(Chelsea Update would like to thank Virginia Krueger for the information in this story.)
On June 1, the Chelsea District Library (CDL) staff, board, and public are invited to celebrate a number of library milestones.
First, as publicized last Sunday, is the payoff of the library’s building bond. 2024 also marks the 25th anniversary of our library district. In 1999, the first district-wide operating millage was passed by the Village of Chelsea, Sylvan and Lyndon Townships, and the portions of Lima and Dexter Township that fall outside the Dexter Library District.
There were many committed individuals who volunteered time and talent in the effort to form and fund the district. Men and women from the village and townships came together to form the Citizens United for Chelsea District Library organization.This group saw and understood the intrinsic value of public libraries.The formation of our library district and passage of the operating millage provided stability of funding that allowed for increased staffing, programming, and materials to support literacy, access to truthful information, and technology.
CDL Director Lori Coryell said, “Expanding from a village library to a district library was a vote of trust that a public library would evolve to meet the needs of a growing library service area. Many of the families who helped form this library district have since served on the library board and continue to volunteer here. I am humbled and grateful for their support.”
How have the needs of our library community been determined and met in these last 25 years? Through outreach efforts, CDL recognized gaps in access to technology.
Budget was allocated to provide more public computers, broadband internet service, and eventually Wi-Fi hotspots.
Along with this access came opportunities to train individuals on safe use of emerging technology.
Homebound delivery services grew to ensure that those living with illness or disabilities still had access to books, movies, music, and the friendly companionship that came with each visit.
The library supports our student population with a robust collection of books and early literacy programs.
At its best, a public library provides a portal to the world at large. Through stories shared in community gatherings, music events, art exhibitions, books, films, and programs, our patrons can experience a diversity of cultures, history, and perspectives.
Join us on June 1, from 1–3pm to celebrate the library’s past, present, and future, followed by our annual Music in the Air concert in the CDL Reading Garden.
About Us: Chelsea District Library (CDL) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to engage, inspire, and equip through evolving services and resources. CDL currently serves 16,126 residents in the Chelsea library district—City of Chelsea, Lyndon and Sylvan Townships, and the portions of Lima and Dexter Townships within the Chelsea School District. For more information visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org.
