Approximately 20 percent of the funds raised by the Coldwater Community Picnic each year are directed to the Coldwater Public Library for permanent improvements. However, the library has received larger shares some years when, for example, extensive renovations were needed. The percentage has also been smaller some years or even nixed, such as in 2020 when COVID-19 canceled much of the picnic, and proceeds were minimal.

The permanent improvement funds from the picnic have been used through the years for a variety of items and projects to benefit the library. Examples are renovations, computers and monitors, desks, phone and fax systems, tables and chairs, workstations, outdoor signage, copiers, software and maintenance contracts, furnace and air conditioning units, a handicap door opener, bike rack, outdoor bench and flooring.

The Coldwater Public Library opened its doors for the first time June 17, 1936, in an upstairs room of city hall.

The idea for a library began months earlier in a discussion involving then Mayor Arnold Schoch, Coldwater Chronicle Editor Mr. Goode, and several other interested citizens. The group decided that a library would be a vital part of the educational and recreational reading of Coldwater residents. Soon after, Schoch and town council members met with the state librarian and decided a municipal library would be established.

The mayor appointed the first library board members: Joseph McDevitt, Forest Ensign, Cyril Schindler, Mrs. R. J. Dreffer, Mrs. Carl Hess and Mrs. Oscar Moore. They chose the name “Coldwater Public Library.” Miss Rita Schmit was appointed as the first librarian and she served until 1939.

One of the first tasks was to obtain books. The Coldwater Chronicle, along with the fire chief and firefighters, collected donated books from area residents. About 500 mostly donated books filled the library shelves on opening day. Nineteen of those were checked out before closing time.

In 1938, the library moved to a donated room in the initial town hall, formerly the site of Werling’s Garage. Eventually, the library was given two more rooms in the town hall where it remained for 20 years.

On April 22, 1949, a plan was established for a perpetual book fund to accept money and books. At the time, the library was short on funds and children’s books. Records show 2,053 “library subscribers” that year.

Bond issues to build a new library building were defeated in 1956 and 1958. Soon after, a bond issue for $15,000 was passed by voters to remodel the gymnasium at city hall to house the expanding library. Renovations were completed and by April 1962 the library moved to its present location along West Main Street.

An expansion and renovation project was completed in 1997, which doubled the size of the library.

In 2022, library workers served 12, 351 library card holders.

As of 2023, the library offers an online digital catalog, Libby/Overdrive eBooks, audiobooks and magazines, various children’s programs and weekly storytimes, numerous educational and recreational adult programs, fax service, lamination and copier services, mobile hotspots, free Wi-Fi, 10 Internet computers for public use, children’s educational/literacy computers, children’s and adult puzzles, Wonderbooks (audio/read aloud books) and individual tech services.

Library directors:

1936-1939: Rita Schmit

1939-1969: Mildred Sutter

1969-1997: Patricia DeBrosse

1997-2006: Carol Forsthoefel

2006-2014: Carol Evers

2014 to 2024: Jane Bruggeman

2024 to present: Carolyn Stough

Written by Shelley Grieshop