Which came first, the Woodville Public Library or the Book Guild? Both were founded in 1937 and will celebrate their 85th anniversary this year. According to a note in my closet, the Book Guild is only a few months older.
The library began as a dream for a group of seven women who wanted to provide reading material to the Woodville community. In 1936, a committee was appointed to contact the Birchard Public Library in Fremont as a possible source for obtaining the book. Birchard agreed to serve her Woodville through the government’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) program, and Woodville’s first library she founded in 1937.
While the project was underway, the women’s group chose a name for themselves and ‘The Book Guild’ was officially founded in 1937 and has been continuously active in the community ever since.
Over the years, the library has changed addresses several times. When it was decided that a full-fledged library was needed, in 1940 it moved from the furniture store to its original clinic a few blocks down Main Street. After World War II, the library outgrew its location and moved again. This time it was moved to the building that now houses the Woodville Historical Society. Twenty years later, the library made its final move to the next-door building on the corner of Main Street and Walnut Street.
Through all the growing pains and changes of address, the only constant support was provided by the Book Guild. Members pay $5,000 towards the $50,000 purchase price of the 1969 library and museum complex He held an annual rake sale beginning in 1951 to raise funds for various projects such as: This includes adding a kitchen, contracting and installing a trompe l’oeil in the children’s room, establishing an annual scholarship for Woodmore graduates, and decorating the library each Christmas.
The seven women who founded The Book Guild are no longer with us, but the group is still active today. Currently, there are 21 members, two of whom have been members for nearly 60 years. These members continue the Guild’s original purpose of “promoting literary activity in the community and promoting public libraries”.
Book Guild is held on the 4th Thursday of each month from September through May, excluding holidays. The conference may include guest speakers, book discussions, craft and game nights, or occasional excursions to local businesses.
The Book Guild’s first meeting for the 2022-23 season will be a ‘Meet and Greet’ on Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm in the large gazebo at the western end of Trail Marker Park. Members can share their favorite summer readings and catch up a bit.
This year’s conference schedule can be found on the Library’s website at birchard.org/guild. For more information on becoming a member, call the library at 419-849-2744. The annual membership fee is $5.
Solomon chicken BBQ
Solomon Lutheran School will be hosting a Chicken BBQ on Sunday, September 25th from 11am to 1pm. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance at the school office. For more information, please contact the school at 419-849-3600.
pantry
The Woodville Good Samaritan Council, which runs our food pantry, has been asking for help from more people than usual lately.Rising costs of food and other products are impacting our ability to help. We are asking the community to help us stock our shelves.
You should have the following items in your pantry this month: Canned Fruits and Vegetables, Tomato Sauce, Kidney Beans, Pork and Beans, Peanut Butter, Cake and Brownie Mix, Tuna, Instant Potatoes, Cereal, and Snacks. Donations can be deposited with the Woodville Police Department, Woodville Public Library, Solomon Lutheran Church, or Woodville United Methodist Church. Monetary contributions may be deposited with the Fremont Federal Credit Union.
For more information, please contact Alice at 419-849-3001.
autumn story time
Woodville Library offers two options for storytime through October. 7:00 PM on Monday and 10:00 AM on Thursday. Storytime includes simple crafts and the occasional snack. Registration is not required.
Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or email at rene.dix@email.com.
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