Heron Lake Branch Library

In 1920, Heron Lake had access to the Minnesota Free Traveling Library, with books available every Saturday afternoon. In 1937 twenty-three women formed a cooperative circulating library and books were housed at the Heron Lake News Office.  From January 1958 to November 1958, interested citizens heavily promoted a publicity drive for library service throughout the county and Heron Lake residents were part of the organizers of the effort representing the Heron Lake community.  The referendum was strongly defeated.

Eighteen years went by with no library service other than the limited access to the public school library. In July 1976, when the county commissioners voted to levy the 1/3 mill for library service, the local supporters felt that it would be to the community’s advantage to have a library located in Heron Lake. Heron Lake Library supporters went before the county commissioners to request library service.

A site for the library was located in the former elevator office, at a cost of $2500.00. A budget estimate was given to the local village council and members voted unanimously to purchase the building and pay utilities. To start the collection library board members made a trip to the St. Paul Library to get old books discarded through the Office of Public Libraries and Interlibrary Cooperation. The official opening of the library was in April 1977.

In 1982, the library board voted to initiate a campaign for a new library building. The campaign began in earnest to raise funds for the building and the goal was to be partially completed in 1983. This was not to be. The fund raising continued. In 1985, the former convent building became available. The board determined the building would be suitable as a library and it was purchased.

In 2007, the Van Dam Foundation donated $120,000 to be used for accessibility improvements to the library building. A new entrance with a lift was constructed.  Since that time the bathrooms, office and lower level meeting room have been remodeled. The library in Heron Lake is totally handicap accessible and is a great asset to the community.