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The Chippewa River District Library

On May 20th, 1998 the Library of Michigan officially recognized the Chippewa River District Library system as a legally established district library.

The district area encompasses the City of Mt. Pleasant, the Mt. Pleasant Public School System, and Union Township. The Chippewa River District Library system is funded by a millage levied in the district area and a contract negotiated with Isabella County to provide library services to the out-of-district residents of Isabella County. The district roughly follows the boundaries of the Mt. Pleasant Public School System, serving over 43,000 in-district residents with Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant, and Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush. Through a contract with Isabella County, the Chippewa River District Library system also provides library services to 4 out-of-district branches; the Weidman Public Library in Weidman, the Fremont Township Library in Winn, the Rolland Township Library in Blanchard, and the Coe Township Library in Shepherd, bringing the total population served to nearly 64,000 residents.

Veterans Memorial Library

Mt. Pleasants first library was organized on March 15th, 1879. It was known as the Library, Literary and Musical Association of Mt. Pleasant and was housed wherever there was an available space. Being an association, its materials were only available to members. After a fire destroyed most of the books in 1895, the Library, Literary and Musical Association faded away.

In 1909 a movement, championed by the Mt. Pleasant Woman's Club, began to establish a public library in Mt. Pleasant. The first board was named on December 6th, 1909 and the library opened on March 19th, 1910 in a building on South Main Street over Jamison and Young's office. The library later moved into the house of Mr. and Mrs. L.N. Smith at 412 E. Broadway. In a few short years the library had outgrown that building and was relocated to the First congregational Society of the City of Mt. Pleasant (formerly known as the Unitarian Society) on the Southeast corner of Illinois Street and Normal Avenue (subsequently named College St. and now University Ave.), Veterans Memorial Library's current location. the Mt. Pleasant Woman's Club raised $2,693.12 for equipment to furnish this new location.

In 1953 plans for financing and constructing a new library building were studied by community leaders. Money from a special library building fund, municipal court funds, a postwar building fund and a loan from other municipal funds were put together, and with the old church literally falling down, a new library building was placed into service in April of 1957. Not only was there a new building, but a new name as well. On May 24th, 1957, the library was dedicated to Mt. Pleasant's veterans of all wars - Veterans Memorial Library.

By 1974 the library was already running into space limitations. As the community continued to grow, so did demand for library services. After years of exploring multiple possibilities, voters approved a $1.2 million bond in June of 1983 to expand Veterans Memorial Library into the building we use today.

When the Mt. Pleasant Post Office relocated to a new facility in 2002, the old Post Office and the parcel of land it sat on became available. Feeling the pressure of increasing demands for library services, the library board took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, purchased the former Post Office in 2003 and along with it a much needed parking lot. The former Post Office was renovated just enough to make the building usable, attached to Veterans Memorial Library, and named the Library Annex.

As demands for technology increased, so did the response of the Chippewa River District Library. The Veterans Memorial Library Computer Training Center was implemented in 2000 with the assistance of a LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant and a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, over 8,000 patrons have improved their computer skills at free computer classes offered at the library

Faith Johnston Memorial Library

Faith Johnston was a very giving spirit throughout her lifetime; giving of her wisdom, time, and resources, so it was in her nature to aid the library when they were in need of a new library space. Due to the generosity of Faith Johnston the Rosebush Branch Library was able to expand and find a home within the walls of the one room clapboard church on Michigan Street in 1993.

In recent years the building began to show signs of stress both within its original foundation and the floor due to the enormous weight and strain of the book stacks. As would be expected just as the community grew, so did the contents of the library. In the summer of 2006 the library district was able to purchase a large commercial space located at 4035 N. Mission in the center of the village. Renovations for the new library space began with the partnering of CMU's IET department (its staff, students, and the Home Builders Student Chapter) and the library district. Once plans were approved by the County, demolition took place, and then the rebirth of the building was set into motion.

The new location of the Faith Johnston Memorial Library branch of the Chippewa River District Library system was complete and opened its doors on Monday, August 27, 2007. The new space is three times larger than the old space and while it provides the same quality services to the community that it always did, it can now offer additional children's programs, as well as, teen and adult programs. There is also a large community gathering space and a meeting room for public use. Included in the expansion was the addition of separate adult and youth computer space, as well as, a wireless network providing the community with free internet access, and separate areas for relaxing and studying for adults, teens, and children. A unique feature that patrons can enjoy in the warmer months of the year is the reading porch located in the back of the building.

Governance

A volunteer board of six trustees governs the Chippewa River District Library System. The Board of Trustees meets monthly. For a list of board members, board meeting information or board policies, please call 989-772-3488, ext. 19 or visit the FAQ page on the CRDL website.

The Chippewa River District Library (CRDL) is composed of Veterans Memorial Library (Main) in Mount Pleasant, Michigan; Faith Johnston Memorial Library in Rosebush and four other branches: Weidman Public Library in Weidman, Fremont Township Library in Winn, Rolland Township Library in Blanchard and Coe Township Library in Shepherd.

Mission Statement

The Chippewa River District Library System provides materials and services to enrich, enlighten and inspire all of the people in our community. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating an interest and appreciation in young children, promoting recreational reading for all ages, and utilizing the library as a reference and independent learning center.