Walton Erickson Public Library

Library Showcase:

Story of the Walton Erickson Public Library

Once upon a time there was a community without a library. But the community dreamed of having their own library where books would be available for all to check out. So one day, they decided to take a vote. The results, 139 people said yes, only three voted no.

A short while later, May 3, 1965, the library started operation in a small room located in the High School Library with most of the books being borrowed from the Mid-Michigan Library League and the State Library. They also received a few gift books from those excited about the library, area residents and neighbor libraries. It was designated as a Public/School Library and the Superintendent of schools acted as the governing agent.

Just two years after the library opened, it had become so popular and enjoyed by the community, it was decided that the library needed their own building. Walton Erickson, the Superintendent of the School applied for a Federal Grant to build a library. There were several applicants, so the grant was not approved right away. But, Mr. Erickson did not give up. He did more research, added to his application and continued to submit it until in 1971, it was approved. Construction of the new building began in June of 1971 and the library opened to the public in December of that same year.

In 1986, the name of the library changed. That year, Mr. Erickson retired from the position of Superintendent after 38 years. To honor his dedication not only to the school district, but also to honor the success of the Public Library, the library was renamed the Walton Erickson Public Library.

Today, the library building is the same size as when it was built, but their collection and services continue to grow. They now have 20,000 books, 100+ DVDs, 1200+ videos, Music CDs, 150 audio books, and 4 computers with Internet Access.

This year, the library started a book discussion group, Coffee Break Book Connections, who meet on Tuesday mornings at the library. They group enjoys discussing books and are passionate about the library. It is the Director, Cory Taylor’s hope that someday the group may form a Friends of the Library Group.

In the future, the library hopes to build a nice addition or a new building so they can continue to expand their services. As a result of various memorial donations, they have money in a designated building fund.

The moral of the story, when people work together they can accomplishment their dreams. The community came together to create the library and are continuing to support it through use and donations. And as result, they are a small library, in a small town, but they have a lot to offer.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007