The Dunedin Public Library: 130 Years of Community and Learning
Published on April 01, 2025
This April, the Dunedin Public Library celebrates its 130th anniversary, marking well over a century of service to the community. Through its wide range of programs, the library serves as a cornerstone for learning and enrichment for residents of all ages.
The library was established in 1895, thanks to the generosity of the Bouton brothers, industrialists from Chicago who settled in Dunedin. Nathaniel Bouton owned Dunedin’s public meeting hall, located in what is now Edgewater Park. After he transferred the property to the Dunedin Library Association, his brother, Christopher Bouton, donated 200 books from his private collection, officially forming a public library and free reading room.
The library grew steadily over the decades, changing locations several times before moving to its current home on Douglas Avenue in 1996. This move was made possible by a generous donation from the estate of retired attorney Franklin Chase Milliken, along with funds raised by the Dunedin Friends of the Library and the Dunedin Public Library Foundation.
Today, the library continues its legacy of learning by offering more than just books. Visitors enjoy access to audio and e-books, music and movie selections, children’s games, and more. The Dunedin Public Library's journey is a testament to the enduring support from the community, the Dunedin Friends of the Library, and the Dunedin Public Library Foundation.
Anniversary Events to Remember
To celebrate this milestone, the library has planned a series of engaging programs and events throughout April:
- 130th Anniversary Gala: An evening honoring the library's rich history and its contributions to the community. The event will take place on April 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
- Open House Celebration: A day of festivities inviting the public to explore the library's offerings and recent developments. The event will take place on April 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
- An Evening with Author John Searles: A special evening featuring the acclaimed author discussing his latest novel. The event will take place on April 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
- Local Author Showcase: An opportunity to meet with authors from the community. The event will take place on April 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
- Team Trivia - Library Anniversary Edition: A fun-filled evening of trivia, with topics ranging from history, literature, music, sports, television, and more. The event will take place Monday, April 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
- Documentary Screening - "Free for All: The Public Library": A viewing of the insightful documentary exploring the role of public libraries in society. The event will take place on April 29 from 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.
These events not only celebrate the library's rich past but also underscore its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, informed community now and into the future. For more details on the anniversary celebrations and the library's history, visit the Dunedin Public Library 130th Anniversary website.