Onsted Branch

The Onsted Library opened in May of 1945 and had one hundred visitors on opening day. The Onsted Woman’s Club served the guests tea while they browsed the small collection of reading materials. The library itself was housed in the Foster Building on Main Street and was supported financially by Cambridge Township and the Village of Onsted. The Lenawee District (County) Library provided books, library supplies, and paid the salary for the staff.

Much of the furniture, including paintings, came from donations from Onsted citizens. In order to hold the 800 books that made up the collection, shelving was needed, which was graciously donated by Onsted and Kerr Lumber Company. A small table and chair was gifted to the library from the Onsted Elementary School.

In 1963 the library was moved from the Foster Building to the Davis Building, still on Main Street, until the next year when the Village of Onsted purchased the old bank building, which served as home for the library for one year.

The library moved to a new location in 1965. By the year 1970 circulation of books was up to 12,116 and the library had gained 284 new members. 36 children completed the Summer Reading Program that year. The amount of library items available had also increased: There were 5,000 books and 40 different magazines, as well as pamphlets and reference materials.

As the years went by, the library gained more and more attention with the public. Patrons were starting to frequent the library on a regular basis. Circulation was well over 21,000 by 1984. That year, 109 children completed the Summer Reading Program and the shelves now held approximately 7,500 books. The Onsted branch moved to it's current location in 1991 with funds raised from the community.

Many librarians have served at the Onsted branch, including Aileen Lindbert, Vinnie Hubbard, Gladys Fulks, Meredith Slater, Helen Gray, Leona Pawson and Mary Jo Kokochak. The current librarian is Dorothy Giroux.

Offering many programs including Wii, Games & Treat nights, its own book blub, and the traditional Summer Reading Program, the Onsted Library has continued to be an important staple within the community.

The library is currently open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.