1935

In 1935 the State Library Board designated Lorain Public Library as a county extension center and Columbia Township began receiving monthly bookmobile service. Works Progress Administration workers helped process new books. The bookmobile made at least two stops, one at Kowalski’s Store at the corner of Anderson and Station roads and another at the school during the school year.

1936

While several school library collections across the county closed during the summer and returned books to Lorain Public Library, Columbia school principal M.L. Royer maintained access so students and adults could continue using materials. He requested up-to-date and popular books on science, new novels and stories and biographies for children.

1952

By the 1950s the bookmobile was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the community. The Acme Grange formed a library committee composed of Abel Carpenter, Calvin Furlong and Gordon Bartter whom worked with Lorain Public Library Director Marion King to seek additional funding from the Lorain County Budget Commission.

1954

In December 1954 the library committee was notified that $4,687 would be added to the county library fund to establish a library in Columbia. Although the funds would not be available until July 1955, planning began immediately. The board leased a 14-by-26-foot  room from Frederick and Sarah Castle at Station Road and State Route 82. The funds were budgeted: rent and electric $240, heat $25, books $2,500, supplies $50 and a salary of $1.50 per hour for three days per week. The Acme Grange remodeled and furnished the space and worked to raise an additional $1,000 for books.

1955

The Columbia Branch opened April 2 at Station Road and State Route 82. Hours were Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. More than 6,000 items were circulated in its first year. Mrs. Leo Slansky was the first librarian.

1958

Within four years circulation grew to 14,818 and the library outgrew its space. Shelving designed for 2,500 books now held 4,000.

The Acme Grange won a $5,000 nationwide Sears Foundation Award for Community Service and used half to purchase 5 acres from Nettie Adams Myers (Sally Bronson’s great grandchild) on Royalton Road. A new 28-by-40-foot building was constructed for $9,477 with donated labor from Grange member Leon Smith and shelving support from the Columbia Kiwanis Club.

1959

The move to the new branch at 25796 Royalton Road began. Margarite Furlong was now the librarian, the branch had 960 registered borrowers and was open four days a week. The Summer Reading Club was offered for students in second through sixth grades; children had to read 10 books and give an oral report to the librarian.

1963

Ms. Furlong resigned and Mrs. Peggy Barber became the next branch librarian.

1964

Rent for the building increased to $100 per month.

1967

Mrs. Marilyn Fetchet became the branch librarian on July 10, 1967. Under the heading of other duties as assigned, the librarian had to mow the lawn and shovel the snow. The building lacked window screens, allowing insects inside during warmer months. The collection now exceeded 10,000 items with circulation reaching 18,412. New materials included 8 mm and 16 mm films available through the Main Library in Lorain.

1968

Residents wrote letters to township officials highlighting inadequate facilities and the need for expansion.

1971

Residents passed a 2.5-mill levy for $50,000 for a new 3,000-square-foot library building at 13824 West River Road.

1973

An open house April 8 drew 150 attendees at the new 72 foot by 41-foot location at 13824 W. River Road North. The building included separate areas for children and adults along with magazine and record sections. Every Wednesday the librarian would drive to the Main Library in Lorain to pick up books requested by patrons but not available at the Columbia Branch. While snow removal was still a staff responsibility, the township now mowed the lawn.

1974

Preschool story times were introduced.

1975

County branches closed for two weeks in August. Student aide positions were eliminated and most branches reduced hours, though Columbia maintained funding support.

1977

The collection reached 12,864 items with circulation of 22,895.

1984

The township donated a TV monitor and the branch offered 66 programs.

1987

The collection grew to 17,781 items with 16,779 annual visits. A system-wide delivery system was implemented to save librarians from having to haul boxes of books from one branch to another to fill requests.

The 8mm and 16mm films became outdated and were replaced with videos. Phonograph records were replaced with cassette tapes and CDs. The summer reading programs were being so well attended that the giving of oral reports was abandoned.

1990

A new roof was installed and a discussion group began. A $10,000 donation established the Columbia Library Fund.

1991

Computers were introduced and LPLS joined CLEVNET. Marilyn Fetchet retired after 24 ½ years of service. Sandra Mitchell became the next librarian.

1992

The first Friends group was formed.

1995

The branch underwent a modest renovation.

1996

A Stocker Grant funded new youth materials and educational kits.

1997

Limited space and funding constrained services.

1998

Junior Friends participated in the Columbia Homecoming Parade.

1999

Planning began for a building expansion.

2000

Residents approved a 10-year operating levy for the library that now housed 31,216 items with a circulation count of 70,864.

2002

The branch relocated temporarily to Station Road during the $1.2 million renovations, funded through the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF), borrowing funds using LLGSF tax anticipation notes and through LPLS’s ability to set aside fund from the recent levy passing. A record 56,815 patrons visited.

2003

The branch reopened Nov. 9 with expanded spaces and new amenities such as a multipurpose room for programming and community meetings.

2008

The branch celebrated five years in the renovated building.

2009

Public computers were upgraded.

2010

An operating levy was passed.

2011

Renovations followed flooding damage.

2013

The branch was named Business of the Year and hosted a major author event.

2014

Technology help sessions were introduced and flood repairs completed.

2015

Flood issues were resolved and renovations completed with new technology. Susan Spivey became Branch Manager. An operating levy was passed.

2016

New senior programming and community initiatives launched.

2017

A Titanic-themed dinner became an annual event.

2018

The branch celebrated 15 years in the building, an annual visitation count of 35,000 and over 70,000 items circulating. John Guscott became Branch Manager when the current manager transferred to the Main Library.

2019

Equipment upgrades and new outreach programs were introduced. An operating levy was passed.

2020

COVID-19 led to temporary closure, expanded digital services and curbside pickup.

2021

A StoryWalk trail and seed program were introduced.

2022

New programs and community growth increased demand.

2023

Expanded programming and maker initiatives drew strong attendance.

2024

Solar eclipse glasses were distributed and later recycled.

2026

Lorain Public Library System celebrated its 125th anniversary with events at each branch.