7/27/2008:
Nineteen miles southwest of Devils Lake, at the intersection of highway 19, you will find the tiny town of Minnewaukan. As this weekend marks their Quasquicentennial, or their 125th birthday, the 318 citizens of the town are buzzing with excitement. Local businesses are decorating, churches are cooking, and crowds are expected.
The “Little City by the Big Lake” has one thing that most towns its size don’t have—a public library. Opening in April of 1978, the Minnewaukan Public Library started in a dark, tiny room in the basement of the Memorial Building. Several local ladies acted as Librarians to the small collection of books.
But by 1991, with Librarian Cathy Burkhardsmeier at the helm, the little library grew. The library was open 19 hours a week and boasted 5,000 books to its collection.
In March of 2003, the Minnewaukan Public Library outgrew its old spot once again. A new location in the former Milson Ball building was chosen. The Library currently boasts 12,000 books, computers for public use, and a reference department. The Children’s Department attracts local youngsters with its colorful array of stuffed animals, wonderful books and cheerful librarian. Now open 43 hours a week, the Minnewaukan Public is a joy during the long North Dakota winters.
To the “Little city by the Big Lake”—Happy Birthday Minnewaukan!
Written by Jill Whitcomb