History of the Public Library in Two Rivers
Service Since December 17, 1891

Jeff Dawson, Lester Public Library Director, April 2011

Last week I was asked to help with some research on Schroeder's Department Store. There was interest because Schroeder's Department Store is celebrating their 120th year of continuous operations. Schroeder’s opened their family owned business in 1891. 1891 had a familiar ring to it for me mainly because on December 17, 1891 the Joseph Mann Library opened in Two Rivers. The library, in one form or another, has been serving Two Rivers and the surrounding community for 119 years, fast approaching our 120th year of service. I consider the Lester Public Library in good company with Schroeder's Department Store, not many institutions or businesses can claim this record of success.

In 1890, members of the Two Rivers Branch of the Chautauqua Reading Circle met to consider the establishment of a public library and reading room. Leopold Mann donated $500 and the land for the building and Mrs. Mary Mann donated an additional $1,000 toward the building on the condition that the new library be named after her late husband, Joseph. 

On December 17, 1891 the Joseph Mann library opened to the public. The total cost of the library including building, heater, furniture and the initial book collection was $3,363.73. Lizzie H. Yahnke was the first librarian. Library director Yahnke earned $75.00 per year, plus room and board in rooms above the library. In 1891, fines for an overdue book were $.03 a day. In 1891, patrons were allowed to check out 1 book for 2 weeks, today you may check out 75 items for 3 weeks. The Joseph Mann Library began using the Dewey Decimal System in 1896 and the Lester Public Library uses it to this day. Since 1891 there have been 17 directors - 13 women and 4 men.

In 1914, Two Rivers built its new Carnegie library, still called the Joseph Mann Library, located across the street from the original library. In 1920 children under junior high school age were forbidden to use the library in the evening. Though extensively remodeled and expanded during the 1950s and 60s, community leaders recognized that a more modern and spacious facility would be needed. 

On May 15, 1995, James Lester, chairman of the Board and CEO of Eggers Industries of Two Rivers, and his wife Barbee offered the Two Rivers City Council $1 million toward the construction of a new library. The City Council readily accepted and on June 28, 1997 the Lester Public Library--named in honor of Jim's parents, George and Marcia Lester--opened for business. 

The library has been a vital part of this community for the past 119 years. We have collected books and materials that hold meaning for our community. We are the repository of the collective knowledge and experience of Two Rivers. We are proud to have been a Two Rivers institution for the past 120 years and we look forward to serving generations to come.