Today at CPL - October 5, 2010

Various civic and community groups, as well as many dedicated individuals, contributed to getting the start up funds the library needed but it was Canton Township Supervisor Harold Stein's $10 contribution from his own pocket to the library fund account at the Wayne Bank in October, 1977 that got the ball rolling.


After the fund was established, the service groups took the lead. The Canton Jaycees sponsored a benefit basketball game in January, 1978 where they took on the disc jockeys from radio station WDRQ. Not be outdone, the Canton Rotary and the Roman Forum restaurant hosted a spaghetti dinner, charging $3.75 for adults and $2.50 for children, which raised $2,000 for the library fund. Donations from other groups and individuals continued to pour in, despite the fact the voters turned down a 1 mill levy in August 1978. An unused area on the third floor of the Canton Township Hall was set aside as the fund reached $6,000.

A library committee was established to gear up for another millage proposal. Members included Stan Bucher, Larry McEwen, James Gillig, Norma Waara, John Schwartz, Geraldine Barlage, Norma West, Barbara McEwen, Jane Portschell, Mary Dingeldey, Doug Ritter, Chris Culbert, Barbara McKaig and Mary Feltz.

On May 9, 1979, voters went to the polls in a special election to decide the fate of a one-mill library funding request, which passed with the backing of local newspaper editorials, with a 713-606 vote. With this approval, the Canton Public Library became a reality for the citizens of Canton.

Read about the current library funding levels and our budget here.