Library History
Book Lovers Reside in Boulder Junction!
The Boulder Junction Public Library exists today thanks to decades of community effort, volunteerism, and a shared belief that access to books and information matters.
The Earliest Library (Pre-1960s)
The first Boulder Junction library was started by Ada Williams. It consisted of several shelves of books kept in a small storeroom in the basement of the old town hall.
Theda Foster served as librarian, opening the library two or three afternoons a week. Book checkout operated on the honor system.
No one is certain where the original books came from—some may have been part of a National Recovery Act project during the Depression years, while others were likely donated from family libraries.
A Community Lending Library
After the town hall basement library closed, Klassen’s Grocery Store became a voluntary lending library.
“You bring one, you can take one.”
The collection included the complete works of Zane Grey, all published issues of National Geographic, and many books donated by residents and summer visitors.
The Bookmobile Years (1963–1977)
Beginning in 1963, Boulder Junction residents were also served by the Northwest Wisconsin Library System Bookmobile.
On bookmobile days, community members gathered to browse books for all ages. The trailer-long vehicle was staffed by two friendly and knowledgeable librarians, and interlibrary loan slips were available for items not on board.
Forming a Town Library (1977–1978)
In November 1977, the Boulder Junction Town Board voted to establish a town library under committee supervision. Judy Hewitt was appointed librarian.
The library opened in a small former grade school office in the Community Building. The Town Board agreed to cover heating and lighting costs.
With ambitious goals, the committee requested just $120 from the 1978 town budget — only $10 per month.
Early Library Committee Members
| Irene Gravelle | Blanche Haag | Judy Hewitt |
| Skeeter Jolin | Barbara Krutak | Shirley Marsh |
| Ray Ondracek | Chuck Schaeffer | Joe Voborsky |
| Paula Voborsky | Betty Walters |
Building the Collection
Between November 1977 and April 1978, the library’s collection grew to 2,004 volumes.
- Major donations came from the closing of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base (1978)
- Additional materials were donated by the Region 7 Boy Scouts Canoe Base
- Some materials were preserved from the original town hall basement library
Donation cans were placed in local businesses, and countless volunteers contributed time and effort to get the library established.
A Public Library Takes Shape
The original library committee was replaced by a five-member Library Board of Trustees:
- Otto Albertus
- Linda Bein
- Irene Gravelle
- Philip North
- Chuck Schaeffer
The library became a legally organized public library and joined the Northern Waters Library System.
Growth, Expansion, and Technology
Growth was slow and steady. By 1989, plans were underway to expand the library space within the Community Center Building.
During renovations, library services temporarily moved to the old Boulder Junction Grade School. In 1990, the library returned to its expanded space.
In 1999, the collection was barcoded and automated, allowing patrons to search the catalog from library computers—or from home.
A New Home (2014)
The biggest milestone came in 2014 with the opening of the new Community Center & Library.
The project was a true community effort. Over nearly five years:
- Volunteers contributed hundreds of hours
- $400,000+ was raised to offset the $1.7 million project cost
- The Friends of the Library donated over $100,000 for furnishings and equipment
Our entire community—residents and visitors alike—can be proud of our beautiful library and the shared effort that made it possible.