Local News

The first McGregor Public Library was located in the community rooms of the Masonic Building. In 1938, it moved to the former Cooper Shop/Town Laundry building (pictured here) on Second Street, which was remodeled by the WPA.

According to Michelle Pettit, who’s been director since November 1999, McGregor has only had 14 librarians in the last 80 years. “Four of us were here 20 years or more, and there were others at 15 years,” she said. “We’re not great in number, but I think everybody cared about the library who’s worked here.” Librarians, such as Charlotte Franz pictured here, can leave a lasting impact. “I remember she loved kids. You just felt special, like she noticed you and took the time to talk with you," said Pettit, who grew up with Franz as her childhood librarian. "It’s like a legacy, and we hope we can keep living up to it.”

Although the McGregor Public Library has undergone some cosmetic changes in the following decades, most notably new carpeting, sheet rock walls and a circulation desk remodel in 2003 and the addition of an historical timeline mural in 2006, director Michelle Pettit said the furniture and shelving is largely original to the building.

“There are not many other things you can think of that serve people from toddler through the rest of their lives,” reflected McGregor Public Library Director Michelle Pettit. “Once you come to the library, it never really leaves you—there will always be fond memories.” The library's summer reading carnival (shown here) is always a memorable time for local kids.