In the early 1880s the Bronson library was first known as the Ladies Library Association. In 1888, the Township of Bronson assumed the responsibility for the operation of the library. The first library board meeting was held on April 25, 1888, for the purpose "of electing officers, appointing committees and transacting such business as might come before the board."
One of the first things to come before the board was to set up rules for the library. These included having all visitors register their names when they entered the library. No children under 12 were permitted to borrow books. All books returned to the library had to be disinfected before they could be re-loaned. Any person not a resident of Bronson Township was permitted to use the library upon payment of one dollar per year, paid in advance. The library was open every day from 1:30 to 5:00 and from 6:30 to 8:30. On Sunday the library was open from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M.
The library was originally located in a section of the fire station then known as the Town Hall. In 1902 J. Francis Ruggles corresponded with Andrew Carnegie in regard to Bronson obtaining a library from the great philanthropist. The proposition met with approval with the understanding that the township would purchase the site for the future library. The issue was voted upon in 1902 and turned down. Through the untiring efforts of the Bronson Woman's Club in 1910 the proposal came to a vote again. This time it passed by a large majority.
After extensive consideration by the library board, the present site was selected and purchased. A large frame building known as the Rose Hotel was moved from the site and ground was broken in June of 1911. By late November, the brick work was completed. During the winter months the stone work including the columns, bases, capital and other stone sections were carved by an expert craftsman in a temporary building erected on the site. The total cost of the building was $8,478.00 and was paid by Andrew Carnegie.
Formal dedication of the new building was held on May 23, 1912.
The Bronson Library became a branch of the Branch County Library, and later in 1991 of the Branch District Library, and is now a central hub of community activity in Bronson. The library boasts a large children's area; books magazines, and videos; computers for public use; and a microfilm collection of the Bronson newspaper. During the summer, and throughout the year, the library is abuzz with a variety of programming for our patrons.
The Bronson Library is a registered Michigan Historic Site.
