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History

In the Mid 1930's, a group of women organized to form the Mercer Civic Women's Club.  These ambitious ladies made many contributions to the community.  Among the most noted of their achievements was the opening of the Mercer Public Library in the newly opened community center.  Through the diligent efforts of these women the library was opened in the fall of 1938.  They sent out requests for books and received book donations from as far away as Chicago, Illinois.  Neighbors to the north from Ashland and Hurley also donated many books.

By the end of 1939 there were approximately 600 books in the Library.  By September of 1941, the library was open for 21 days a month for a total of 132 hours.

On May 28, 1956, the town of Mercer appointed the first town library board formalizing the town's official sponsorship of the Mercer Public Library.

In 1980 the town moved the library into the Haines Building on Railroad Street.  In just a few years the library had soon outgrown it's present location.

In 1990 the Library board started exploring different options for the library.  At the annual town meeting in May of 1993 by popular vote it was decided to build a new library and community center.
After a lengthy investigation into the feasibility of the project it was decided that there was not enough money to go ahead with new construction for the joint project.  After much deliberation it was decided that the vacant building that was formerly the community center and library was an excellent site and new addition could be attached to house the library.  The original library room could be made into a reading room and a new addition could be added on to that for the library.  And so in November of 1996 ground was broken for a new library and renovation of the community center began.  The first completion date of May 31 came and went.  Throughout the summer there were numerous delays, but then on October 1, 1997 the new library opened its doors.
We would like to recognize all of the wonderful people who have volunteered their services to the library either serving on the Board of Trustees or with the daily running of the library.  We also wish to thank all of the people of Mercer for their dedication and contributions to the library.

We have an exciting future awaiting us!!