The Mapleton Branch, not quite 100 years but counting
By Susie Voth
Th e Mapleton Branch of the Siuslaw Public Library wasn’t always housed in its
current location on Riverview Avenue. Longtime residents of the Upper Siuslaw area
probably remember when it was squeezed into the space currently occupied by Mapleton
Caff eination Station.
In 1993, the Siuslaw Public Library District was enlarged to include the communities
of Mapleton, Swisshome, and Deadwood. Lynn and Mary Hood graciously rented the 500
square-foot space to the library district for a nominal fee. Th e branch library opened for
business on May 17th, during Rhododendron weekend. It was staff ed by volunteers and
under the direction of Susan Gale. It was opened for only four hours a day and upon
closing, the key was left with the proprietor at Frank’s Place. Th e branch library remained
in this location for three years.
Eventually the community decided that the location was less than desirable, especially
for children. Th ere was too much traffi c. A committee was formed to research alternative
locations in Mapleton. Th e Lion’s Club building was identifi ed as the most likely location
however it needed major renovations. Fortunately, the community was supportive of the
idea and a bond issue was passed.
With money to spend, a core group of Lion’s Club members and community
volunteers undertook the daunting remodeling task. Carpeting was installed, walls
painted, bookshelves built, furniture and computers acquired. Th e Mapleton Branch of
the Siuslaw Public Library opened for business in the new location in 1996.
According to Library Director Meg Spencer “Th e Mapleton branch is a special
community asset: this library is the single source for free and open wi-fi in the upriver
community, it is a space where children from the Upper Siuslaw area receive a free book
each month until they begin school, and where an excellent reading program helps stop
the summer learning gap. Funding from the Lane County Cultural Coalition will also
bring historic photographs of Mapleton and the surrounding area into the Library for a
permanent display. But, perhaps my favorite thing about Mapleton is watching the two
regular library clerks, Susie Voth and Stephanie McNutt, pick out special titles for each
patron that walks in the door!”
Mapleton Library at Mapleton Lion's Club, 2009
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK
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YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK
YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK
YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK
YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Quince
• Florence
• 541-997-6691
THANK 1108
YOU THANK
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THANK
YOU THANK
YOU THANK YOU THANK
Congratulations and
THANK YOU
for all of your service!
MOOSE LODGE #2110
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Thank you for 100 years of
service for our community.
For more information, please contact us at:
1365 Spruce Street, Florence, OR 97439
Phone: (541)997-5398 FAX: (541)902-9105
TDD# 711
Windy Acres Ent.
Professionally Managed by Guardian Management LLC. This instituation is an equal housing provider.
Siuslaw Public Library District Celebrating 100 Years | May 6, 2015 - 7
