Mission:
Irma Stein Memorial Library provides community members of all ages, interests, and circumstances, with materials and services to meet their educational, informational, and recreational needs. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating young children's interests and appreciation for reading and learning. We will also strive to provide timely, accurate, and useful information for community members.
History:
The Presque Isle Community Library (previously known as Irma Stein Memorial Library) "Has No Walls" .
Irma Stein, a library science graduate from Janesville, WI, took residence in Presque Isle with her husband, Cecil. She was the driving force behind the creation of the Presque Isle Free Library. Our first library was located in the office of the old school, on the site where the Heritage Building stands today. Irma stocked that old office with donated books and eventually moved into a school room after the school closed down. She continued to volunteer her time for 25 years receiving a pittance for a budget.
Pam Eschenbauch started volunteering at the library in 1979, as the Story Time Lady. In 1987 Irma had to retire to a senior facility, and lost her eyesight. Pam took correspondence courses, and became the new Librarian/Director in 1988. Library usage grew and the amount of books increased, and when the new Community Center was built, it included space for the library. We moved in the summer of 1994.
Growth has since continued at a tremendous pace, expansion was necessary and was completed in 2007, and today we are proud to be in this magnificent facility. Our space has more than doubled, and we put a basement under the new area.
