In researching the old Dorchester newspapers as to who was involved; how, when and where did the Dorchester Public Library get its start; I came across many interesting articles and one thing led to another until I felt pretty comfortable that I had sufficient data to put the full facts on paper.
I had one additional piece of good fortune. I was able to track down a young woman by the name of Karen (Olson) Reynolds; granddaughter of Alta Erlei. Alta Erlei was instrumental in organizing and pursuing a public library for the citizens of Dorchester. Karen had a document that was written by her mother, Margaret “Erlei” Olson (daughter of Alta Erlei) and so I thought a good place to start would be to reinstate that document at the beginning of this writing.
I, Margaret Erlei, was a freshman in the fall of 1931 when the idea of a library for the village of Dorchester was promoted by a group of women led by Wayne Hugoboom, the high school music teacher. They named themselves the patroness Club. Wayne also organized a youth group to which I belonged. We called ourselves the Bookworm Club and met in Hugoboom's living room. One social event was held, that being a sleigh ride party, that I remember. We helped the Patroness Club by going to homes asking for donations of unused books, I think the Bookworm Club dissolved when Wayne pursued greener pastures.
Because of my mother's (Alta Erlei) interest and activity; I was close to the excitement when the village board met and was presented with a request for the use of the village hall for a library.
We were aware that some of the board members were opposed to the request. With approval of the board came the business of building shelving with doors that could be locked. Funds for this may have been granted by the village board.
The women volunteered their time twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. Gradually their number was reduced to just a few regulars. A small fee was paid to own a card and a penny a day was collected on overdue books. The most requested reading was for love stories, mysteries, detective and the current best sellers. I remember requests for reference books placed by our outstanding student, Elmer Estrumse.
The library took out memberships with several book clubs and this added variety. One of the most appreciated assortments came in each month by rail from the University of Wisconsin Traveling Library. The books arrived in a large, heavy wood box. At first, Bill Monroe, the station agent, paid my brother (Leon Erlei) 5 cents a hundred pounds to transport the box to the village hall (about two blocks). Later it became my mother's responsibility and she was a familiar sight pulling a sled or wagon in all kinds of weather. My father (Henry Erlei), brother or I helped her pack and send the box and receive it as she could not do it alone.
After a while, the library board decided to hire my mother at five dollars a month and thus relieve the volunteers of their obligation. The library was informal in structure. I do not remember how she classified the shelving except for one type of reading material which she kept out of the range of young patrons. These books were on the top shelf, quite available to me but to this day I have not read Seed or The Grapes of Wrath. I must have lost interest along the way as I had discovered Tolstoy, Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas and many others which were not on my mother's list. For a brief time, I had a story hour for youngsters but the parent's interest dwindled.
Harold (Boob) Martens kept the hall swept and had a fire in the potbelly stove by the time my mother arrived but she was proficient in building her own fire if Boob had duties elsewhere. The odor of the place was something we had to get used to. For years no women had stepped over the threshold except to vote. The floor boards were dark and glossy with traces of missed spittoons and coals dropped from the stove. Wood and coal smoke combined with the tobacco smoke of at least four decades saturated every crack and crevice. Captains chairs were drawn up to the two long tables and were lined along the wall and around the heater.
The fire engines were housed in the other (west) half of the building and back of the meeting room was the town jail. Its two cells provided cots for transients. As soon as the weather became chill we could expect to find one or two staying overnight or for several days. The big heater provided warmth and cooking space. Many of the men were decent, intelligent, educated and interesting. Most were willing to share their troubles and tales with us and my mother always made their visits welcome. Occasionally, one of our family stayed with her until closing; when an especially fearsome character was in town.
My mother performed her duties zealously, enjoying the books and the people from 1932 to 1952. Her payment was never increased.
September 11, 1931 --- The first article that I was able to locate in the Dorchester Newspaper occurred on this date and would confirm the time mentioned in Margaret Erlei's writings. The article states: Since we have no library here, we have been asked, “Where can I get one of the books recommended by the column?” Due to the lack of a library, we can think of no better recommendation than the Free Traveling Library from Madison, Wisconsin. The only cost to you is postage and of course a small fine if a book is kept over time. Just write the Free Traveling Library, Madison Wisconsin and the books will be shipped to you.
We are hoping that Dorchester will have a branch of the traveling library here as we have had in former years when Herbert Buehrens so graciously gave his time for book worms.
September 18, 1931 --- Ready for some real news. The book shop at Marshfield, located adjacent to the Hotel Charles, near the post office has a special sale on books. Among them are The Royal Road to Romance and the Glorious Adventure by Halliburton as well as Revolt in the Desert by Lawrence and many other books of that caliber. Books which sold for $3.50 to $5.00 per copy are now being sold for just $1.00 per copy. If you are interested in having an excellent library built up; here is a real chance to add some worth while books to your library. If you aren't particularly interested in reading them yourself and fell slightly philanthropic, why not donate the books to the Book Worm Club or let them buy the books as a nucleus for a Dorchester Public Library? Think it over.
October 2, 1931 --- THE BOOK WORM ---This week brings news of our new “Book Worm Club”. The initial meeting was held Tuesday evening with 14 members present. It was decided to meet every two weeks on Monday evening so as not to interfere with the Catholic card parties on Tuesdays. The next meeting will be held Monday evening October 12. The place will be announced next week. If you couldn't come this first time be sure to be present a week from Monday evening for we have many plans to discuss and begin working on.
Business --- No officers were elected but Wayne Hugoboom took charge as temporary chairman and Emery Fritsch was appointed temporary treasurer. It was decided to charge each member an initial fee of 25 cents and a monthly charge of 10 cents; not enough to prohibit anyone and a way of raising enough money to begin.
Our Aim --- The main aim of the Book Worm Club is a Public Library for Dorchester. The dues of the members will go towards buying new books and paying current expenses. Several people have already promised to donate books to the library, which is open to everyone. We shall be happy to receive any books you should wish to donate to our library. Of course there are books we cannot use for a library but your judgment will tell you which books are suitable. We can use good fiction, biography, history, adventure and travel or any other type of book. Look over your collection, pick out the books you wish to donate, then either bring them to the Hugoboom residence or tell us and we will call for them. With everyone cooperating we should have a nice start towards a library by our next meeting. If any books you wish to donate are broken or torn, send them just the same and we'll fix them up for use. Just help us get started.
Committees --- The only committee appointed was a Ways and Means Committee to find ways of raising money to purchase books. The committee is composed of Miss Hart, Mrs. A.W. Schief, H.L. Hougen and Geraldine Herman. We want to give everyone a chance to help with the library so we are working out plans to satisfy everybody. To help start the library we are going to use the Free Traveling Library in conjunction with our own material, giving us a large supply of available reading material.
Surprise --- At the next meeting, Oct. 12, we are going to have a program and a lunch. Be sure to be present and help us make plans and have an enjoyable time.
October 9, 1931 --- The Book Worm --- This week brings a plea for everyone interested in a public library to attend our meeting this coming Monday evening at the Village Hall. Election of officers will take place, committee reports read, plans made for the future and following a program to be given; a lunch will be served.
Plan to be present and help us organize this worth while movement. We need the concentrated assistance of everyone in Dorchester community to make the public library a reality.
Bring in Your Books --- We ask you again to bring in the books you wish to donate to the public library. Bring them to the Hugoboom home this week if possible so we can start arranging and listing them. If you cannot bring them yourself, let us know and we shall call for them. You might write your friends and ask them if they wish to donate any books. We want a library capable of serving all the community and so we are asking for all the good books we can get. Remember–good fiction, history, biography, travel and adventure stories are all desirable. Can you do your bit and help us out?
Why a Library? --- When they read or hear of the library move, some folks will say; Why should Dorchester have a library? Our first answer is to get your idea: Why shouldn't we have one? Here are some of the answers we might receive.
1. Money is too scarce now to support a library.
2. It would benefit a few.
3. Uses too much of the taxpayers money.
4. A library is not necessary.
5. It would not benefit the town.
6. It would be a failure.
7. Not enough people interested in it.
8. Wait until later when there are better times.
You who are not in favor of a library look over this list of reasons and you'll probably find your reason there. If not, then tell us what it is and we'll see if we can't convert you to our way of thinking. Dorchester has nothing worth while to join the people into a friendly band of neighbors. There is nothing here that is maintained directly by the people.
The only maintenance’s are the village board, fire department and school and they are indirectly maintained by taxes. The library is maintained directly by the people and goes as far as the people want it to. With all of us working together side by side, will it not help us see our neighbors in a newer and more enlightening way? And at the same time it will ensure the success of the library. The library will not use taxpayers money in the sense of taxes. It will be maintained by the Book Worm Club, minor fines and dues, using no allowance from village taxes.
October 16, 1931 --- The Book Worm --- The Book Worm Club met Monday evening at the Village Hall with 21 members present. A library for Dorchester is assured and so the club began at once to working on plans for making the library a huge success. Dues were made payable and all those who were not present are urged to pay the treasurer, Mr. Fritsch, as soon as possible to give us some funds to work with. Remember it costs you 25 cents to join and10 cents a month for dues. Can you afford to give that much towards building up a public library in Dorchester? If you cannot see Mr. Fritsch, you may leave your dues at the Clarion office before the next meeting on Monday, October 26th at the Village Hall.
What is it? It is the big Halloween Carnival, which will take place Friday evening, October 30th. Plenty of thrills and excitement, plenty of fun, music and entertainment for everyone. The proceeds will be used for the Dorchester Public Library. If you don't care to join the Book Worm Club, here is your chance to show us your interest and give us some real support in raising funds for the library. More about the big Carnival will be announced later but keep it in mind and keep the date open – October 30th. Two weeks from today. The library will be located in the Village Hall. The Dorchester Village Board has given its consent and are sincerely in favor of the library. They are letting us use the Village Hall for the library and are furnishing lights and heat.
We can't thank them enough for their kindness and interest in this new venture to better community life. The library is something everyone in the village and surrounding territory can make use of and still be proud of.
One More Thing --- Another item that will be needed as soon as the library is started is at least two table lamps for the reading tables. The lights are all right in the hall but are not suitable for reading work. If you have an old electric table or desk lamp with a broken shade or otherwise damaged so it cannot be used in your home, will you donate it to the library. The boys electrically and mechanically inclined will be more than pleased to have the opportunity of fixing them up.
Here's something of interest to everyone. As soon as our library is in operation, we have more plans. None of them are expensive but they are mainly to give Dorchester boys and girls something constructive to do. First we will have a story hour for the tiny tots every Saturday afternoon with capable people in charge of the department. We are also going to organize a boy's club, either Sec. Hawkins or Boy Scouts; a girl's club, either Campfire, Kitchen Craft or whatever they wish and a Forestry Club for bigger boys and girls.
October 30, 1931 --- The Book Worm --- As soon as possible after the carnival, the library will start operations. We are still asking for books and urging you to let us know about them. We have over 100 books at present and we are hoping to have at least 200 or 300 books when the library opens. The library is yours to use as soon as it's opened. Then too, we will begin our clubs shortly after wards.
November 13, 1931 --- Library --- The Village Board has supported The Book Club from the first and their motion of approval and help has taken form in a beautiful new library built this past week in the village hall.
It will be stained and varnished this week and will then be ready for use. Some of the club members under the direction of Miss Hart, are beginning the work of sorting and labeling the books for the library and if any of you folks have books for us, please notify us so we can get them now. As soon as the library opens we shall print a complete list of the donors of books.
Getting back to the subject of the new library shelves, we want you all to look them over. The work is well done and we are proud of it and want everyone to take the best of care of the village hall and library. We sincerely thank each member of the village board for his splendid cooperation in making the library an assured success. We also thank Mr. Andrew Sorenson for his earnest efforts in helping get the hall in readiness. The hall is being cleaned and scrubbed thoroughly and everything is being put in readiness to give Dorchester folks a chance to have a public library. We urge you to lend any assistance you can and also to make use of our library as often as you wish. It is entirely for you people and your support is solicited and more than welcome.
November 20, 1931 --- the Book Worm --- There are a few things we still can use for our library that we are unable to buy. One is a small desk for the librarian. Any table that is quite small would be suitable. If you have one in the woodshed, store room or attic, why not donate it. Or if you wish to keep it, why not lend it until we are able to buy one. We also need shades for the lights and some more lights or lamps. Let us know if anything you have that could be used.
December 11, 1931 --- The Book Worm --- The club met Monday evening at Village Hall with quite a small attendance. Many of the members seemed to have forgotten the night. The history of Dorchester was discussed and the members seemed quite anxious to compile a history of Dorchester. With about 250 books in the library already; that shows you what has to be done before we are ready to open the doors.
January 1, 1932 --- Public Library To Open Wednesday, January 6th On Wednesday afternoon the Dorchester Public Library will open its doors for the first time. A nice collection of books is on hand and there are books to satisfy everyone. The hours are as follows: Wednesdays: 2 to 5 – 7 to 9. Saturdays: 1:30 to 5 and 7 to 9;30. To aid in our library fund we are asking each person (excluding Book Club Members) to pay 10 cents for their library card which will entitle them to draw books for a year. The amount is small but it will help pay certain expenses for the library.
Make use of our library! Remember it is a room for reading and drawing books and it is necessary to keep it quiet for those who wish to read. Don't forget the library is for everyone. We ask you to use it. And too, donations are still gladly welcomed.
January 29, 1932 --- The library has done very well so far and we are urging more people to make use of it. We have about 70 cards out now. Let's see if we can increase that to 100 before the end of January. The tiny tots had their first Story Hour last Saturday afternoon and we are quite sure they enjoyed themselves very much. We acknowledge the receipt of books this week from the J. Skerbeck, J. Schober and A.W. Schief families. We thank you all very kindly for the books donated to the Dorchester Public Library.
February 5, 1932 --- The library is a success! We have nearly 80 cards out now and are working toward the 100 mark. We urge everyone of you to take out books and tell your friends to take out a card and borrow books from the library. Our purpose is to serve you and you will find Miss Herman, our librarian, on the job to help you in selecting books. We are very proud of her work. The story hour for children will be held again this coming Saturday from 2 to 3 o'clock with Miss R. Crocker telling the stories
March 4, 1932 --- Each week brings more news of our library. This week we wish to tell you that we are well past the 90 mark in cards and we urge you who have cards to help us raise it to 100. We have acquired something else, this past week. We have a new librarian. Her name is Mrs. Louis Sebold but should you go to the library for a book; you will be struck by the similarity between her and Miss Geraldine Herman, our former librarian. Yes, you can still call her Geraldine but not Miss Herman. All the book team members join us in congratulating the happy bride and groom thru this column.
March 18, 1932 --- In spite of seeming lack of interest, a small but peppy crowd attended the book club party Monday evening. Needless to say they had a good time and music was furnished by Mrs. Erlei and Miss Margaret, as well as other talented members of the club.
March 25, 1932 --- The library has about 110 cards out now. The books on the list published two weeks ago are due Saturday, March 26, this coming Saturday. Be sure to have them back in time so we can have the books here for you early in April.
April 8, 1932 --- Big Library Tea At Village Hall Wednesday This next Wednesday afternoon April 13, will mark the opening of a public Library Tea which will be held at the Village Hall. Three ladies are uniting to serve the tea and everyone in and around the village is invited to attend. Sandwiches, cookies and coffee will be served and the lunch will cost 10 cents a person. Serving will begin at 2:30 and last until everyone is served. As the library is open that afternoon you can draw books as well as enjoy a luncheon. The ladies in charge of this first public tea are Mrs. A.J. Premeau, Mrs. R.W. Hugoboom and Miss Bertha Vangness. Be sure to attend.
April 22, 1932 --- At the regular meeting of the Book Worm Club Monday evening, it was decided to have a wiener and marshmallow roast at our May meeting, which will be held Monday evening, May 16th. Everybody is urged to be present. The dues for May is one book from each member for the public library. If you haven't any book of your own, find someone who is willing to donate one and bring it as your dues.
Monday night's meeting was full of good information and fun, although the crowd was small. Mrs. Erlei and Miss Margaret and Miss Ardath Hugoboom furnished several trio selections on concertina, guitar and saxophone. Mrs. H.L. Hougen gave an interesting talk on “Reading as a Pastime” and Miss Hart's talk on “Selection of Reading Material” was also very well received. A brief round table discussion ended the program.
Have you guessed our circulation yet? Well, here it is!
January - 304 Books --- February – 406 Books ---
March – 488 Books --- Total - 1,198 Books.
With that for a total of the first months, we should have a total of around 7,000 or 8,000 books circulated during our first library year. This week brings two boxes of new books from the traveling library. Among the books are a special set of ten German books and ten western novels.
May 13, 1932 --- Due to Mrs. Louis Sebold's moving and beginning housekeeping; she is taking a vacation as librarian. Miss June Hugoboom is acting as assistant at the present.
Sept. 9, 1932 --- This month brings a renewal of book club meetings and we urge everyone to attend our first meeting of the year to be held a week from Monday, September 19th at the Village Hall.
Plans are being laid to arrange for more library room and magazine racks as well as a reading room. Next week will bring more particulars. We are in receipt of a reading lamp for our room from Mrs. C. Decker and we wish to take this opportunity to thank her for it. We still need one or two more electric lamps and if anyone has one or two extension cords, bulbs or shades, they have no use for, we would be glad to get them. We are trying to fix up the rooms so you may enjoy yourself at our library.
We are indebted to Mrs. E.M. Sorenson for the use of her set of books: “The Messages of the Presidents” and to Mrs. W.R. Munroe for the recent donation of books for the library. We are in need of another library compartment. Our two groups of shelves are filled to overflow and as a result we are going to add to our present library. Are there any boys or young men interested in our work who would like to built some shelving for us?
October 7, 1932 --Although our schedule for librarian on Wednesday's is incomplete, we have the schedule for three of the weeks and so give it here for your convenience. Cut it out and hang it up or paste it to something and thus remember when your turn comes. 1st Wednesday P.M. – Mrs. S.C. Sorenson – 1st Wednesday Eve. Mrs. N. Pickett --- 2nd Wednesday P.M. - Mrs. H. Erlei --- 2nd Wednesday Eve. - June Hugoboom --- 3rd Wednesday P.M. - Mrs. A.W. Schief --- 3rd Wednesday Eve. - Wayne Hugoboom --- 4th Wednesday P.M. - Mrs. Louis Sebold --- 4th Wednesday Eve. - June Hugoboom
The following people will have sections of Wisconsin history to discuss at the October meeting: Leo Schober, Margaret Erlei, June Hugoboom and Jack Allar. Be sure to see Mr. Fritsch to get the topic and references in which to find material for the discussion.
October 28, 1932 --- The regular meeting of the Book Worm Club was held Monday evening at the Library with a nice size crowd in attendance. After much discussion it was decided to divide the club temporarily into two clubs; one for the ladies who wish to help the library and the other for young folks from high school age through the young married folks age. The younger group will retain the name of the Book Worm Club and the ladies will decide on a name in the near future. The Patroness Club has been suggested as a suitable name for the club. Club members felt the division would induce more Dorchester ladies to join the Patroness Club and more young folks to join the Book Club group.
December 2, 1932 --- A committee was chosen to write up a set of by-laws and constitution for the club. The committee is composed of Wayne Hugoboom, Emery Fritsch, Margaret Erlei and Anna Miller. A reading of the by-laws and chance for changes and adoption will be made at the December meeting. The two members of the Book Club who will act on the library board in connection with two members of the Patroness Club, the librarian and presidents of both clubs were chosen at the meeting. They are Mrs. L. Sebold and E.G. Fritsch. As soon as the Patroness Club meets and selects its members of the board a meeting of the Library Board will be held to determine which books to purchase, what penalties to deal out for misdemeanor and future plan for the success of the library. So, don't forget the next meeting on Monday, December 17th. Let's all be present and invite guests and have them dress to fit the title of a book.
January 6, 1933 --- The library board will meet at the R.W. Hugoboom home on Wednesday evening January 18, at 8 o;clock for the purpose of establishing newer and stricter rules regarding the use of the library. New books will be discussed and final approval placed on books to be purchased for the coming month. The board consists of Mrs. L. Sebold, E.G. Fritsch, Miss Anna Ugoretz, Mrs. S.C. Sorenson, Mrs. H.L. Hougen, Mrs. Henry Erlei and Wayne Hugoboom.
February 10, 1933 --- We begin this week's column with a hooray. For several weeks the Club has been debating whether to buy books first and then build more library room or build more shelves and let the books go for awhile. Through the extreme kindness of Mr. Allar and the Village Board members, we are to have more library room in a short while. That leaves the book clubs free to purchase books mending and reading material.
We tender our unanimous vote of hearty approval and thanks to the Board for their unfailing support and cooperation. Money spent for library room and shelves cannot go wrong. We felt when the library was organized a year ago that it was purely a trial. But during the year it has proven a source of enjoyment, entertainment and benefit to the people in and around Dorchester.
March 17, 1933 --- You undoubtedly noticed our new and appropriate heading of our column last week but as space was scarce we were unable to mention it. Some time ago we consulted Ernest Mehner about an appropriate heading for our column. Shortly after, Ernie brought over an ink drawing which we thought excellent and last week found Ernie's drawing a permanent part of our column. The worm, which you notice is a glow worm, is the symbol of our club and column. Its glow lights the path to book reading and enjoyment and enlightens the mind. So you see our motto really is, “Light the way to better reading and enlighten the mind”.
The new cupboards are almost finished now and we are urging all patrons who have books to donate to the library to let us know where we may call for them. The magazine shelf is completed and we ask all those having magazines to bring them to the library on or before the first of each month.
June 23, 1933 --- When in doubt of what to read, ask our librarian. Mrs. Erlei can usually tell you something of the story and give you an idea of whether or not you'd enjoy the book.
August 25, 1933 --- At the special meeting of the Book Worm Club Monday evening; it was decided to create the office of President of the Library Board Association. Through unanimous vote, Mrs. E.R. Erickson was chosen for the office of President of the Association.
Sept. 29, 1933 --- Members of the library board for the coming year are: Mrs. S.C. Sorenson, Mrs. F.P. Foley, Mrs. A.W. Schief, Mrs. Henry Erlei, Miss Lucienne Manney, and Mrs. E.R. Erickson.
October 13, 1933 --- Meeting of the library board was held last Monday evening. New officers: a chairman Mrs. S.C. Sorenson, and a secretary Miss June Hugoboom were elected to serve on the board.
1933 to 1951 --- Very little news from this point on ever showed up in the old newspapers. The library continued to function and function well considering that the budget for its existence was very small. I give a lot of credit for those who started the library and for those who kept it viable in the years after its beginning.
September 13, 1951 --- In 1950, construction on the new Memorial Hall had begun and now a year later; it was ready for occupancy. The plan was to move the library to the new structure as soon as it was viable and so here in 1951 – discussions for the move began. Library Board Appointed At Friday Meeting --- President Vircks named a library board comprised of W.P. Lehnetz, Dr. A.W. Schief, Mrs. L.D. Sorenson, Mrs. Henry Erlei and Mrs. Herman Beisner; Mrs. M.S. Surmann and Harold C. Lunde were named advisory members to the board. Removal of the library to the new municipal hall was discussed at some length before adjournment of the meeting.
January 3, 1952 --- Village authorities have announced that the Village Library has been closed for moving and when its installation in new quarters are complete, its reopening in the council room of the new municipal auditorium will be announced.
January 31, 1952 -- Village Library to Reopen in New Quarters Feb. 2 The Dorchester Public Library which has been closed the past month or so, for removal to the municipal auditorium will reopen Saturday, Feb. 2; library spokesmen said today. The library now is located in the council room at the front of the new hall and Mrs. Herman Beisner is acting librarian while Mrs. Henry Erlei, librarian is on sick leave. The same hours will be observed as usual.
Feb. 5, 1953 --- Library to Close Wednesday Evenings During Lent Mrs. Herman Beisner, librarian announced today that the village's public library will observe similar hours to those observed last year during Lent and that beginning with that season two weeks from yesterday on Feb. 18, the library will be closed Wednesday evenings during the six week period.
May 28, 1953 --- Library Will Be Closed for Memorial Day Holiday Mrs. Herman Beisner, local librarian, announced this week that the Dorchester Public Library will be closed all day Saturday, May 30 because it is Memorial Day. The library is open each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and evening and observes the regular hours except upon special occasions of which May 30 is one.
July 18, 1968 --- Library Moved Into New Home Tuesday - The Dorchester Public Library was moved Monday and Tuesday to its new location in the former home economics room of the old Dorchester High School. The work of moving all the books, furniture and equipment was completed late Tuesday evening. The library will be open usual hours in the new location: Wednesdays and Fridays 2 to 5 and 7 to 9. Remodeling of the library's new home is not complete, among major work still to be done is building of more shelves. The space in the front of the Memorial Hall vacated by the library is being converted to auxiliary space for memorial Hall as a community facility for meetings, receptions and like uses. A beer cooler was installed last month and extensive remodeling is planned to start next week.
So the third home of the Dorchester Public Library was now secure and life for the community and library was bright as this was the first time that the library did not have to share the space with other community activities. No longer did the library books and magazines have to be secured with closed doors and the more valuable materials no longer had to reside behind lock and key.
The space was adequate and part of the remodeling process included both men and ladies bathrooms. The room above the library (the former science room of the old high school) was also available for storage of old equipment or old records, etc. This space however was shared with the storage of other village but seldom used equipment.
September 1994 – Construction is well underway for the new stand alone library. The 50 foot by 60 foot structure will include space not only for book, magazines and other reading materials but innovation and technology related features will also be present. VCRs, DVDs and on-line computers will be available for the citizens of Dorchester and the surrounding area for the first time. A new building and yes even a machine which will permit anyone to access the old newspapers thru the use of reading/displaying microfiche. The Wisconsin Historical Society in the 1970s and 1980s took to the road and microfilmed every old newspaper in the entire state. This achievement meant it was now possible to view the old newspapers by having each page of the newspaper appear on a screen for viewing. In 2008, a new machine was purchased which permitted the pages of the microfilm to be produced on paper so that a copy could leave with you when you departed the library. This technique was a tremendous addition as it was no longer necessary to hand write the information required.
By April of 1995; the 3000 square foot building was completed and the dedication took place one month later in May of 1995.
A tremendous accomplishment by a lot of people; people who contributed time in raising funds and of course by those who contributed monies to the well being of this very worthwhile effort.
May 2005 --- The words fell like a 50 pound rock hitting a plate glass window --- The Dorchester Public School would be closed and would not reopen in the fall. Ironically, it was already known that the St. Louis School would close one year later in 2006 and for the first time in 132 years; there would be no building housing an educational facility within the confines of the Village of Dorchester. What to do; call a meeting with the Dorchester Library Board and see if a partial solution was available. The meeting was productive; the library board would agree to an expansion of the existing library if the monies could be raised. This writer agreed to raise the necessary funds for the expansion. The bottom line was; the library would now function as the center of the community for all kinds of activities including; providing activities for seniors, teens, expand the kiddie corner and this writer requested and received authorization to use approximately one third of the new space for a Historical Center. Since the Village of Dorchester was the owner of the library; it was necessary to receive approval from them as well. During the summer of 2005; at one of the village's regularly scheduled monthly meetings; they too approved of the project and so the movement began.
September 2011 --- Almost six and a half years later; approximately $150,000 was raised and 40 foot by 60 foot addition was underway. By the end of April, 2012; the building was completed almost seven years from the time the movement started back in 2005. What a proud moment for all of those who assisted in the program and what a success. I remember saying; now we are back in the saddle again.
May, 2012 --- So beginning in 1932 in the old Dorchester Village Hall and relocating to the new Memorial Hall in 1952; then to the old Home Economics Room in the old Dorchester High School in 1968 and finally to the new library building in 1995 and the addition to that structure in 2012.
Librarians and Dates served:
Miss Geraldine Herman --- January 6, 1932 – May 13, 1932
Miss June Hugoboom --- May 13, 1932 – October 7, 1932
Mrs. Alta Erlei --- November, 1932 – January 31, 1952
Mrs. Eric Beisner --- January 31, 1952 – September, 1958
Miss Zeila Whitman --- September, 1958 – September, 1962
Mrs. Ruth Carlson --- September, 1962 – December, 1988
Karin Hoffman --- December, 1988 – September, 1991
Evonne Runge --- September, 1991 – September, 1994
Marge Wilcox --- September 1994 – September, 1997
Anne Wingler --- September, 1997 – March, 1999
Shirley Gebert March, 1999 – May, 1999
Sue Bedroske – May, 1999 To Present
August, 2016 --- Looking back; I would say how fortunately we were to have had so many good people in Dorchester during 1931. This was during the most severe time of The Great Depression and people certainly had more important concerns in their lives; like how to put bread on the table for their families.
Yet, there were those who saw the future and how important it was to read about the world and see what was happening elsewhere in the world. Just a few years later; most books in Germany would be outlawed and yes burned so that others could not read the truth. Here in this great land – freedom rings loud and clear. The message is “Do Not Ever Let Anyone Destroy What This Country Stands For”.