The Crooked Tree District Library A Walloon Lake Treasure

Photo courtesy of Leanne Milliman

THE CROOKED TREE DISTRICT LIBRARY

A Walloon Lake Treasure

Tucked away on a quiet street in the Village of Walloon is a very special place just waiting to be discovered...

Officially named the Crooked Tree District Library (CTDL), but known more informally as the Walloon Library, this is a bright, airy spot filled with literary delights. Libraries all across the country, including Walloon's, are more important than ever, bringing patrons a myriad of both print and electronic resources while serving as a center of community life.

Founded by a group of dedicated lake and township residents in 1972, the Walloon Library traveled to various rented spaces around the Village before finding a permanent home in a beautiful new building at 2203 Walloon Street. This picturesque building was made possible by a donation of more than $400,000 from the foundation of the beloved philanthropist and lifelong Wallooner Mary Kent Peabody.

A fundraising campaign to raise an additional $250,000 for the endowment fund was spearheaded by the newly founded Friends of the Library, under presidents Sue Barr, Cindy Young and Bunny Marquardt. The extraordinary level of support that the Walloon library enjoys is indeed a heartwarming testament to the community's love of literacy. These combined efforts culminated in the opening of the new library in 2000.

The Friends continue to raise an impressive amount of money for the library, notes current president Martha Coscina, mainly through the annual Library Lovers' Dinner at Walloon Lake Country Club, scheduled this year for August 30. They also sell many Walloon-themed items, such as the Walloon, Walloon, Walloon art print, wooden puzzles of lake scenes, tiles and notecards. Also still for sale is Walloon Yesterdays, the quintessential Walloon history book written by the Friends' own Cynny Hermann and Mary Erb.

The library offers a plethora of services according to director Leanne Milliman, in addition to loaning books. "We have computers and printers available as well as free WiFi and offer many digital resources. We also do puzzle exchanges, used book sales and host Michigan Notable Authors." Mahjong players, a knitting group and the Walloon book club also meet at the library.

Do you have children or grandchildren staying in your cottage this summer? The library's inviting corner for children, with its charming mural by local artist Martina Hahn, is the ideal place for them! Children can participate in the summer reading program and find a variety of resources to keep them amused throughout their time at Walloon.

Although anyone can visit the Walloon Library, you do need a library card if you wish to check out materials. Wallooners who live in Melrose Township should obtain their card at the Walloon Library. If you live in other areas of the lake and have a card from either the Petoskey or Boyne City Library you may also check out items at Walloon.

Not sure how to find the Walloon Library? Simply go to North Shore Drive, turn on Bullock Street, then turn right on Walloon Street and you will immediately see the library. "We really want people to know that we are here for them!" smiles Leanne.

The bright, sunny children’s corner, and the cozy fireplace nook are some of the inviting areas inside the Walloon Library. The library is open Monday through Thursday and on Saturday.