Discover Downtown: Appleton Public Library
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN like never before!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the GREAT businesses located here in downtown. Get to know the owners and their products from checking out their answers to a series of fun questions!
What is the name of your business and who is the owner(s)?
Appleton Public Library
What service(s) and/or product(s) do you offer?
Free materials, classes and events, meeting room space and a plethora of online resources - should we keep going?!
What inspired you to start your business?
The Free Library Association offered to donate materials to the City of Appleton on the condition that a public library be organized under state law.
The city council accepted the Free Library Association's offer, using the council's quarters above Petersen-Rehbein Meat Market (106 W. College Avenue) to house a reading room and a book room.
Mayor Herman Erb, Jr. appointed the first library board of directors, confirmed by the city council on August 4, 1897. The Rev. Albertus A. Drown was placed in charge of the library. Initially, the city did not allocate funds to support the venture. To open the door, the board had to raise $940.55 and urged each of Appleton's citizens to donate at least one book if possible. Soon after that, the council approved a 1/2 mill tax to support the library.
On September 1, 1897, the first publicly-owned library and reading room was formally opened.
What are 3 words that describe your business?
Learn, Gather, Grow
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
I'm Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Never go anywhere without a good book! Or maybe that's the best advice we can give. 😉
What's something about your business nobody knows?
We are one of the busiest buildings in downtown Appleton. On average, over 1,300 people walk through the doors daily.
What do you love most about being in Downtown Appleton?
Being conveniently located in the heart of the city!
What 3 items would you take with you on a deserted island?
The 3 B's - books, a blender and a boat.
If you had to describe your business as an animal, which one would it be and why?
Squirrel, because we're all over the place!
If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?
Not sure if it's a fashion trend - but we'd bring back the snuggie.
Something else fun and unique about your business you want to share?
We love our community!
Learn more about the Appleton Public Library and plan your visit, check them out on Facebook! Click here.