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Library History

The Manhattan Public Library District was founded in 1909 by John Henry Smale, a visiting seminarian from St. Paul's Episcopal Church and a group of interested citizens. The first library, with a collection of one hundred book donations and a bookcase from the John Baker family, was housed in the village hall. 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 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 in the 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 Public Library District 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 Manhattan Township Public Library became Manhattan Public Library District in July of 1987. In 1995, Jackson Township precincts 2 and 4 were annexed by referendum. In August of 2000, Judy Bunting retired and Judy Pet was named Library Director. The April 2001 elections brought the annexation by referendum of Jackson Townships 1 and 3, including the town of Elwood.

Library Board

President
Sharon Gill

Vice President
Robert Braam
Secretary
Kim Ciuffini

Treasurer
Ray St. Aubin

Trustees
Kelly Davis
Burton Stencel
Christina Sunday

Library Staff

Library Director
Judy Pet

Administrative Assistant
Nicole Silberman
Asst. Lib. Director
Barb Hnetkovsky

Children's Services Manager
Paula Basile

Children's Services Assistant
Amy Ingalls

Technical Services Manager
Mary Ellen Byford

Adult Services Librarian
Noreen Bormet

Circulation Manager
Kelly Ferrari

Teen Services Manager
Amanda Berg
IT Coordinator
Alex Vancina

Supervisory Clerks
Carol Girard
Katherine Coglianese

Library Clerks
June Hinz
Pam Sluis
Kelly Ferrari
Katie Mackholz
Elaine Bishop
Karen Zurawicz

Technical Services Assistant


Shelving Clerks
Sue Genis
Kristen Vancina