Our Mission

The Mission of the Washburn Public Library is to provide the residents of the city of Washburn and the surrounding community with quality books, media and programs that serve their informational, educational and recreational needs.

Residents and visitors to our beautiful library are invited to relax and read in one of our many comfy chairs.

Get a library card and then take your time selecting items to take home to read, listen to or view.

And More

Research your favorite subject at our computerized catalog—or ask our staff for help—and spread out your finds at one of our tables.

Use one of our public access computers—or bring your own device and jump on our WiFi. Get access to our online resources and use materials from shared regional, state, national and world-wide collections.

Take part in one of the many programs and events our library sponsors for your enjoyment! Or reserve one of our meeting rooms for your group.

Handicap Accessible

Our library is handicap accessible. Use the entrance on the 3rd Street side of the building. There is a lift (not an elevator) at the side entrance, and there are handicap accessible bathrooms in the basement.

Call the library phone before you enter the building if you need assistance with the lift, or if you would like materials brought out to your car—our staff is happy to help!

History

The Washburn Public Library is a Carnegie Library. The library, built in 1904, was the first permanent home for Washburn's library program. Founded in 1885, the library previously was housed in the first City Hall, which was located at the corner of First Avenue East and Bayfield Street.

Architect Henry Wildhagen designed the building in the Neoclassical style. The  front entrance is located in a portico with Ionic columns. Three windows with a joined sill are located on each side of the entrance, and chimneys on either end add to the building's symmetrical appearance. The building was built with local brownstone. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 1, 1984.

Darrell Pendergräss

Director

Caroline
Nelson

Library Assistant

Amy Jo Barker

Library Assistant

Meg Krause

Library Assistant

Sophia Kokko

Circulation Assistant

Margo Smith

Treasurer

School Representative

John Hopkins

City Council Liaison

Elsa Brown

Trustee, Secretary

Diane Posner

President, Trustee

Les Alldritt

Vice President, trustee