Bad Axe Area District Library

So the year this story begins, 11 ladies met at the home of one of their members, and there founded the Woman’s Club of Bad Axe. The ever active, public spirited minds of these pioneer civic leaders were mirrored in their club motto, “Mutual Improvement-Mutual Enjoyment.” These women realized that only on their mutual improvement could they find and create mutual enjoyment.

However, not content with working for self-improvement or self-seeking interests, they strove for more expansive fields to conquer and sought a project that would not only redound to their intellectual betterment, but would bring enjoyment and educational benefit to the community.

Therefore, in the year 1911, on December 28, to be exact, one of these far thinking, energetic women, whose generosity and goodwill was known throughout the state, for Mrs. Sleeper’s appearance and manner spoke convincingly of her charity and good nature, brought to the members of the club the possibilities of a public library.

At the following meeting, it was moved and carried unanimously that the Woman’s Club of Bad Axe sponsor a public library. The library was definitely established by the initial donation of eight books.

Can you picture the happy faces at the meeting January 25 when a tall, business-like woman arose to announce that after deducting the expenses of Anniversary Day, what remained was sufficient to purchase two more books for the library.

From such humble beginnings, continued the actual work of establishing and maintaining the library. A mass meeting was held and that meeting was followed by house to house canvass for books and financial support. The community gave willingly and generously, even the less fortunate graciously contributed their part for the general benefit of all.

The work and contributions thrived so that it was necessary for a special committee to be appointed, known as the Library Committee, to carry on the auspicious start.

In 1912 one of the members was appointed to confer with Miss Mary Morgan regarding the possibility of housing the new library in her home. The following report, taken from the club minutes of March 7, 1912, indicates the success of the conference. “Miss Morgan will take care of the library, furnish room, fuel and lights, for $225 a year. Each member to pay the sum of $1 a year for the use of the books.”

On May 1 of the same year, the following report was given: “100 books and $12.45 in cash has been collected.”

Saturday, March 1, 1913 was a Red Letter Day in the history of the library. The new public library was opened to the public. Forty-five attended the opening and viewed with pleasure the 500 books and 12 magazines on its shelves. The excitement and pride of those vitally interested, and those whose generous contributions of time and effort made possible that eventful day inspired the entire town.

Up to this time all seemed peaceful and quiet, but the report of Feb. 19, 1914 shows troubled waters. The financial report of the same year, March, shows: “Money on hand, $267.80; disbursements, $267.80.” There were 850 books at this time and 16 magazines.

At a meeting held March 7, the members were urged to canvass the city, securing all possible funds for the continuation of the library. Tickets were distributed for sale, but whether these tickets were for an entertainment or library cards cannot be determined.

At this time, the constitution of the club was amended changing Section I, Article II of the by-laws to make the Library Committee a Standing Committee. It can be seen from this definite step that the library had become a permanent and fixed institution.

Although books from the circulating library at Lansing were added to the Bad Axe Library shelves from time to time, additional funds were always needed in those early years. Therefore, it was decided to inaugurate various affairs and social functions which not only swelled the club treasury but added greatly to the enjoyment of the entire community. The first of these affairs was the ball given in 1915 by a group of women. The sum of $61.60 was donated to the library from the proceeds of this ball. The affair was so successful that a precedent was established, and thereafter the yearly event given for the exclusive benefit of raising funds for the maintenance of the library became known as the Charity Ball. This ball is now given every alternate year and is known as the Christmas Ball.

Another yearly event was the Library Reception, and was held annually at the library in the month of March. Though for some unaccountable reason Reception Day was usually a rainy day, the warm friendliness and happy spirit of the occasion dispelled rain clouds from one’s mind, and the beautifully appointed tea service and silver offering tray is remembered by all those fortunate enough to have attended.

Through all the early years of the library, Miss Morgan served as librarian faithfully and sincerely, occasionally assisted by club members and the younger ladies of Bad Axe. In 1926, after 13 years of loyal and whole-hearted cooperation, her resignation was given and accepted.

In the summer of 1926, the urgent need of a new library was discussed. A new city hall was being seriously considered by council members of Bad Axe, and it was deemed advisable to request space in the new building for the library since the money in the treasury of the finance committee had grown to considerable proportions.

After several business meetings, it was voted to invest the sum of $2,000 for a room to be used for library purposes only in the new city hall. This also included heat, lights, water and janitor service.

Since establishing the library in its new home, interested and efficient club women have had charge. Various beautiful and serviceable gifts were donated by a generous community for this room.

Bad Axe Public Library now stands complete; a noble and permanent monument to those far-sighted, intelligent, civically interested persons for whom it has become a dream materialized.