The Suttons Bay Library had its humble beginning in the early 1890’s and was housed in the home of Ed Johnson which used to stand on the lot now occupied by the Bahle Annex. Johnson acted as the first librarian. When A.A. Sessions opened his office in the office portion of Con Lather’s building, the few books that comprised the library were moved there. Its next home was Emma Otto’s Millinery shop and Miss Otto was paid $25/annually to act as librarian. Here the library continued until the books were given to the Public School Library.
Sometime later, in 1913, several women of the village met in the home of Dr. E.A. Miller and organized what was called the Civic Club, and later the Suttons Bay Community Club. Demand for a public library had been revived and it was this group of women who started the present library. On the original library board were Mrs. L.P. Bolme (president), Clara Lund, Mrs. Robert Power, Mrs. Otto Laser, and Mrs. Wm. Payne (who acted as librarian). Mrs. Fred Donner and Mrs Wm. Payne devoted one day in going house to house requesting books to start the library. They formed a library association to which each member paid dues of $.50 a year and fines of two cents a day were levied on overdue books. Members could keep books for two weeks, all other patrons one week. Some of the fines totaled $1.50—and one reached at least $2.60. Adapted from Suttons Bay Mich Centennial.
In this way a small sum accumulated with which to buy new books and keep old ones in repair. Shelves and a reading room were provided on the second floor of the second Suttons Bay Fire Station. This reading room was shared with the “Modern Woodsmen” as a lodge room. Electric lights were free. This fire station is now 9Bean Rows Restaurant.
After a time, the dues were not enough to support the library. In order to maintain the library a business meeting was called in the library and Mr. Henry H. Snohr, Sr., the Suttons Bay Township Supervisor met with the Civic Club and it was decided the township would take over the running of the library.
In 1924, the Township took over the library and the Civic Club continued as custodians. Mrs. Payne agreed to act as librarian at $2.00/day. “At first, two club members would look after it, until all had taken turns, and when Mrs. Payne tried it, she concluded to accept the position.” The library was only open on Saturday. Mrs. Payne continued as such for three years. At this time, there were over 1,100 books available. Mr. Henry Ford sent the library a subscription to the Dearborn Independent.
The club women decided to clean up the room so they washed the walls, and had them papered. The floor was scrubbed, scraped, washed with lye, scrubbed some more, then given two coats of varnish. The chairs were painted dark green and light gray to harmonize with the wall paper. A rocker, a desk, window frames, and book shelves were varnished. The stove was polished; a piano installed; and fie tables added for social purposes. “The Club intends to use the room for socials once in awhile, and hold meetings there sometimes. A curtain with rings is used to cover the books, a screen was given to shut off the kitchen department, new brass electric light fixtures; new window shades; and new curtains. When people come in to stand and look as soon as the door is opened, as if they were entranced with the beauty of it all. A large rug was also given which helps to make the room more home-like. At one time, a couple gave 127 books, another 60. We began with 24 and now have 1180. Aside from the books, there is one set of shelves for magazines. Mr. Ford has been sending us the Dearborn Independent, and we appreciate it very much. We also have a supply of mending material on hand for misused books. Several sets of encyclopedias have been given and 10 volumes of (john Fennimore) Cooper’s works were sent from Big Rapids, which cost only the freight charges. We have a collection of motor magazines, giving various auto hints. Come in some time and if you don’t see what you want, ask the librarian. If you don’t want a book—come anyway, and look over all we have, perhaps you will enjoy reading. Get in the habit of spending idle time in reading some interesting information that will gain much valuable information for you, that will come in handy some day. If you have any books that are in your way, and you do not know what to do with them, send them to the library. Someone will be glad to read them.”
Mr. K. Gus Smarey, editor of the Suttons Bay Courier, added the following: “Give honor to whom honor is due. The library has gone through a real transformation, It is one of the brightest places in town. The Woman’s Club headed by Mrs. Louis Bolme, president of the library and Mrs. Robert Power with a bunch of men and women, papered, painted and varnished.” –Helen Wransky copied from the Suttons Bay Courier
In 1944, the Township Board turned the support responsibility of the library to the Suttons Bay School Board. In 1953, the library moved into the new high school building for a short period. It was now comprised of approximately 2,000 books. From there it moved to the area vacated by Art’s barbershop. From there it moved to the building now occupied by Enerdyne and Brainstorm. After that it moved back to the remodeled fire house, on the first floor, this time in 1980 after approximately $2,500 of much needed repairs were made. When an offer was made on the property, the village offered the newly purchased Lowrey four unit motel for use.
A grant from the federal government for library construction became available. The decision was made to raise the necessary matching funds and build instead of using the small motel. A lease between the village and the library board was drawn and signed for use of the property 120′ x 60′ at the top of the marina. The current library building is owned and held in trust or the residents of Suttons Bay and Bingham Townships by the library board.
The cost of the new building was $148,433.07. The size of the library was 1,956 square feet upstairs with an additional 1,140 square feet in the lower level. The final move was made to the present library in October, 1984.
It was expanded in the spring of 1996 to its present size of an additional 1,780 square feet on the main level to meet suggested state library guidelines.
Those who acted as librarians through the years: Ed Johnson, A.A. Sessions, Miss Emma Otto, Mrs. Wm Payne, Mrs. Cora Leo (became Chair of Library Board in 1944), Mrs. Edna Smith (librarian 1944-1952), Mrs. F. Hoag, Mrs. Julia Gustin, Mrs. Nancy Peitma, Mrs. Wm. O’Dell, Mrs. Ruth Christianson, Mrs. Howard Fuller, Mrs. Janice Parks, Mrs. Robert Green, Miss Cathy Beagle, Suzanne Latta Hoff (1987-98), Tina Ulrich (1998-2005), Virginia Roberts (2005-2012), Ryan Deery (2012-2016), Bradley Chaplin (2016-2019), Danielle ‘Nellie’ Danke (2019- ).
Historical Timeline of the District Library
Feb. 1979 -The library in Suttons Bay was legally established through the Library of Michigan as Suttons Bay Area District Library pursuant to Public Act 164,1955, (replaced by P.A. 24 of 1989) by agreement of Suttons Bay and Bingham Townships and Suttons Bay Village. Suttons Bay Township and Bingham Township each appropriated an amount from their general funds equal to three-tenths of one mill to the library district for its support. This is the minimum amount required to be recognized by the state as a public library and to qualify for State Aid and eligibility for membership in, and to receive the services of, a library cooperative. (No public election was held to establish the library or to determine funding.)
June 1979 – Suttons Bay Village leased the Fire Station (at 303 N. St. Joseph, presently 9Bean Rows) to the library rent free. A fundraising drive provided about $30,000.00 for the renovation of the building.
1984 – The Library Board won a (Federal) Library Services and Construction Act grant in the amount of $70,840.00 to build a library at it present site. A grant from Rotary Charities of $25,000.00 and a capital campaign provided the necessary matching funds to construct and furnish the building. Suttons Bay Village agreed to lease to the library, for 50 years, the land on which the library is built at no cost to the library and also to provide water and sewage at no cost to the library.
Nov. 1984 – The new library opened. The total of the upper and lower levels of the building was 3,096 sq. ft.
1987 – Suzanne Latta Hoff was hired as Library Director.
Before 1990 – The library name was informally changed to Suttons Bay Area Library.
Spring 1996 – The library building was expanded, adding 1,780 sq. ft. for a total of 4,876 sq. ft. (including both upper and lower levels), funded by a (Federal) Library Services and Construction Act grant of $83,925.00 and $78,331.00 by Suttons Bay Township from Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa 2% funds. (At that time funds were given to the governmental units for distribution, not by the GTB as a result of grant requests.) The public was asked for donations for the remainder of the matching funds and for furnishing the larger space. The Village agreed to a revision of the lease, extending it to April 26, 2045.
Spring 1997 – The library circulation system and catalog (ILS) were automated by NuGen. The LibNet system began operation and the library had internet access. Hardware and software were provided by a Library Services and Construction grant of $39,000.
Spring 1998 – Tina Ulrich was hired as Library Director.
Summer 2004 – The library’s website began operation as www.suttonbaylibrary.org designed, constructed and maintained by Cheryl Donakowski, volunteer.
April 2005 – Commissioned a Needs Assessment to be conducted by Traverse Management Resources of Traverse City to learn what the public wants from the library. The study was paid for through private donations and grants solicited for that purpose.
June 2005 – Findings of the Needs Assessment were presented to the Library Board, resulting in the Board’s later decision to ask the public for a library millage in 2006.
June 2005 – Virginia Roberts was hired as Library Director.
July 2005 – Charitable Remainder Trust program was launched with the preparation and distribution of an informational brochure.
Jan. 2006 – Library Board began process of asking voters for millage for library operations.
June 2006 – The library name was officially changed to Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library by agreement of Suttons Bay and Bingham Townships, Suttons Bay Village and the Library Board, and recognized by the Library of Michigan.
Aug. 2006 – Millage request was refused by voters.
YES Total 570 B. Twp. 251 SB Twp. 319
NO Total 864 B. Twp. 461 SB Twp. 403
Nov. 2006 – Millage request was refused by voters.
YES Total 1090 B. Twp. 481 SB Twp. 609
NO Total 1717 B. Twp. 922 SB Twp. 795
Jan. 2007 – Library hours were reduced; fees on some library services were established.
May 2007 – The Library Board commissioned a study of the library’s interior space by Library Design Associates of Holland, MI. In June, preliminary drawings for suggested rearrangement of space were presented. The study was paid for by the Friends of the Library and grants from Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and Suttons Bay-Bingham Fund.
June 2007 – The library’s computer catalog was made available online through the library website, www.suttonsbaylibrary.org.
June 2008 – Lower level repainted by Suzanne Hoff and others.
Feb-Oct. 2009 – Additional shelving added through Friends of the Library, Suttons Bay-Bingham Foundation and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Grants.
May-July 2009 – Friends of the Library remodel and replace fixtures of all three bathrooms.
July 2009 -Library hours increased to 34.5 weekly, two more evenings added.
Nov 2009 – State of Michigan Quality Service Auditor Checklist (QSAC) essential and enhanced levels achieved simultaneously. Renewal in 2013.
Feb 2010 – Mango Language and Ancestry for Libraries made available to patrons.
March 2011 – Regular Homebound Delivery services added through Leelanau Commission on Aging grant funds request (annual renewal).
May 2011 – Main floor of the library renovated through Friends of the Library, Rotary of Grand Traverse and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians grants and private donations.
Nov 2011 – Updated website containing links to Library Board meeting agendas and minutes.
Jan 2012 – Additional shelving added through Friends of the Library funds and private donations.
May 2012 – Library Director Virginia Roberts receives the Loleta Fyan Small/Rural Librarian Award. Opted not to renew contract with SBBDL.
Aug 2012 – Ryan Deery named Library Director. Obtains Robert C. Reinhardt Foundation Grant to reroof and restain building and install professional smoke detection system. Work completed summer, 2013.
April 2013 – Friends of Library vote to create downstairs community room (formerly the meeting room). Work completed June, 2013.
Dec 2013 – First Holiday Gala fundraiser “Lites, Bites, and Books”.
Jan 2017 – New bookcases and carts for folding table storage purchased by Friends of the Library.
April 2017 – SBBDL migrated from Mid-Michigan Library League to the Northland Library Cooperative.
May 2017 – SBBDL migrated to IT support contract with the Traverse Area District Library; Library Board hosted Volunteer Salute breakfast at the VI Grill.
July 2017 – Jane Suppes hired as Assistant to the Library Director
Aug 2017 – Friends of Library held annual book sale, with total sales of $5,700.
Dec 2017 – Annual Library Gala held on Dec 9th 2017 with proceeds of $6,296.
Jan 2018 – Clix Heerema resigned as Library BOT Vice President.
Election of Library Board of Trustees Officers
John Krug – President
Sue Gentges – Vice President
Marge Johnson – Secretary
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
Sandy Boone – Village of Suttons Bay Trustee
March 2018 – 2 furnaces replaced inside the library, and 2 new air conditioners installed outside of the building; Toni Hill hired as part-time Library Story Teller.
June 2018 – Bradley Chaplin renewed annual Library Director Employment Contract.
Aug 2018 – Friends of SBBDL raised $4,500 from Annual Book Sale.
Sept 2018 – Responsibilities of 2018 Lights, Bites and Books Gala moved from Library BOT to subcommittee of Friends of SBBDL.
Jan 2019 – Five-year strategic plan submitted and approval passed.
Election of Library BOT Officers
John Krug – President
Sue Gentges – Vice President
Margie Johnson – Secretary
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
May 2019 – Landscaping updated on lakeside of building by Debbie Slocombe, Landscape Architect. Funded by Friends of SBBDL
June 2019 – Bradley Chaplin renewed Director’s Contract.
Aug 2019 – Landscaping updated on front of building by Debbie Slocombe, Landscape Architect (funded by Friends of SBBDL); Library building exterior repainted dark blue with cream trim by Dan Brady Painting; Friends of SBBDL hosted annual fundraising Book Sale, proceeds of $5,106; Marge Johnson resigned as Bingham Twp Trustee on Library Board.
Sept 2019 – Jeannie Coulter started as new Bingham Twp Trustee and Secretary on Library Board; Search committee formed to hire new library director; Bradley Chaplin to retire.
Dec 2019 – Danielle “Nellie” Danke selected as new Library Director, effective Dec 3 2019; Pat Wolters, circulation and collection assistant, retired; Lights, Bites and Books Gala fundraiser hosted by Friends of SBBDL raised $7,000.
Jan 2020 – Election of Library Board Officers:
Sandy Boone – President
Kara Gregory – Vice president
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
Jeannie Coulter – Secretary
March 2020 – Library closed to public due to COVID-19 public health emergency on March 16th.
April 2020 – Suzanne Albrecht joins Board of Trustees.
May 2020 – Sue Chapman hired as Circulation Clerk.
June 2020 – Library reopened for curbside pick-up only.
July 2020 – Library building opened for regular hours along with curbside pick-up. Two Little Free Libraries (LFL) established in Bingham Township by the Friends of the Library: one LFL located at Shady Lane Market on M22 and the second LFL in front of the entrance of the Bingham Township Hall.
Aug 2020 – Millage vote passed with 72% of voters voting in favor of the millage
Oct 2020 – Erica Chadwick hired as Circulation Clerk; Mary Robertson hired as Youth and Family Services Coordinator.
Nov 2020 – Library returned to curbside only service due to high COVID-19 transmission rate.
Dec 2020 – Friends of the Library held online fundraising auction in place of annual Library Gala due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Jan 2021 – Library Board voted to keep the same roster of Library Board Officers:
Sandy Boone – President
Kara Gregory – Vice president
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
Jeannie Coulter – Secretary
Feb 2021 – Library building reopened for limited hours, curbside service.
March 2021 – Library building resumed full hours along with curbside service.
May 2021 – Explorer Backpacks donated by Friends of SBBDL and telescope donated by Grand Traverse Astronomical Society were added to the library collection for checkout.
Oct 2021 – Debbie Wawrzyniak joined Library Board of Trustees
Dec 2021 – Kara Gregory announces she will not seek reappointment on Library Board of Trustees
Jan 2022 – Election of Library Board Officers:
Sandy Boone – President
Debbie Wawrzyniak – Vice President
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
Jeannie Coulter – Secretary
Feb 2022 – Paid time off for part time employees motion passed by Library Board and added to Personnel Policy
April 2022 – Youth and Family Services Coordinator, Mary Robertson, retired; Autumn Anderson hired as Circulation Clerk
May 2022 – A third Little Free Library established on the TART Trail in the back of the library by the Friends; Martha Topol started as new Youth and Family Services Coordinator
June 2022 – Assistant Director position moved to shared job between Erica Chadwick and Jane Suppes
July 2022 – Library began to provide access to TumbleBooks, a digital collection of e-books just for kids, to library cardholders
Aug 2022 – Nov 2022 – The library’s entrance was remodeled to provide a safer, more versatile and attractive entryway for all patrons. A new covered walkway was added to provide protection from the elements to patrons as they walk from the on-street parking spots into the library building for a safe and welcoming entry, particularly for patrons using strollers, wheelchairs and the like. A new larger book drop, donated by the Friends of the SBBDL, replaced the small old book drop that needed replacing due to weather damage.
Sept 2022 – Updated Patron Behavior Policy approved by the Library Board
Oct 2022 – Jane Suppes retired as Assistant Director Oct 31st; Erica Chadwick accepted Assistant Director position
Dec 2022 – Ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate new entryway held Dec 15th. Members of library board, staff, Friends group, and contractor Easling Construction present. Friends of the SBBDL held Lights, Bites & Books Gala fundraiser; illustration from the book Winter Cake by Lynne Rae Perkins was donated to the Library.
Jan 2023 – Election of Library Board Officers:
President: Sandy Boone
Vice President: Debbie Wawrzyniak
Secretary: Toddy Rieger
Treasurer: Barbara Graves
Jan 2023 – SBBDL collaborated with SB EC and Elementary School to give all students library cards. Cards were distributed to students in the schools.
Feb 2023 – BOOKENDs book discussion group started by Sue Chapman, first meeting held
March 2023 – COVID-19 memorial quilt installed in library by local quilting group
April 2023 – Erica Chadwick resigned as Assistant Director as of April 30th; Autumn Anderson applied as internal applicant and hired with start date of May 1st
June 2023 – Nellie Danke renewed Director’s Contract with SBBDL
Sept 2023 – Library Board passed motion to ask for 0.5 mil property tax renewal to be placed on August 2024 ballot
Oct 2023 – Art donation of a carved wooden swan from Lois Bahle accepted by Library Board and placed on display in the building, along with plaque about the artist Lane Rushmore
Nov 2023 – Automated External Defibrillator purchased by the Friends of the Library and installed in building
Dec 2023 – Friend’s Gala
Jan 2024 – Health insurance benefits for full-time employees approved by the Library Board; Staff, SBBDL Board members, and Friends received AED and CPR training via SB Fire Department; Election of SBBDL Library Board officers:
Sandy Boone – Board President
Debbie Wawrzyniak – Vice President
Toddy Rieger – Secretary
Barbara Graves – Treasurer
Feb 2024 – Jeannie Coulter’s request to renew her appointment as a Library Board Trustee was approved by the Bingham Township Board. Her term will run through January, 2028.
FALL 2023 – SPRING 2024: The library’s lower level Community Room was upgraded to provide for more flexibility in its use. The space was decluttered and cleaned; video conferencing equipment was added; the wifi range was extended; the room and stairwell were painted; folding tables, folding chairs and an area rug were replaced; flexible storage, soft furnishings and artwork were added.
Click here for a History of the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library!