The Deerfield Library was the brain child of the citizens of the Deerfield, who felt that the one thing their town was missing was a library. Shelving in the local drug store was offered to house the books, but this was not appealing to the Village of Deerfield.
The Better Homes Club later held a meeting and decided to form a literary club; they also vowed to do whatever they could to get a proper library up and running. The ladies on the board (Maud Crist, Dora Clafin and Elsie Busey) attended both village and township meetings to propose the need for a library. It took a bit of time, but eventually the township agreed to pay rent, fuel and lights. The Village board donated $25.00 for shelving. Any other small expenditure that came with operating a library would be funded through the Literary Club.
The shelving for the library was made completely from donated materials and volunteered time. Other furnishings from the library came from the citizens of the village, who were beyond excited that a proper library was well on its way.
The Deerfield Library officially opened October 8th, 1938. The Literary Club served tea during the opening, and 19 readers registered that day. In 1941 the numbered of registered borrowers had grown to 457.
Though the collection was small upon its opening (a total of 991 items; many donated materials), by 1941 the amount of items available reached past 5,700.
The current building was opened in 1972. The land was donated and the Boy Scouts helped to move books and furnishings to the new location.
Librarians at the Deerfield library have been Regina Holubik, Marjorie Crunkilton, Doris Long, Junealee Duval, Marie Thompson & Rose Piotter. The current librarian is Rebecca Bizonet.
The citizens of Deerfield have continued to flock to the library. They participate yearly in the Summer Reading Program. The library has other programs throughout the year such the Wonder Worker monthly book club, computer classes hosted by the Lenawee District Library, and treats every Wednesday after school.
The Deerfield Library is currently open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
