Slayton Public Library

In 1940 the Slayton Monday Study Club sponsored and organized a public library with aid from the Works Progress Administration. Books were donated and members of the Study Club volunteered and worked many hours to make the library successful. The library was located upstairs in the Citizens State Bank Building (currently The Left Bank Coffee Shop). W.P.A. funds were discontinued in 1942.

In 1944 the Slayton City Council voted to fund the Slayton Public Library, thus making it recognized by the state of Minnesota and eligible for state services. In 1946 the library moved to the upstairs in the Don Weck Building. Mrs. Nell Keyser was the first librarian. In 1958 the library was moved to its current location in the municipal building. By that time there were approximately 7,500 volumes in the collection.

Many changes occurred during the next few years. The Plum Creek Library System was formed and the Slayton Public Library became a charter member in 1974. Many services were added through being part of the Plum Creek System including interlibrary loan of any book not in the local library. Being a member of the Plum Creek Library System also made the library eligible for county funding. Additional county funding made it possible for people living outside the city limits to get a library card at no charge and to be able to use all the services available at the library.

In 1979 the municipal building was remodeled and much needed space was added to the library along with new shelving and carpet.

In the mid 1980’s an audio visual collection was developed with the purchase of VHS movies along with a VHS player. There were approximately 17,000 volumes in the permanent collection at that time.

The year 1991 brought computers into the library. This brought a huge change in the way materials were requested and delivered. Requests could be made directly to any Plum Creek member library, thus speeding up the receipt of materials to patrons.

The library underwent renovation from 1993 to 1994. The front entrance door was moved, an entryway was built, and the children’s area was improved.