The Britton Public Library traces its origins to 1909, when it began as the Britton Study Club.
The Study Club was a group of local residents who wanted to provide access to books and learning resources. Members supported the initiative through special dues collected at each meeting, which helped fund the early reading room
In 1912, the Study Club proposed that the city collect taxes to cover the library’s upkeep. This idea gained traction, and in 1914, the city council agreed to a proposal from the Carnegie Library to build a permanent facility, with a $10,000 grant and a commitment from the city to support and maintain it forever
On February 1, 1921, the library moved into the new Carnegie Library building, where it remained for 81 year
In 2002, the city decided to relocate the library and a neighboring swimming pool to accommodate the school’s growth. The new site at 7th Street and 8th Avenue opened on October 13, 2002 and we remain in this building through today.
Services / Programming Provided:
- Storytime, Summer Reading, Adult Summer Reading, Crafts for all ages, Bingo, Building Buddies, Coffee Klatch, Book discussions
- 4 Adult public computers, 4 laptops with free WIFI, Microfilm reader and 2 Youth / Juvenile computers
- Faxes, copies, scans and emailing of forms available
- Community meeting room; Vibe Board available for Zoom meetings
- Adult Computer Classes
- Notary Service
- Seed Library (Seed Exchange Program); Cake pans available for checkout
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program
- B.A.R.D. (Braille and Audio Reading) machine available
- Libby and Librista apps
- Little Libraries at Fort Sisseton, Eden, Lake City, Roy Lake
- Inter-library loan, State Library access
- Provide books to Spruce Court
- Offer limited technical assistance with laptops, phone, tablets, etc.
- 1 SD State Park Pass available for checkout
- Protoring Services / Homework Help
- Master Gardner Class available in Spring
- Individual areas for Adults, Teens, Juveniles and Children
- Board games for use in library and on-going jigsaw puzzles
- Help with applying for passports, jobs, driver's licenses, etc.
- Coloring and Activity sheets available
- Used magazines and books for sale
- Have magazines for checkout. (Time, People, Midwest Living, Reader's Digest, SD Magazine, Saturday Evening Post, All Recipes, Country Living, and National Geographic)
- Provide the following newspapers: The Marshall County Journal & The Aberdeen Insider