Canal Fulton Memory Project:About
About the Canal Fulton Memory Project:
The Canal Fulton Memory Project is an effort to document the history of Canal Fulton, Ohio in an easily accessible way for all. The City of Canal Fulton has a deep-rooted past with the Ohio & Erie Canal. Since the pioneers first settled what was to become Canal Fulton, the inhabitants have always been closely tied to the Tuscarawas River and the Ohio and Erie Canal. That heritage still holds its relevance today, as Canal Fulton has become a popular recreational area due to the horse-drawn St. Helena III canal boat and the old towpath, which has become a popular cycling and walking path.
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.
This website is brought to you by the Canal Fulton Public Library. Those interested in viewing the original material featured on this website can reach out to the Canal Public Library using the following contact methods:
- Telephone: 330-854-4148
- Email: info@canalfultonlibrary.org
Any inquiries involving this website specifically should be directed towards the Library's Technology Manager, Peter Klein at peter@canalfultonlibrary.org.
