About the Jonesville District Library
In January 1897, Mr. J.J. Deal presented the association a lot on Church St. to build our new library. A building committee was appointed consisting of the president, Miss Sarah Sinclair, Mrs. Ida Varnum, and Mrs. J.A. Sibbald. They started subscription papers and canvassed the town and surrounding county. On January 17, 1899 the 24th annual library meeting was held in the new building which, when completed cost $1339.75 and carried a debt of $155.00 which was paid by a memorial less than one year later. The book committee reported using $9.96 for purchase of books during the year, all other money raised went to the building fund. There were 86 patrons who had library cards. In 2015 the library has over 3500 library card patrons and serves over 30,000 patrons a year. Servicing Jonesville, Scipio and Fayette townships.
How We Became A Library
On November 20, 1874, twenty-one ladies from two reading clubs organized the Jonesville Library and named it the “Ladies Library Association.” Around 50 books were donated by the ladies, and $5.00 was raised through a concert. Book distribution began in 1875. Between its founding and 1897, the library occupied four different locations. In 1897, J.J. Deal donated the property where the library now stands. The building was constructed in 1898 at a cost of $1,339.75 and officially opened on January 17, 1899.
During the early years, board members served as librarians, taking on tasks such as sweeping, dusting, building fires, and cleaning and filling lamps—all without pay. In 1900, it was voted to pay the librarian $1.00 a day, if the budget allowed. The Dewey Decimal System and the name "Jonesville Library" were adopted in 1919.
In 1950, the Child Study Club established the children’s corner, complete with books and low shelves. The “Boosters of the Library” group began in 1964, the same year Jonesville became a district library.
Today, the library serves the Village of Jonesville as well as Fayette, Moscow, and Scipio Townships.
