Library History

Before 1945, a group of women in the Civic Welfare Club and Embroidery Club of Walled Lake circulated books at the Walled Lake High School Library located at 615 N. Pontiac Trail.  After 1945 public school buildings could no longer be used by the public so the library was moved to historic Stonecrest at 207 Liberty St.

In May of 1956, Mrs. R.C. Hughes, President of the Library committee and Mrs. Omar Joramo (Myrtle), librarian, organized the first Walled Lake Community Library.  The library rented rooms over the Ramsey Dry Goods Store located at 115 N. Pontiac Trail in downtown Walled Lake.  By January 1959, the library had accumulated so many books that the weight on the floor joists were a concern.  Consequently, the library moved to ground level just two doors down from City Hall.  

1962

The Library moved to the former Parris Lumber Company located at 824 N. Pontiac Trail.  The Library name was changed to the Walled Lake City Library and was given City Council recognition and funding.  In November, the public voted for a one mil tax increase in support of a library.  Librarian, Anneliese Lodden, became the first paid Librarian.  She retired in 1979.

1964

The Library won the 1964 State of Michigan Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book-of-the-Month Club Award for outstanding achievement among small public libraries.

1967

The Library moved into the newly built City Hall located at 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake.

1979

Donna Rickabaugh became Library Director.  Expanding the library was a major priority along with expanding programs for children.  Her career spanned forty-eight years when she started work as a highschool student in 1965.  She retired in 2013.

1982

The Library moved into its expanded facility at City Hall.

2004

The public voted for an additional one mil to be renewed every ten years.  This millage was to supplement the loss of revenue when Commerce Township opened a Library in June of 2005.

2007

The Library underwent a large interior decorating and remodeling effort which allowed for an enlarged public computer area plus staff work space.

2013

The Library celebrated its 50th anniversary.  Donna Rickabaugh retired and Alyson H. Lobert became Library Director.