Library celebrates 100 years with history talk, reading challenge, author visit

The original Boyne District Library before 2001 expansion.

  On April 20, 2018 the Boyne District Library will be celebrating 100 years in their historic Carnegie Library building. A variety of special programs are planned to commemorate this historic anniversary.

  In 1912 the Monday Study Club, which is still an active organization in Boyne City, purchased the private library of a Petoskey lawyer who was moving west. In 1913, the club donated this collection to the public school library, and Myrtle White was hired as the librarian. Because of rapid population growth in Boyne City, in 1916 a new home was sought for the library. The Carnegie Corporation agreed to give $15,000 for the construction and furnishing of a new library building to be located at the corner of Main and Park streets. Construction on this new building began in 1917, and a grand opening was celebrated on April 20, 1918. In 2001, the library completed an extensive renovation project funded by the Mark K. Peabody Foundation.

READING CHALLENGE - The library has issued a reading challenge to patrons of all ages to read 100 books between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Patrons may meet this challenge as individuals, or they can form a team. Team members can keep track of their reading online by going to www.boynelibrary.org/registrations, click on "Online Reading Log for Centennial Reading Challenge" and complete the survey for every 10 books you read. Participants will keep track of the books read throughout the year and once they, or their team, has reached 100 they will all receive a commemorative T-shirt and be entered for a chance to win $100 in Chamber Checks from the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce.

BOYNE READS - Throughout this Spring, the library is sponsoring "Boyne Reads" with patrons and community members along with students and staff from the Boyne middle and high schools, reading the book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. On Monday, April 16th, the author will present school assemblies during the day, along with an evening program hosted at the Boyne City High School Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Dinner with the author will precede the evening program, also at BCHS.

HISTORY PROGRAM - On February 3 at 3 p.m. Library Director Monica Kroondyk will present a program about the history of the Boyne District Library, from its simple beginnings to the beautiful, renovated district library that exists today.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL - An ice cream social and birthday party on Saturday, July 28 will conclude the celebration of 100 years of Boyne District Library's service to the Boyne City community and surrounding townships.  

> If you have any questions, or further information about the history of the Boyne District Library, call Monica Kroondyk at 231-582-7861 or send an email to kroondykm@boynelibrary.org.