COLOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY
151 W. Center St./P.O. Box 430
Coloma, MI 49038-0430
Phone: (269) 468-3431; Fax: (269) 468-8077

THE HISTORY OF THE COLOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Coloma Public Library moved into their new quarters December of 1977 and January of 1978. An Open House was held in April of 1978.

Important stepping stones during this time period:

1978

	Preschool Library School dropped
	Open House and reception held
	Discussion of former library building being sold held
	Coloma Public Library accepted as part of the Kalamazoo Library Cooperative
	Bike rack purchased
	A Material Delivery Service for shut-ins started
	Kalamazoo Library Cooperative renamed Southwest Michigan Library Cooperative 1979
	Former library building sold to Associated Heating, Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works
	First Library Book Sale held during the Gladiolus Festival under sponsorship of Coloma Jaycette's
	Library, again, to co-sponsor weekly children's films at Loma Theater during the summer 1981
	Discussion on using one half of the space in the basement for storage. Remodeling would have to be done 1982
	Board decided to remodel entire basement
	Arny Construction Company, Inc. awarded bid for renovation and remodeling of the basement of the present Coloma Public Library The basement looking a little better.
	Stairway to basement installed 1983
	The Coloma Library Board of Trustees met in the newly refurbished basement
	Basement opened up for use for public and group meetings
	New basement used during Glad-Peach Festival for art display
	Book sale held in front of the Library during Glad-Peach Festival 1984
	Elevator to basement level installed
	Outside light installed in front of library
	New copy machine purchased
	Board meetings changed from monthly meetings to every other month 1985
	Library to get Coloma Courier for historical filing 1986
	Library hours increased to 41
	Library patrons issued library cards with an individual number
	Emily Shoup and Dorothy McGuineas presented with the first two library cards in recognition of their many years of service to the library
	First computer bought 1987
	Projection screen for basement added 1989
	Upstairs carpeting beginning to deteriorate
	Purchased runners to cover badly worn traffic areas of upstairs carpeting
	Library Board of Trustees extended by two members
	First Food For Fines Program started 1990
	25th Anniversary of Story Hour
	Shape Art Show held in basement 1991
	The Coloma Library co-sponsored [along with Watervliet, Eau Claire and Sodus Libraries] Michigan poet and artist, Gwen Fostic, at the Watervliet High School Auditorium
	Coloma Library became part of the MichiCard Program--Michigan Statewide Library Card Program
	Interlibrary Loan to be done from library with computer and new modem
	Treasurer's report submitted as computer reports from now on 1992
	Fax machine bought
	Masonic Lodge would like to sell current building to library 1993 One of the many displays that we've had in our glass display case. 1995
	Second computer bought for library 1996
	Staff will have access to the Internet through a grant
	Professional puppet show [Steven's Puppets] presented during one of the children's Story Hour in July
	Discussion of starting back up a Friends of the Library group 1997
	Future building project discussed
	Building survey submitted throughout the community regarding the future of the library
	Results of building survey presented to library 1998
	Library will be a recipient of a donation of property located on West Center from the Allen W. Baker Estate 1999
	New computer bought and the Internet offered to patrons at the library
	Fundraising ideas discussed
	Nancy Baiers donates the entire Lots of 3, 4, 9 and 10 and 1/2 the Lots of 7 and 8 in the Baker and Jones Subdivision to the Coloma Public Library 2000
	The house on new property has been leveled and some trees taken down
	Library board members visit local libraries for ideas
	Volunteers clean up branches and debris on new property
	Gates Foundation donated four computers and a server to library for patrons' use 2001
	A colorful display of Trolls in the display case
	Held our first Computer class