In 1985 when it became increasingly important to find more space, the library board and other interested persons investigated the possibility of converting one of the existing, empty buildings into a library. Consequently, the Detox Center (originally Sacred Heart Convent) was purchased with accumulated funds.
Don & John Stenzel, Steve McClune, Roger FitzHenry, John Hay, Juhl Hartberg and Gene Pelzel were volunteers who did the structural remodeling. Many others helped with sanding, painting, staining and cleaning. The move to the new building was made in late November.
On December 14, 1985, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held, followed by an Open House. The community was introduced to its newest public facility, a Library to be proud of and to be used to their best advantage for many years to come. The Heron Lake Public Library is still located in this building. Sunny Osland is the present librarian.
(The following history is taken from the "1883-1983 Heron Lake 100 Years of Good Living book. - Consultation and Composition by Gary Richter.)
Earlier History: In 1920, Heron Lake had access to the Minnesota Free Traveling Library, with books being available every Saturday afternoon. Veetrice Graybill was in charge. In 1937 a cooperative, circulatory library was formed by 23 local women and books housed at the Heron Lake News office. The only requirement for membership was the purchase of a book that could be circulated throughout the membership. This membership reached 54 by 1940 with 57 books available for use.
In June of 1976, twenty women and one man met with the County Commissioners and Mrs. Virgene Anderson Director of the Plum Creek Library System, to as for consideration for library service. No action was taken at that time.
On the advice of Commissioner Haberman to Mrs. Joe Haberman a petition with at least 200 signatures might be of help to the commissioners, over 400 signatures were secured. On July 17, 1976, Mrs. Robert Lloyd, Mrs. Don Steen and Mrs. Warren Sontag along with representatives from Lakefield and Jackson and Mrs. Anderson again met with the commissioners. Mrs. Sontag was spokesperson with a plea for library service.
This time the commissioners said yes. Members of the Commissioner Board were: Milford Gents, chairman and Walter Olson, Henry Haberman, Floyd Flatgaard and Alfred Tusa.
Heron Lake supporters felt it would be advantageous to have a library in Heron Lake, so efforts were made to secure a site and with the support of the Village Council, the former Benson elevator office building was bought from Loren Carlson for $2,500.00.
October 1976 to April 1977 was spent by board members and other interested people in painting, cleaning, insulating, carpeting, and getting shelves ready.
Mrs. Anderson of the Plum Creek System was instrumental in getting old books that were still quite useful through the Office of Public Libraries and Inter-Library Cooperation from the St. Paul Library. Members of the board along with Ken Bickner, Jerry Hullerman and Neil Sontag made three trips to St. Paul for books and "Books on Exhibit" material was purchased with establishment grant money.
Memorials, donations of money, time and equipment began to come in and the library was able to open for issuing library cards in March of 1977. The official opening was held with an Open House on June 12, 1978.
The members of the first board were: Mrs. Warren Sontag, chairman; Mrs. William Bickner, vice-chairman; Perry Graybill, treasurer; Mrs. Joe Haberman, Pastor Don Reisig, Joye Lloyd, Dick Orcutt, Delphine Sullivan and Mrs. Ron Kenyon. Laura Steen was the first librarian.
