Hastings Public Library's 125th Anniversary

Title: Hastings Public Library's 125th Anniversary
Subject: Public History--Michigan--Barry County
Description: Did you know the Hastings Public Library has been around in one form or another since 1896?

It started out as the Women's Club Reading Room and over time, grew into the vital and vibrant public institution we all know and love.

Look through this collection to learn about where it all started, see the how the efforts of so many helped the library grow, and have some fun seeing photos of the past.
Type: Image and text
Date: 1896 - 2021

Collection Items

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HPL 125th Anniversary Plaque from State Representative Julie Calley

A framed proclamation initiated by state representative Julie Calley celebrating the Hastings Public Library's 125th anniversary.
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Three Library Directors

The three most recent HPL Directors. Left to right are Evelyn Holzwarth (2007 - 2015), Laura Ortiz (2015 - 2017) and Peggy Hemerling (2017 - present)
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Hastings Public Library's Home in the Old Post Office from 1965 to 2007

The front facade of the Post Office that became the Hastings Public Library in 1965 at the corner of Church and Court streets, Hastings, MI.
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Hastings Public Library's Home as of 2007

The front facade of the current Hastings Public Library at 227 East State Street, Hastings, MI.
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The 125th Anniversary Library Display Showcasing The Reminder Newspaper Covers About the Library and Book Titles From the Original Women's Club Reading Room.

The 125th Anniversary Library Display Showcasing The Reminder Newspaper Covers About the Library and Book Titles From the original Women's Club of Hastings Reading Room. Created by Barbara Haywood.
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Side 2 of the 125th Anniversary Library History Display

Part of the Library History display created by Diane Hawkins showcasing key events in the library over its 125 years.
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Side 1 of the 125th Anniversary Library History Display

Part of the Library History display created by Diane Hawkins showcasing key events in the library over its 125 years.
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People Playing in the Foam

People playing in the foam on the hill at Thornapple Plaza celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Library.
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Kids Playing with a Giant Connect Four Game

Children with a giant Connect Four game, one of several outdoor games set up at Thornapple Plaza celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Library.
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Kids Playing in the Foam

Children playing in the foam at Thornapple Plaza celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Library.
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The Foamy Hill at Thornapple Plaza

A few people playing in the foam on the hill at Thornapple Plaza celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Library.
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Stormy the Magician Prepping the Foam Party

Stormy the Magician, aka David Storms, creating foam for celebrants to play in at the 125th Anniversary of the library.
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Librarian Florence Wilson

Photograph of head librarian Florence Wilson, 1964-1974.
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The Main Desk of the Library in the High School

Photograph of the initial school library and the main desk.
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Hastings Public Library's First Public Home in the High School Circa 1918

Photograph of the original high school in Hastings, now the middle school. The Women's Club first moved their private reading room to this new public location in 1918.
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Hastings Public Library Celebrates 125 Years Newspaper Article

Newspaper article celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Hastings Public Library.
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Hastings City Council Approves Purchase of Post Office for New Library - Part 2

Newspaper notice that on November 25, 1963, the City Council approved purchase and use of the old post office for a new public library
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Hastings City Council Approves Purchase of Post Office for New Library - Part 1

Newspaper notice that on November 25, 1963, the City Council approved purchase and use of the old post office for a new public library.
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Hastings City Council Creates the Hastings Public Library

Newspaper notice of formal creation of the Hastings Public Library by issuance of an Ordinance by the City Council on December 23, 1963.
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List of Hastings Public Library Directors

List of Hastings Public Library Directors from 1918 through 2022.

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Hastings Public Library's 125th Anniversary

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Hastings Public Library's 125th Anniversary

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