Timeline

• 1887 - The first "public library" was a reading room above Pardee's Grocery on College Avenue near Oneida Street. It was privately run but available to anyone.

reading room above Pardee's Grocery

• 1888-1894 - Library was located at the first YMCA building until a fire destroyed all but 400 books.

• 1896 - Library was revived and consisted of a rented room on Oneida Street next to the Conway Hotel.

• 1897
• Library consisted of rented rooms above the Petersen-Rehbein Meat Market at 106 W. College Avenue.
• In May 1897, the association which operated the money ran out of money and asked the city to establish the library
• August 4, 1897, the Mayor appointed the first Library Board, which was confirmed by the Common Council
• August 11, the Board elected its first officers
• September 1, the Free Public Library of Appleton opened its doors in a room adjacent to the Common Council chambers

• 1900 - Combination Library/Museum/City Hall located at 121 S. Oneida Street.

• 1904 - Sunday service started

• 1918 - first children's story times

• 1921 - first children's librarian hired

• 1939 - City offices move out of library building

• 1954 - library building remodeled

• 1975 - Friends of Appleton Library formed

• 1981 - new library building opens at 225 N. Oneida

• 1989 - Appleton Library Foundation formed

• 1995 - library expansion and renovation started

• 1997 - Appleton Public Library celebrates centennial

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Appleton Public Library / 225 N. Oneida St. / Appleton, Wisconsin 54911-4780  (920) 832-6170
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 Latest revision 4/3/2000