Thompson Public Library

History

The private group of readers in Thomson formed the Thomson Civic Association in 1911. There were 12 men and 27 ladies.
In 1912, they decided to establish a public library in a store building on Main Street.
In 1914, this library was moved to the front upstairs room in the bank building and staffed by volunteer librarians.
In 1918, two lots were donated by Miss Tillie Dugard for library purposes. Mrs. Mattie Peck (originator of the Thomson Civic Association gave $1,000 to fund construction)
In 1919, a village election was held and the public voted to build a library.
In 1920, construction was completed and 631 books were placed on the shelves. By May 1921 village trustees set 1/4 mill of tax money aside for support of the library.
In 1939, a judicial election was held and the village library became the York Township Public Library with a township tax of 6/100 mills or approximately $800 for all of the year's expenses.
In 1967, the librayr board voted to join the NILS system.
In 1968, the YTPL had 300 borrowers.
In 1972, the YTPL began a summer reading program for the children.
In 1978, the library's collection and the number of its patrons had grown to the point that we had to relocate the children's section in the basement and hire a children's librarian to handle this and oversee the expanding summer reading program.
In 1981, a modest addition was placed at the back of the original building. This structure contained a restroom and had a handicap-accessible ramp leading to a rear entrance.
In 1982, the library received its first copier, which was donated.
In 1990, the library purchased its first computer.
In 1994, the library received its FAX machine from the local Chamber of Commerce.
In 1996, the library upgraded its computer system, receiving one through the LSCA Fund and the other by means of an Ally Computer Grant.
In 1997, the YTPL has approximately 12,000 hardcover books and shows a membership of 903, many of which are "family" listings and not individuals. Our current township population (per the 1990 Federal Census) is shown as 1,951 which is used when applying for per capita grants.