By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
UNIONVILLE — November marks a number of milestones in the six decade history of Columbia Township’s Library.
“Columbia Township Library is marking the second anniversary of our automation and the first anniversary of our extended hours from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday,” said Library Director Kay Montei.
“To celebrate we’re planning an open house on November 19, 20, and 21.”
Plus, it was 10 years ago this month township officials approved purchasing a former doctor’s office at 6456 Center Street, Unionville, to relocate the library from a former one-room school, and this month marks the 60th anniversary since the library was formed.
During the three-day open-house celebration later this month, there will be book sales, free popcorn, puzzles to put together, and jar to put in guesses for how many visitors the library has each year.
“Free books will be given for the top three guesses in two categories - over age ten and 10 and under,” said Montei.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, there will be a pre-school story time 11:30 a.m. – noon, an after school fun time 3:30-4:30 p.m. that will have an African theme.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, there will be a free computer class on basic photo files 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Registration is required for this activity.) And at 1 p.m. there will be a free showing of the movie “Man of Steel,” and free popcorn. The movie is rated PG-13 and is 143 minutes long.
Activities 10:15 a.m. – noon Thursday, Nov. 21, include kicking back with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while reading some of the library’s magazines and newspapers. Then, from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Montei will present a travelogue on here June trip to Africa.
Montei encourages area residents to come celebrate the library’s accomplishments and history.
Library services in the community were established in 1952 by the Unionville Women’s Club. When the library first started, it was housed in the American Legion Hall and the Woman’s Club privately operated the library. On November 22, 1966, the Columbia Township Board met with Ira Baguley, who was a member of the Tuscola County Library Board, about procedures to establish a public library.
It was agreed a public library was needed, but money was in short supply as well as options to house the library. Because of that, it was decided to convert a wooden kindergarten school house for the library. A one-room country school was purchased from the Unionville School District, and the library was allowed to operate on school property for one year while township officials looked for land.
The Columbia Township Library opened in July 8, 1967. The following year land was found. The library didn’t have to relocate very far; basically, across the street at 6643 Merry Street on August 15, 1968. That former library is now used as a residence.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.