History of the Northome City Library
In 1904 the Northome Library Association established a library in Northome in a general store. In 1910, the library moved to a drug store, which unfortunately burned that year and the entire inventory of books was lost. But a determined library board started over in 1911 and the library was re-established at Northome City Hall. In March of 1912, the State Public Library Commission assisted in cataloguing the library's books to the Dewey Decimal System. Once again disaster struck, in February of 1913, the building in which the library was located was destroyed by fire. The library board started over once again and found various locations to house the library until October of 1918, when it closed temporarily, probably because World War I war efforts took priority, or possibly the influenza epidemic that year. But the library re-opened in 1919, with historical accounts noting that volunteers conducted various fundraisers and benefits to keep it going. In January of 1941, once again a fire razed the city hall and municipal liquor store and again the library board started over. Various libraries throughout the state were asked for donations and many more donations of books were made by individuals. By 1966, however, the library was going though a difficult time. According to historical records, a delegation was appointed to meet with International Falls librarian Marie Knudson. A decision was made to package up the remaining books left at the Northome Library and they were sent "where they will be used." However, it was about that time that Arrowhead Library System began service in Northome with a Bookmobile and Mail-A-Book. In 1979, the City of Northome still believed they could establish a library that any small town would be proud to claim. The city clerk at that time was instrumental in soliciting donations of books, shelves, and volunteer help. The growth of the library was phenomenal, spurred on by raffles, bake sales and other fund raisers, along with book donations from individuals and other libraries. By 2006, the library boasted in excess of 33,000 books. But a fire that year yet again destroyed the building housing the library. Volunteers cleaned for smoke damage, boxed, and stored most of the books and shelving, until 2009, when a new municipal building left vacant the old city hall. The city turned that building over to the library. (The library has continued to operate in a temporary location since 2006, with a small portion of the library's collection.) The library board now has the task of making that building suitable for a library. If you would like to contribute to the City Library the following link connects to a contribution form.

LIBRARY REMODELING IN FULL SWING
ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS ARE NEEDED!
The Northome City Library has taken possession of the old bank/City Hall building on Main Street and is currently engaged in a major remodeling project. The first step was to tackle the seemingly impossible task of removing the old bank vault. This was successful and the vault is gone! In order to reduce heating and cooling costs, steps have been taken to update the insulation. The interior walls and floors have been stripped in preparation for painting and installing new carpet. Electrical wiring will be updated and plans include installation of a new ceiling. Many of the local contractors who are doing the work have adjusted their prices with library discounts, taking into consideration that the library is a valuable community asset. This is greatly appreciated! All this is being accomplished using the existing building fund, plus grants from Blandin Foundation and the Knudson Foundation. Other grants are also being pursued to complete the project, including remodeling the bathroom to be a fully handicapped-accessible restroom. The library will be responsible for paying the maintenance of the building. That includes paying all the utilities~heat, electricity, telephone, water and sewer bills. Some of the library's operating expenses will be paid by renting office space and Koochiching County provides some annual support. However, the library relies heavily on interest from its Endowment Fund. The current size of the fund is $75,000. The library's goal is to increase the fund to $100,000 over the next five years. This means that $5,000 per year must be raised. Any contribution that you can make would be greatly appreciated. Mail it to Library Endowment Fund, PO Box 122, Northome, MN 56661, or drop your donation by at the library or City Hall. Thanks so much to past donors, and to future contributors as well!

Northome Library Contribution Form

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