The Hutchinson Public Library traces its beginning to Hutchinson founder Asa Hutchinson. In 1874, he donated two volumes and a half-lot of land for a library site.

In 1903, voters in Hutchinson were eager to accept the $10,000 grant Andrew Carnegie offered for a building. It was approved and the library was built with its dedication taking place in 1904. In 1977, the library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1985, a bond referendum for $750,000 allowed for the expansion of the original library building. The new addition was designed by local architect John Korngiebel.

Today, the historic Carnegie Library offers more than 52,000 volumes and serves more than 60,000 patrons a year. They come to the downtown landmark to explore the world of information and entertainment through traditional books, audio books, DVD, videos and the Internet.

In addition to the standard sections and book offerings, the library has large-print editions in-stock, as well as more than 100 magazines and a variety of newspapers.

One of the most popular library services is the Internet. For free, library users can make appointments for up to one hour a day to browse, research or read on the World Wide Web on a library computer.

Wireless Internet access is also available for up to two hours a day.

The library is also online and its catalog can be accessed from your home or office. Just type iii.pioneerland.lib.mn.us into your computer’s browser.

Another feature available through the library’s Web site is Rosetta Stone, a self-paced Spanish/English language instruction program.

Library activities
The Hutchinson Public Library offers readers a variety of programs to get involved with:

Story Hour: Children can see the world come to life through the children’s library. Preschool story hours are scheduled throughout the school year. Children also can participate in the summer reading program.

Stories in the Park: Guest readers share favorite books with young people, parents and grandparents. Information is available at the library, and in the summer Parks, Recreation and Community Education brochure mailed to residents, and through local media announcements.

The Readers Club:The small group chooses a book to read each month and regroups the next month for discussion. New members are always welcome. It meets the third Friday of the month at 10 a.m.

Friends of the Library: This group supports the library with money raised from its year-round used book sales table as well as the used book sale during the Arts and Crafts Festival in the fall. The group also provides library access to homebound readers.

Project Bookshelf: This is a cooperative effort of Friends of the Library, schools and county services to collect new books at Christmas to distribute to less fortunate families. Watch for details after Thanksgiving.

Meetings: The Hutchinson Public Library also features a meeting room, which is complete with public restrooms and a small kitchen which is available for nonprofit organizations at no charge. Businesses may rent the room for a fee.

For more information about obtaining a library card or the library, call (320) 587-2368.