Reedsburg Public Library anticipates 125th anniversary celebration

The library’s calendar next week includes a Tech Help workshop for library apps, two sessions of the library’s September book discussion, and the second week of fall youth services programming. In the midst of this activity, Reedsburg Public Library staff is planning a month-long Anniversary Celebration in October.

On Monday, Sept. 23, Assistant Library Director Caitlin Opatik will demonstrate the use of Libby and Hoopla at 2 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Libby and Hoopla are library apps that allow for the free download of ebooks, audiobooks, music and movies. These apps can be downloaded with either an Apple or Android device and allow the user access to thousands of digital titles. If you have questions about how to use these apps, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn. No registration is required and you may bring your device for downloading titles.

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, the library begins its fall book discussion schedule. Those who wish to participate may come to the library’s Community Room at either 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. The meetings may also be attended via Zoom. The September selection is “The Magnolia Palace” by Fiona Davis. Copies are available for checkout at the library.

Library staff is gearing up for a month-long celebration of the library’s 125th anniversary in October! The first Library in Reedsburg was established in 1899 by the Reedsburg Women’s Club on the second story of what is now the Gavin Brothers. Women’s Club members served as librarians. The old City Hall building on the corner of Park and Vine streets was the second library location from 1901 through 1911. By 1912, the Carnegie Library had been established on the corner of Vine and Locust streets, and served the community until the present building across the street was built in 1998.

During October, we will be celebrating the library and the community’s rich history by hosting a series of Wednesday night programs. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. Sauk County Historical Society Executive Director Paul Wolter will present a program about Reedsburg in 1899, the year the first free public library was established in the city. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m., representatives of the Reedsburg Historic Preservation Commission will present The History of Reedsburg in Buildings and Artifacts. They will talk about the most recent survey of historic buildings in Reedsburg, as well as their museum, housed in the old Carnegie Library building. The following week, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m., local historian Lee Gnatzig will talk about little-known events and personalities in Reedsburg history.

Finally, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m., Reedsburg Public Library staff will present their own updated program about the history of the library since 1899, and advances made in services, collections and technology. Cake and refreshments will be served at this time, and participants will have an opportunity to talk in person with Library Director Sue Ann Kucher. A drawing will be held for a gift basket, provided by the Friends of the Reedsburg Library.

If you have questions about next week or next month’s activities, be sure to call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.