Milan Public Library
151 Wabash Street
Milan MI 48160
Phone: 734-439-1240
Description:
In 1935, some interested citizens in the village of Milan got together and decided that the village should have their own library. This library was to be a free library and located on the second floor of the village hall (Old Fire Barn) at County and Main Streets. A plea was made to the residents of Milan and many books were donated to the developing library. Clubs and organizations also donated books. On March 14, 1935, the library was opened with Mrs. Fannie Greashaber as the director. At that time the Library had over 800 books and many magazines. At the same time the Ann Arbor Business and Professional Women's Club with the help of Nina Preston, Librarian of the University of Michigan Library, took on the project of establishing libraries in smaller communities around Ann Arbor. The Milan Free Library was the first library helped by this club. Eila Gotts became Director in 1939, and assisted by Hazel Braun.
By 1943 it was said that the Milan Free Library was one of the best libraries in the state. In 1947, 1 mil was passed in support of the library. As the library grew in membership and inventory it was obvious they needed more room, so in July of 1949 the Village Council offered the east half of the Power House on Wabash Street to the Library. In May 1954 Mrs. Ruth Smith became librarian and remained in this position until March of 1969. It was during this time that the library connected to the Village Office was built. The new library was dedicated in 1966 and in 1967 Milan became a city.
In 1969 Mrs. Mary Radenbaugh became the librarian. In 1975 the library was awarded a Federal Grant to purchase a filmstrip projector and new filmstrips and cassettes. At the same time the library had 1,356 families registered with library cards. The library services included a Visiting Librarian, Summer Reading Club, Story Hour, and many others.
In 1984 the library doubled in size as the addition to the East side of the library was completed. In 1994 an additional .5 mil was voted for library use and in 1995 the interior of the library was remodeled for more efficient use of space.
The Library began offering internet computers for public use in 1996, and in 1998 the library started using an automation system. In 1998 Andrea Rumps retired after 18 years as director, and Gail Hardenbergh assumed this position. In early 2006, Gail retired after serving the library for 7 years.
Today the library is still growing, with one librarian and a total of 7 staff members. We currently have over 37,000 items and approx. 4,000 card holders.