About the Canal Fulton Public Library:
The Canal Fulton Public Library has a rich historic past. The beginnings of the library can be traced to the efforts of former School District superintendents and the school’s Board of Trustees in 1937. The library began to take shape in a room of a Canal Fulton School while efforts to find a permanent location were periodically renewed. Finally in 1948, Canal Fulton residents Mr. and Mrs. George Muhlhauser financed the purchase and remodeling of a residence. Their initial contribution of $8,500 for the purchase of the home was followed by many contributions throughout the years, eventually totaling more than $45,000. The library began with a collection of 5,000 volumes at the 1949 dedication. With steady growth it was soon in need of an addition, which was constructed in 1958. The new addition, while allowing more room for books, also included a lower level social hall, which would eventually become the children’s department. The library continued growing and again was in need of expansion, which was undertaken in 1992 and again in 2003. The farmhouse, first built in 1879, received a complete renovation and an addition that doubled the library’s floor space.
Our Mission: to serve educational, cultural & social needs of our communities by providing access to materials, information technology and services.
Throughout the years the library received national attention for its diverse services and cutting edge collection that features items not usually found in other libraries. The library was an early adopter of both computer and video services years before they became mainstream in public libraries. Continuing that leading edge collection and service philosophy, the library has recently added e-readers, tablets, an automotive diagnostics device and an air quality tester. The library continues to have strong community support and strong leadership that have allowed it to grow and become an integral part of the community.
The vision of the Canal Fulton Public Library is rooted in our unique past, while being focused on the ever changing needs of the communities we serve.
Throughout the Years
2020's
2010's
2000's
Expansion Project:
- Expand
2003, June 20 - Prepping to demolish house at 219 High St to allow library expansion.
2003 - NW Side of library, with foundation wall of expansion visible.
2003, October 1 - Framing of addition up.
2003, October 14 - Corner showing new yellow and old white paint.
2003, October 14 - Distance showing yellow and white paints.
2003, October 14 - Yellow primer on N side.
2003, October 13 - Front view.
2003, October 14 - View from Walnut St W.
2004, May 20 - Installing the new Market St entrance doors.
2004, May 27 - Repairing roof of Sullivan House before new paintjob.
2004, May 27 - View of roofers from parking lot.
2004, May 27 - View of roofers working on the Sullivan House from Walnut St.
2004, June 10 - New metal roof for Sullivan House.
2004, September 28 - Painting the Sullivan House.
2004, September 28 - Finishing up painting on the Sullivan House.
Library Pictures:
- Expand
2004, May 4 - Circulation desk facing Backdoor.
2004, May 4 - Circulation area facing Backdoor.
2004, May 4 - Circulation area facing High St.
2004, May 4 - Facing circulation desk.
2004, May 4 - Facing circulation desk.
2004, May 4 - Reference & public computers.
2004, May 4 - View of sitting area by backdoor.
1990's
- Expand
1990, September - Circulation Desk.
1994, March - View of library from corner of High St & Market St.
1995 - View of library from corner of High St & Market St
1993 - View from Reference looking towards Circulation.
1993 - View from Reference looking towards Circulation.
1993 - View of Reference desk and Non-fiction stacks.
1994, March - View of library from corner of High St & Market St.
1992, December - View of library from Market St.
1991, February - Children's area.
View of library from Market St.
1980's
Board Members:
- Expand
1986 - Board members Frank Crawford & Rita Finefrock.
1986 - Board Members Garton, Benson, & Knight.
1986 - Board members George Garton & Ruth Fellmeth.
1986 - Board members George Kilbride & Rita Finefrock 1986.
Library Pictures:
- Expand
1987, May - View of library from Walnut St NW.
1987, May - View of library's NW side.
1987, May - View of library from High St.
1970's
- Expand
1972 - View of library and picture of staff.
1960's
- Expand
View of library from corner of High St. & Market St.
1950's
- Expand
1949-1953 Circulation Desk
1951, April 1 - Front of Library
1940's
A library is born:
- Expand
1949 - Excerpt from the school's yearbook thanking Mr. & Mrs. George Mulhauser for donating the Sullivan house in order to turn it into a public library.
As the Sullivan House
- Expand
Undated - Photograph of the Sullivan House.
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