of 2013.

Century Birthday

In 2012 the library celebrated its 135th anniversary since its founding and 100 years in the present building.

Modern Renovations

In May 2013, the library building’s interior was updated including new carpet, wall color, and signage to help modernize and brighten up the space. Seating and computer stations were added to the main floor and a Teen Lounge was created. Downstairs in the children’s department bright walls and colorful wall murals were added, shelving was reorganized and the checkout desk and staff area was remodeled to help make the space more welcoming.

A parking lot was added in the former Swartout site in the fall of 2013. Thanks to Lorna and Jim Will for the $10,000 donation that made it possible for people to park off the main road.

A Wi-Fi garden and outdoor sitting area were added between the library building and parking lot area in the spring of 2014. In the spring of 2023, a solar-powered device charging station obtained through a grant was installed in the Library parking lot.   

Addition of the Library Annex

The City of Columbus purchased the property next to the parking lot at 251 West James Street in the fall of 2016. The purchase was made possible via a contribution from the City of Columbus, and private donations to the Columbus Public Library, including an anonymous donation from a Columbus Community member for $100,000. The structure on the property, now called the Library Annex, had its Grand Opening in the Fall of 2017.

The Library Annex is home to several of the library’s community partners including the Columbus Literacy Council.  It is also the home of the Friends of the Library Book Store. The second floor is rented to local artists as studio space.

Community Support 

The Friends of the Columbus Public Library group has supported the work of the Library over the years and continues to do so.   One of the group's main fundraising activities was the establishment of the Bookstore located in the Library Annex.   Funds raised by the Friends via the Bookstore and online sales of donated books have provided the means to purchase additional items and programs for the library not addressed in the annual budget.  

The Friends of the Library also volunteer at the Library by providing beautification of the Library grounds surrounding the building.   They purchase, plant, and maintain all of the flowers, shrubs, and trees that adorn the Library lawn.    

Columbus Public Library is a corporate member of the Columbus-Fall River Rotary Club and the Columbus Kiwanis Club.  Both groups have supported the Library by funding programs and supplies.   

Awards and Honors

The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1990.

Certificate of Appreciation on March 29, 1992, from the Columbus Historic Landmarks and Preservation Committee in recognition of the effort that had been made to maintain the building in keeping with its historic appearance.

The library was awarded South Central Library System Library of the Year on September 8, 2000. The library shared this award with the American Family Insurance corporate library as the winner of the special library category. Columbus Public Library received the award for innovative library service.

The Wisconsin State Legislature presented the Columbus Public Library on January 20, 2002, with a citation for 125 years of library service and commitment to the community.

Columbus, Wisconsin may be a small town, but the Columbus Public Library was given a big honor in 2017 by being named a finalist for the Library Journal’s “Best Small Library in America.” The award showcases exemplary work of smaller libraries across the country, serving populations of 25,000 or less.

The Columbus Library’s nomination for this award was evaluated on its innovation in developing services and programs, success in educating patrons in technology and technology services, creatively addressing literacy for all patrons including early literacy and school readiness, and its support and collaboration with other community partners.