A single letter written in 1903 set into motion events that turned field stones and a vacant lot into Hudson’s Carnegie Library. For 100 years library boards, dedicated librarians, individuals and corporations have shaped the library into a major asset of the community.

Hudson city leader, Byron Foster, wrote to Andrew Carnegie in 1903. Mr. Carnegie replied two months later, stating that if the city agreed to maintain a free public library and provide a site for the building, he would furnish $10,000.

The library board purchased the site and selected architect Claire Allen of Jackson and builder Koch Bros. of Ann Arbor. The cornerstone for the field stone building was laid on June 14, 1904 and was dedicated on Feb. 10, 1905. The entire cost of the library was $10,389.77.

Mr. Carnegie’s philanthropy stressed: “Free knowledge for every person -- not just the privileged, not just the city dweller, not just the educated -- but every age, race and income level would have access to books.” He granted money for the construction of 1,679 public library buildings across the nation and also built 830 overseas.

His impact on the American library was profound, and is still felt today in Hudson. Librarian Kathy Hepker reports that annual circulation is 62,243; 12,800 for internet usage and 5,300 children involved in visits and/or programs. The facts are impressive for a city the size of Hudson.

The library has withstood major renovations, with special care by the library board, to preserve the integrity of the building. In 1980 the upper level mezzanine was added through financial support from Rima and its employees. In 1997 the handicapped access, elevator and parking lot were added, thanks to the generosity of many, including Bill Thompson, Herrick Foundation, and Merillat Corp.
 
John LaFollette of Manitou Beach, was the chief stone mason who cut into the library walls and re-shaped the massive granite field stones into a new ground level entrance. “I was fascinated to see how the old-timers did the work,” John says. “The only tools they had 100 years ago were: stone cutting hammers, good chisels, decent steel and a good blacksmith to keep the tools tempered, hard and sharp. “I was surprised how the walls were interlocked. After I saw that, I wasn’t scared of the job,” John says. “It’s quite a thing to cut into a building with two stories over your head!”

As much stone as possible was reused, but John had to cut some new ones. He reused the original keystone, then shaped the surrounding stones. “The library building has stood up so well because of good mechanics,” John explains. “Each course is a different height going all the way around the building: 9, 10, and 11 inches. A good wash is evident. A wash turns water back away from the building. And good quality granite was selected from local fieldstone. As a local farmer said, "There’s a new crop of stone every year.“

1904 was a very good year. In 2003-04 the children’s room was remodeled with financial support from Bill Thompson, Duane and Joan Murphy, Jan Reuter and Pat Connolly families and the Engle Foundation. The historical museum expanded from one room in the library basement to the three story repository of Hudson artifacts and history on Main Street.

Curator Hazel Monahan has created a wonderful exhibit in the museum windows celebrating 100 years of library history. Visit the museum and learn about the library founders. Read about those who continued the library legacy to all Hudson citizens regardless of their age, race or income level.
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