“Books and Newspapers are the Great Teachers”

93.3.10: Manitowoc Public Library

Manitowoc County is home to many beautiful public libraries.  The Manitowoc library has an interesting history dating back to 1856.

An effort was made by Manitowoc resident K. K. Jones in 1856 to establish a library and reading association.  His idea was put on hold until 1868, after the Civil War.  Jones donated two lots on York Street and also the use of the second floor of a building he owned, for the library.

2001.19.60: group of children at the Carnegie Public Library in Manitowoc. 1902

The Jones Library Association was originally a private library open only to members, but was later opened to the public.  Members could choose to pay a $4 annual fee or a $25 lifetime membership.  The membership money was used to purchase books. 

The Manitowoc County Historical Society has in its archives several copies of the Jones’ Library Association Catalogue of Books, published in January 1871.  The contents of the book include the rules of the library and reading-room, a history of the Jones’ Library Association, and the catalogue of books.  One of the rules states, “Every member may draw from the Library two volumes at one time.”  Another unique rule was “after the return of any book, the same person shall not take the same volume again until it has remained in the Library two full days.”

Due to a lack of funds for building upkeep, the building became rundown, causing the library to be discontinued in 1888.  Manitowoc was without a library until 1899, when the first public library was established over the post office, which took into its collection the books from the Jones Library.

Between 1898 and 1899, the Clio Club, a women’s literary group, raised money to open a public library.  The library was located above the US Post Office and opened on March 13, 1900.

The library proved to be too small, so the ladies of the Clio Club solicited the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for funding.

Mrs. J. S. Anderson, Vice-President of the Library Board received a letter dated December 27, 1902 from Carnegie’s secretary.  Anderson had written a letter asking for funding for a public library.  The Manitowoc County Historical Society has in its archives the letter Anderson received.  “If the City agree by Resolution of Councils to maintain a Free Public Library at cost of not less that Twenty-five Hundred Dollars per year, and provide a suitable site for the Building, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to furnish Twenty-five Thousand Dollars to erect a Free Public Library Building.”

On August 27, 1904, the Carnegie Library on N. 8th Street opened.  This library served Manitowoc until after World War II.  During the 1950s, the library board was forced to discuss building a new library due to overcrowding at the Carnegie Library.

The Hamilton Street library opened in January 1967, following a federal building grant received in 1964.  This library served the needs of Manitowoc for over 30 years.  By the mid-1980s, it was apparent that the library had become outgrown.

The current Manitowoc Public Library opened its doors in September of 1998.

Libraries have continually had to adjust what they offer with the changing times.  21st century libraries are trying to stay up to date with the latest technology.  Nobody can argue the importance of reading a good library book.  M. Fellows, the President of the Jones Library Association stated, “In this age, books and newspapers are the great teachers.  They bring us face to face with the best and wisest minds of the present and the past; we live again in their days, and thus a double live is given us – one of the present, and one of the past.”