About Frances L. Simek Memorial Library
History
Medford Public Library (1916-1998)
Prior to 1900, many people in the Medford area were interested in providing reading materials for others; for example, there was a small library in the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WTCU) hall with a 50-book collection that was replaced every three months. The following brief history picks up the story as it has been formally documented.
Highlights of the Past 100 Years
1901
June. The Woman's Club decided to make the attainment of a free public library one of its chief aims.
1903
January. The free public library is established and the first board is appointed by the mayor. Rooms for the library were donated by the WTCU. Many individuals, businesses, and organizations donated books and money to establish a collection of about a thousand volumes.
February 23. The library is officially opened with Joann Hislop as librarian.
1905
November. One borrower ran up a fine that exceeded the value of the overdue book. It was decided to charge only what the book was worth - 20 cents.
1913
The library board started looking for a site for a new building. Frank M. Perkins offered a lot and donated $10 to the purchase price of $100. A major boost came in the form of a $6,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.
1915
The Women's Alliance was formed to assist in maintaining the library
1916
April 29. The new library building was opened to the public.
1917
February 22. The new Carnegie library on Perkins Street is formally dedicated at a grand opening.
1937
The library is redecorated and the heating system is upgraded.
1942
Librarian Mrs. Sophia M. Schulz, who served for 26 years, is replaced by Lillian Kaemmerer.
1953
January. The library's golden anniversary was celebrated.
1954
Summer. $250 is given to the children's corner. The gift was underwritten by Art Linkletter's People Are Funny radio show and awarded by former Medford resident Perry Gay.
1961
The library joins the Wisconsin Valley Library System.
1979
A children's Nook was designed and opened in the library basement.
1984
Margaret Kuse retired after thirty years of service. Shirley Lemke was hired to take over the director's duties.
1986
The popularity of the children's area led to another remodeling.
1989
Age and overcrowding put stress on the Carnegie building. JoAnn Simek gave a kick-off contribution to the building fund. A controversy over adding on or building new developed and continued for several years. Following the advice of a consultant, the project evolved into a new library on a new site.
1991
A Friends of the Medford Public Library organization is established. A year later, the Wisconsin Secretary of State certifies the Articles of Incorporation.
1993
The Carnegie library building on Perkins Street is entered into the national register of historic places.
1997
May. Pep and Fran Simek pledged significant financial support for a new library.
November. A plan for a 13,000 gross square foot library is unanimously approved by the Library Board.
1998
Joined VCAT automated system, which linked the library to several other area libraries. $1.8 million is given by the community. A new library building was constructed at the end of North Main Street. It is named the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library.
October 11. Cornerstone laying ceremonies were held. Members of the Medford Masonic Lodge conduct the ceremony.
December 14. With the help of MAMS students, more than 20,000 books were moved from the old building to the new library.
December 21. The new Frances L. Simek Memorial Library opens its doors to the public for the first time.
1999
January 23.Formal Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremonies.
October 18. Library Foundation is established.
2003
February 22. The Medford Public Library/Frances L. Simek Memorial Library kicked off the commemoration of 100 years of service to the Medford area with a Centennial Celebration in the Library Main Room. Guests were treated to music, speeches, entertainment and refreshments.
2003
December 6. The Centennial Celebration ended with Arts at the Library with nineteen local artists displaying works in the library.
